Be a Part of the Conversation

12/17/2025

The Reiner family is our family. In light of the tragedy that struck the Reiner family, my thoughts turn to the many parents I have been privileged to know who have felt the fear that accompanies mental health and substance use challenges. Parents who have seen their precious child become unrecognizable as their symptoms progress are left with fear and confusion. There are often unimaginable decisions to be made. Some must obtain a PFA (Protection From Abuse) when they’ve been threatened or harmed; some install deadbolts on their bedroom door, to protect valuables, or themselves; some have been forced to reach out to law enforcement to intervene when feeling unsafe. People who haven’t lived with these challenges simply can’t fathom why we might resort to these seemingly extreme actions. This unrelatability fuels the stigma associated with behaviors borne from mental illness and addiction.

I’m also thinking about the siblings who see alarming behaviors in their own family, the grandparents who see their grandchildren at the center of chaos and pain, and the spouses who no longer recognize their partner. And then they learn about the Reiners.

If you’ve had conversations about the disbelief that this could happen to Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, imagine how hard it is for a parent to wrap their head around their child cursing at them. Try to imagine changing the locks on your house so that your daughter can’t get in, and try to imagine explaining to your relatives during the holidays that your son is incarcerated. These disorders are confounding. So often when we don’t feel like we have a simple explanation for something, we make judgments or assumptions.

Please, please, please don’t judge these families. Instead, give them your sympathy, your compassion and your support. And on the subject of support, there is no one better equipped to support families going through these unthinkable realities than another family member who’s been right where they are. Please know that Parent Partnership meetings, Sibling Partnership meetings, and the Family Recovery Course take place every week and are always available at no charge. We can’t promise to heal your family, but we can walk alongside you toward recovery so that you can begin to heal yourself.

- Kim Porter, Executive Director, Be a Part of the Conversation.

Check our our family resources here: www.conversation.zone

12/15/2025

This past year, your support made so much possible, from 49 Community Events to a brand-new Sibling Partnership weekly meeting.

As we look ahead, we need your help to keep all of these programs free and accessible for every family who needs them.

Your end-of-year gift, whether as a donor, a member, or a Spring Brunch sponsor, helps us build communities grounded in compassion and awareness.

Keep the conversation going in 2026: https://conversation.zone/donate/

12/12/2025

Our latest personal story is live on the blog. Laura D'Uva is a Parent Partnership and Family Recovery Course support group leader. 𝐒𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐦, 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐅𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 is a note offering wisdom and encouragement to other parents or guardians who have a loved one grappling with substance use disorder.

"Hope and healing is possible for everyone impacted by substance use disorders. Just give the process some time to take root."

Read the full blog here: ▶https://conversation.zone/2025/12/12/family-recovery-sowing-seeds-of-recovery/

12/11/2025

Did you miss our program on Healing the Traumatized Family last night?

No worries, you can check out the full video on our YouTube channel here.

Don't forget to subscribe to our channel to view all of our fantastic pre-recorded programs.

https://youtu.be/HtyyuWio0-w

12/09/2025

Join us online for this FREE session - TONIGHT!

Register at https://conversation.zone/event/healing/

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.

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

12/08/2025

New Courses Available for 2026!

💙 We have been right where you are. 💙

Our Family Recovery Course (FRC) is a three-part series of peer-led interactive educational trainings for parents or guardians whose child, at any stage of life, has struggled with addiction to drugs or alcohol.

Goals for the course include:

▶Understand how and why our loved ones have become addicted;
▶Gain insight into what has or is happening to my child;
▶Gain insight into what has or is happening to me and my family;
▶Learn how we can heal as a family;
▶Understand why healing and recovering for life is important to me and my family's future.

Learn more and register through link in bio.

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