From all of us at NCPSG, have a great Thanksgiving! #gratitude #helpingeachotherheal

Self-care has been a growing theme throughout the year for NCPSG. In recent meetings, a common question is: “okay, and how has this week gone for your own personal self-care”? Why all this focus on self-care? Because Self-care is an important component of recovery–for both the loved one AND family members and friends. Many parents feel like they’ve signed have

Late last month, Jacqueline, Mary and I virtually met with Lisa Arnold, Clinical Director of the Collegiate Recovery Program (CRP) at Fairfield University. I consider Lisa one of NCPSG’s key partners, because of her enthusiasm for recovery in general and collegiate recovery in particular. It was great to get an update, as it had been 2 and a half years

Earlier this week, I had a great virtual visit with Sandy Valentine, Leader of UConn’s collegiate recovery program which they call URC (UConn Recovery Community). Our Social Media Intern Mary and parent Jacqueline joined me. We “met” at the Cordial Storrs House, a centuries-old building dedicated to all things student recovery. The goal of URC, as Sandy described it, is

At one of our recent parent support meetings, Wayne mentioned that he found Brené Brown’s new book Atlas of the Heart powerful. In it, Brené covers ALL the emotions & experiences that can help us connect with others. Just last month, HBO Max launched the 5-episode docuseries, which is also lauded by Wayne. Go here for more info: https://decider.com/2022/03/31/brene-brown-atlas-of-the-heart-hbo-max-review/.

A visit to the student recovery house at Sacred Heart University reminded us of the opportunities now available for young adults to start/finish college in recovery. James Cafran, SHU’s Collegiate Recovery Program Coordinator, gave our Intern Mary Kowal-Foley and me a house tour. James then described the background into SHU’s foray in collegiate recovery. First, there were already collegiate recovery

Mary Kowal-Foley, a senior at Sacred Heart University majoring in Sociology, has joined our team as our 2022 Social Media Intern. This is a great opportunity for a “win-win” outcome. NCPSG will benefit with increased publicity and effectiveness of our communications,, and Mary gets hands-on training in all aspects of our digital tools and strategies. She will be responsible for

In recent weeks, a group of volunteer advisors have brainstormed and collaborated to help us increase our impact in the community. While our dual mission of parent support and community education remains the same, our goal is to increase the quality of everything we do. Thus, we have looked at increasing our impact in all our areas: 1) parent support

On September 23rd, 7pm at our next in-person parent support meeting, I’m excited that we have booked Tim Walsh of Adventure Recovery to return for a Fire Ceremony. Josh Flaherty will most likely join Tim, and here’s how Josh once described the ceremony: “I place a small piece of wood in the fire and I offer up, speaking aloud, my

I’m grateful to the CT Post for publishing an op-ed I wrote on public health safeguards for marijuana legalization. I have sent to politicians in Hartford, and can only hope they read it! 3 PUBLIC HEALTH STEPS NEEDED TO LEGALIZE ADULT-USE CANNABIS On July 15, 2015, my world was changed forever.  My beloved son Evan went to heaven.  He died