NACoA & The Hanley Foundation:

Partnering to Support Children Impacted by the Disease of Addiction

We are proud to highlight a recent interview featuring Dr. John Dyben, Chief Clinical Officer at the Hanley Foundation, who spoke with WPBF about the innovative, no cost program his team operates in partnership with NACoA.

View the interview here>>

About the Program

Each month, the Hanley Foundation hosts a three day (Friday through Sunday) children’s retreat for ages 7–12, specifically designed for kids who have been impacted by a parent or family member’s alcohol or substance use. 
Within a compassionate, age appropriate setting, participants are invited to:

• Have fun, connect with peers facing similar circumstances
• Learn what addiction/substance use is (and isn’t) in a developmentally appropriate way
• Understand that they are not to blame for someone else’s illness
• Acquire healthy coping strategies and tools to navigate the emotional challenges they may face

Free & Accessible to All

One of the program’s most remarkable features is that it’s fully funded—there is no cost to families. No prerequisites or affiliation with Hanley’s clinical services are required. Anyone interested simply needs to register via the Hanley Foundation’s website.

Expanding Through Partnership & Community Reach

In addition to the core three day event, Hanley is collaborating with Palm Beach State College and the KOP Mentoring Network to bring the program into communities in more accessible formats. As part of this expansion, students at Palm Beach State are being trained to intern with the program—helping to deliver smaller, bite sized workshops locally.

NACoA’s Pride & Commitment

NACoA is deeply honored to be a partner in this critical initiative. We believe every child deserves the chance to heal, to be understood, and to grow in a safe space. The Hanley Foundation’s leadership, vision, and generosity make this possible—and we’re proud to stand alongside them.

To learn more or share the program with someone who may benefit, please visit the Hanley Foundation’s website. Dr. Dyben reminded viewers, “This program is completely free … it gives kids the opportunity to be a kid, learn … and know it’s not their fault.”

Learn more about how NACoA can do the same for your treatment center>>

56th Annual National Tribal Judicial and Court Personnel Conference

NACoA recently attended the 56th Annual National Tribal Judicial and Court Personnel Conference, hosted by the National American Indian Court Judges Association (NAICJA) in Phoenix, Arizona. The event brought together judges, court staff, and professionals from across Indian Country to share knowledge, experiences, and a strong commitment to strengthening tribal justice and healing systems. NACoA was proud to host a booth, share information about our training, programs, and resources, attend sessions led by prominent speakers, and connect with passionate individuals. It was a meaningful chance to meet new people, see familiar faces, and build relationships rooted in respect, collaboration, and shared purpose.

The conference reinforced NACoA’s commitment to continuing and strengthening training, technical assistance, and evidence-based programs that help tribal communities heal from addiction and trauma. The conversations and connections made in Phoenix will directly support NACoA’s efforts to advance this work -- promoting hope, healing, and resilience across Indian Country.

If you are a tribal professional, agency, or community seeking training, technical assistance, or guidance on implementing programs to support children and families impacted by addiction, find resources specifically designed for tribal communities here>>
 

NACoA is here to help. Contact NACoA to learn how we can support your efforts or arrange a training.

Featured in the image above:

Chief Judge Patricia Lenzi is an enrolled member of the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe, a member of the Wolf Clan. She serves as Chief Judge of the St. Regis Mohawk Appeals Court and a Justice of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Supreme Court. Judge Lenzi is the Chief Judge of the Cedarville Rancheria Tribal Court, and a Conflicts Judge for the Winnemucca Indian Colony and the Yerington Paiute Tribe.

The Honorable Kathleen Quigley is the President for the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ). She also serves as Judge of the Pima County Superior Court, which is one of the nation’s Mentor Child Abuse and Neglect Model Courts, recognized for its efforts to improve outcomes for abused and neglected children, juvenile offenders, and their families.

Stacee Read, BA, MSW, LSW, is the Director of Innovation and Tribal Liaison for the National Association for Children of Addiction (NACoA). She provides training and technical assistance, develops resources and programs, and cultivates meaningful relationships with tribal communities. With over 15 years of experience, she brings deep expertise, understanding, and a strong passion for supporting Tribal communities across the nation.

Chief Judge Richard Blake, a proud member of the Hoopa Valley Tribe, has served as Chief Judge for his Tribe for the past 22 years. In addition, he serves as Chief Judge for the Redding Rancheria, Judge for the Tolowa Dee-ni Nation Juvenile Healing to Wellness Court, and Appellate Justice for the Cow Creek Tribe. He is also the founder of the Northern California Tribal Court Coalition.

