robert ackerman

NACoA and NAADAC Launch New Certificate Program:
Spiritual Caregiving to Help Addicted Persons and Families

Rockville, MD.-The National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACoA) and NAADAC, The Association for Addiction Professionals, announce a new joint effort, the Certificate in Spiritual Caregiving to Help Addicted Persons and Families. This Certificate program offers information and strategies that will help faith leaders provide effective and appropriate support for individuals who are suffering from alcohol and drug dependence and for the children and families impacted by a family member’s addiction. As respected leaders, trusted religious advisors, and spiritual guides, clergy are often approached by individuals and family members seeking help, support, and guidance in dealing with the pain and confusion caused by addiction. Yet most faith leaders do not have an adequate understanding to support the promise of recovery.
See the press release

Emerald Yeh Receives Margaret Cork Award
NACoA honored Emerald Yeh for her film Lost Childhood: Growing Up in an Alcoholic Home at a party hosted by Julie and Peter Cummings, Kathy Lowe Petersen, and Dennis Wholey in Washington, DC at the Washington Club in September. The television documentary was first aired on NBC's KRON and is currently being carried on PBS stations across the country, as part of a public awareness campaign Yeh spearheaded.

The party, attended by notables interested in helping children of alcoholics, featured Jerry Moe, the National Director of the Betty Ford Center Children’s Programs, as speaker, following remarks by Ms. Yeh and Mr. Wholey, author of The Courage to Change and well known for his weekly television program This Is America!

The Margaret Cork Award was created to honor pioneers in the field of children of alcoholics, and Emerald Yeh, a nine times Emmy award winner, was presented the award under the category “Public Relations or Media which highlights programs for and about problems of COAs.”

SAMHSA's Children's Program Kit is now avialable at the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (1-800-729-6686). The kit is free and provides all th etools you will need to start a program of educational support groups for children who have addicted parents. It can be used with school-age children and youth in treatment centers, in school-based student assistance programs, in faith-based youth service programs, and in camp settings. To learn more or to order...

Families and Communities Together Booklets: Boost your school or community's prevention efforts and increase awareness about teen alcohol, drug, and tobacco use with our new Families and Communities Together booklets for teens, pre-teens, and their parents. Order your guide today!

2005-2006 Run for the Children® Marathon Schedule: Run or walk with us in five fabulous events. Find out how....

Native American Children's Program Kit: This free kit to help provide educational support for Native American children of alcoholics is now available through SAMSHA's National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information. Call 1-800-729-6686 and ask for NCPKIT.

COA Community Action Guide Now Available: Promote your family recovery efforts with this great resource! Get the Guide...

NACoA Comment: See the latest article in NACoA NETWORK's "Comment" section.

Newly Revised Kit for Early Childhood Professionals: NACoA announces the availability of a newly revised kit for those caregivers who spend so many hours with young children. The kit is a guide to the core knowledge, attitudes and skills needed to address the needs of children living in families affected by alcoholism and other drug addiction. Order yours today.

Visit the Web Site of Campaign to Keep Children Alcohol Free:
NACoA continues to be an active participant in "Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free," a nationwide coalition of more than 30 state governors' spouses, federal agencies, and public and private organizations working to prevent the use of alcohol by children ages 9 to 15.