Be a Part of the Conversation

12/02/2025

Please consider a gift today to help keep the conversation growing!

https://conversation.zone/donate/

12/01/2025

Anyone emotionally invested in a person with a Substance Use Disorder (addiction) is at risk of experiencing trauma. Parents, in particular, may have lost sight of their own wellbeing in an effort to coax or manage the recovery of their child. The stress of seeing someone you love live with the pain of addiction can be devastating. Emotions including grief, rage, depression, shame and fear can take their toll on family members’ health and relationships.

This program will explore opportunities for family members to heal, embrace healthy changes, and sustain recovery for themselves.

Led by Ayla Fleming, LCSW, LCADC, EMDR-Trained, Bowen Family Systems Certified Coach, this session will also include testimony from a family member with lived experience.

Register for this FREE, online presentation ▶ https://conversation.zone/event/healing/

Offered in partnership with County Drug & Alcohol Commission, Inc. and Chester County Government Drug & Alcohol Services.

11/26/2025

"When I became a parent, like so many, all I wanted was for my family to be happy and healthy. This wish was never more amplified than during the holidays..."

Co-founder & Executive Director Kim Porter wrote a heartfelt piece about letting go of expectations over the holidays, and the importance of connecting with others who understand our experiences.

If you could use a lift, a reminder of how to stay centered, or are struggling with a loved one's substance use disorder this holiday season, we hope reading this gives you a sense of hope and community: https://conversation.zone/2025/11/25/family-recovery-shifting-expectations/

You are always welcome at Be a Part of the Conversation. We offer free Parent Partnership meetings, Sibling Partnership meetings, and Family Recovery Courses year round.

"...It is my greatest wish that more parents and guardians seek out and embrace our growing community of families with shared experiences. Once we find one another our shame dissipates, our support systems grow, and we begin to heal. We even find laughter and joy, and maybe some new holiday experiences."

When I became a parent, like so many, all I wanted was for my family to be happy and healthy. This wish was never more amplified than during the holidays. In spite of being a secular family, our traditions were sacred. They felt like a warm blanket that assured me all was well,

11/26/2025

"When I became a parent, like so many, all I wanted was for my family to be happy and healthy. This wish was never more amplified than during the holidays..."

Co-founder & Executive Director Kim Porter wrote a heartfelt piece about letting go of expectations over the holidays, and the importance of connecting with others who understand our experiences: https://conversation.zone/2025/11/25/family-recovery-shifting-expectations/

If you could use a lift, a reminder of how to stay centered, or are struggling with a loved one's substance use disorder this holiday season, we hope reading this gives you a sense of hope and community.

You are always welcome at Be a Part of the Conversation. We offer free Parent Partnership meetings, Sibling Partnership meetings, and Family Recovery Courses year round.

"...It is my greatest wish that more parents and guardians seek out and embrace our growing community of families with shared experiences. Once we find one another our shame dissipates, our support systems grow, and we begin to heal. We even find laughter and joy, and maybe some new holiday experiences."

When I became a parent, like so many, all I wanted was for my family to be happy and healthy. This wish was never more amplified than during the holidays. In spite of being a secular family, our traditions were sacred. They felt like a warm blanket that assured me all was well,

11/25/2025

Today and every day, we’re grateful for the incredible people who make our work possible.

To our supporters, volunteers, families, presenters, and partners, thank you for being part of the Conversation.

You help create hope, connection, and understanding in our communities.

Wishing you a warm and peaceful Thanksgiving. 🧡

11/25/2025

The holidays can be a challenging time for many families, especially when substance use, recovery, or mental health are part of the conversation. Our recent program on Navigating the Holiday Season offered practical tools to help maintain connection, boundaries, and self-care during this busy time of year.

Watch the full presentation here:

https://youtu.be/T_N6wIAd5mo?si=Tmvh1dM7o6xCc4_G

11/24/2025

The holiday season can be a joyful time, yet families impacted by addiction often struggle wtih dashed expectations, making excuses and a minefield of drinking and other triggers.

Watch our full video, recorded in 2023, where Family Therapist, Rick Shugart, and a family member share some helpful insights on how to manage your own holiday expectations.

Full video ▶ https://youtu.be/T_N6wIAd5mo

11/21/2025

The Be a Part of the Conversation blog is where we share personal stories, often from parents of those who have struggled with substance use disorder.

We’re so grateful to Donna Jacobsen, one of our Parent Partnership Meeting Leaders, for submitting today’s piece. Read to hear Donna's journey navigating her daughter’s substance use disorder — from crisis and treatment to family recovery, healing, and hope — offering guidance and support for other families.

Read Donna's story here:

https://conversation.zone/2025/11/21/the-window-of-opportunity-one-familys-recovery/

Interested in sharing your story? Send a note to comms@conversation.zone with your piece. We welcome submissions, and are always open to publishing anonymously for those who want to express themselves while maintaining their anonymity.

11/20/2025

Kids are wired to try new things. Whether it's ni****ne, THC (cannabis), or "just" flavoring, the current trend, both nationally and locally, is va**ng. Along with other risky behaviors, this is something we need to have a conversation about, as parents and as a community that cares.

☑ We'll talk about ways we can help kids break away from cultural pressures.
☑ The teenage brain is built to take risks. We'll learn to encourage smart choices.
☑ Va**ng can involve flavored liquids, ni****ne, or THC (cannabis). We'll learn about the implications of each.
☑ We'll discuss the implications of medical ma*****na, and the potential for legalized adult use.

Register today for this FREE session at https://conversation.zone/event/colonial/

Offered in partnership with Colonial School District.

11/18/2025

Join us TONIGHT!

Pre- and early-adolescence is the ideal time for families to have important conversations about substance use, with special sensitivity toward age and experience.

Together we will have an engaging conversation about:

✅ The reality of when and how kids are introduced to substances.
✅ How to have a conversation about those who struggle with substance use.
✅ Understanding risk factors and protective factors.
✅ Empowering ourselves as parents

Register in advance for this important FREE program at https://conversation.zone/event/gvsd1/

Thanks to our community partner, Great Valley School District, for sponsoring this important conversation

11/14/2025

We are so excited to join Delaware Goes Purple and the Sussex County Health Coalition this evening in Dover, DE, to participate in a night of hope, healing, and health.

Look for our vendor table at the event to learn more about the programs and support we can offer to families who are experiencing substance use and addiction. We look forward to begin helping families in Delaware navigate these challenges!

Join us for an evening of inspiration, remembrance, and community action.

11/11/2025

Members of our Leadership team and staff spent the weekend together for an inspiring educational retreat. A huge thank you to our incredible presenters, Michael Blanche, Haydn Briggs, Linda Geraghty, and Joe Emick, for leading thought-provoking, energizing, and truly enjoyable workshops that sparked fresh ideas and powerful conversations.

We're returning recharged and ready to continue making a difference in our communities.💙💚