NACoA Board Members

NACoA Welcomes Larry Rancilio and Michael Walsh to its Board of Directors

NACoA continues to grow! Our board attracts caring adults with the expertise, experience, and industry network to increase our ability to live our mission and eliminate the adverse impact of alcohol and substance use on children and families. We are grateful for their passion and commitment to these children, and to NACoA. Welcome! Visit our website to learn more about the NACoA Team.

Board Member Karen Carpenter Receives 2025 Albany Regional Chamber's Nonprofit

Business Award for Nonprofit Executive Leadership

Karen Carpenter,  President and CEO at Vanderheyden, has been a long-time supporter for NACoA and its mission. The Albany Regional Chamber's Nonprofit Business Awards recognizes the contribution of nonprofit organizations as a vital economic force in the Capital Region, one that has a tremendous impact on the quality of life for all residents.  We are grateful for her passion and commitment to helping improve the lives of children and families affected by substance use disorders.

NACoA Presents to Rotary Club of Potomac-Bethesda

NACoA’s Director of Programs Mary Beth Collins was invited by the Rotary Club of Potomac-Bethesda as guest speaker for the October 23rd meeting held at the Bretton Woods Recreation Center in Germantown MD. We are so grateful for their hospitality, enthusiasm, and concern for the welfare of children impacted by parental addiction.

Upcoming Events

New Program Updates and Discussion Sessions

Thursday, December 11^th – 10 am & 4 pm ET

These 30-minute sessions are designed for sites providing Celebrating Families! to network and meet with NACoA leadership. There will be opportunities to learn about program updates and participate in supportive discussions to troubleshoot concerns. Success stories are also welcome! We look forward to having you join us! These sessions are intended for organizations/agencies already providing Celebrating Families!
To Register>>

Online Group Leader Training – January 2026

Schedule:

Tuesday, January 27: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm ET, includes a break 1:30 – 2:30 pm ET

Wednesday, January 28: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm ET, includes a break 1:30 – 2:30 pm ET

Thursday, January 29: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm ET

Are you welcoming new facilitators to your Celebrating Families! program? Looking to grow your team as more families engage in your services? Or are you preparing to relaunch your program after a pause during the pandemic? This training is designed for you!

This is a unique opportunity for organizations to strengthen their teams by enrolling individual facilitators—no need to contract an entire training. Participants will join a national cohort in an engaging, online training experience.

CEUs through NAADAC will be awarded upon completion.

Cost per person: $875. Price does not include curriculum, which will be needed throughout the training.

Learn More and Register>>

Contact Director of Programs Mary Beth Collins with any questions.

Location: Henry Ford Maplegrove Center; 6773 West Maple Road; West Bloomfield Township, MI 48322

Tuition: $60 for the first 60 registrants; $75 until capacity is reached

Proceeds will benefit National Association for Children of Addiction

This Michigan professional development event brings together clinicians, educators & behavioral health experts for an interactive, insightful day..

For more information and to register>>

Reducing Youth Justice System Involvement Through Smarter Solutions

On the Rise: A National Youth Deflection Initiative will host a full-day workshop on youth deflection on Tuesday, December 2 in conjunction with the 2025 PTACC Summit in New Orleans. The workshop will highlight the fundamentals of youth deflection and its benefits to law enforcement, youth, and the community at large. National experts also will provide an overview of the cost savings and effectiveness of these programs.

Topics include:

• Rationale for and Effectiveness of Juvenile Pre-arrest Deflection
• Fundamentals: Understanding, Implementing, and Enhancing Youth Pre-arrest Deflection Programs
• Implementation: Youth Pre-arrest Models & Approaches
• Understanding the Need for and Impact of a Comprehensive Risk/Needs Assessment
• Holding Youth Accountable Utilizing Restorative Justice Principles
• Linking Youth to Mental Health, Substance Use Disorder, and other Service Needs
• Results: What Research Shows about the Effectiveness of Juvenile Pre-arrest Deflection

Learn More>>
To Register>>

If you have questions contact PTACC Summit Chair, Peria Duncan Peria.

Halloween Affirmations

Seasonal affirmations are important for children of all ages. The impact of the disease of addiction can be spooky.

Affirmations are a wonderful way to remind the kid in all of us that we are unique, we are worthy, and we can be healthy.

Boo-lieve in yourself, and good things will come.