NEW WORKBOOK

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The Invitation to Change: A Short Guide is a practical guide to the 9 core topics of the Invitation to Change Approach, the helping approach at the core of everything we do.

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Find an ITC Support Group

About ITC Groups

ITC Community Groups are designed for people who care about someone struggling with substance use. These support groups give you space to express your thoughts, feelings, and struggles as you try to help your loved one, while actively teaching you ITC skills that we hope can improve your situation with your loved one who is struggling with substances(or other compulsive behaviors). This includes tools for understanding, communicating, and creating an environment that is supportive of change—all while making time for practice and self-compassion for group members.

What is the ITC?

The Invitation to Change is our “science and kindness” approach, using evidence-based methods that have been shown—in studies with real families—to be effective at helping people change. ITC groups are an alternative to support groups like Al-Anon, which are helpful to many families, but are not evidence-based. 

Directory

If you are interested in attending an ITC Group, check out our directory below. Groups are led by mental health professionals or community members who have completed our Level I Certification. Group leaders are not employed by CMC:FFC.

To join an open group, please click “Details” under “Membership”.

Online

Families Recover Together

Jill DiLoreto, Laurie Cole

Days/Times:
Thursdays, starting April 27, 2023, ongoing, 7 – 8:30 PM CT

Who can join:
Family and friends of loved ones suffering from addictions

How to join:

Register here: https://www.thedoor.org/events/2023/02/23/addiction-recovery-for-family-friends

You will receive a welcome email with the recurring Zoom link.

Affiliated Organization:
Church of the Open Door

Online

Maple Grove, MN

CRAFT Connect Family Support

Kristin Garbett

Days/Times:
-

Who can join:
Anyone

How to join:
Email: [email protected]

Phone: 801-410-3440

Affiliated Organization:
USARA, Foundation for Recovery, New Roads Behavioral Health

craftconnectfs.com

Online

Farmingdale, NJ

ITC Group Avatar

Downtown Moms

Julie Merberg

Days/Times:
Tuesdays, 6:15-7:30PM ET

Who can join:
This group is for parents of adolescents and young adults struggling with addiction.

How to join:
Reach out to me at juli[email protected] and put "ITC GROUP" in the subject line.

Affiliated Organization:
None

Online

New York City

ITC Community Group-Pleo

SMART Family & Friends (Ontario)

Pascale Hough

Days/Times:
Thursday from 7:00 to 8:30pm (EDT)

Who can join:
Anyone 18+

How to join:
Email Pascale at [email protected],
call Sandy Hill CHC (613-789-1500, 7 for reception and ask to speak with Zoe),
or via https://www.pleo.on.ca/where-to-find-us/

Affiliated Organization:
Sandy Hill Community Health Centre and Parents Lifeline's of Eastern Ontario (PLEO)

Online

N/A

Inspired Hearts ITC for Families

Barb Klein, Paula Browne, and Joanne Richards

Days/Times:
Wednesdays January 18 - May 10 (no session 2/22 or 4/5).

7:30-9 PM Eastern/4:30-6 PM Pacific/​6:30-8 PM Central

Who can join:
Family members who love someone with substance use issues

How to join:
Join via: https://www.inspiredpossibility.com/invitationtochange.html

Affiliated Organization:
None

Online

N/A

Invitation To Change Group

Heather Ross

Days/Times:
Group 1: 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month, 7:30-9:00 pm EST (4:30-6:00 pm PST)

Group 2: 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month 7:30-9:00 pm EST (4:30-6:00 pm PST)

Who can join:
The group will focus on parents supporting children, but anyone who wants to learn how to support a loved one that is struggling with substances is welcome.

How to join:
Use this link to sign up:
https://heatherrosscoaching.com/invitation-to-change-group/

Affiliated Organization:
Heather Ross Coaching

Online

N/A

ITC Community Group - Cathy Taughinbaugh

Invitation to Change Group

Cathy Taughinbaugh, Paula Browne

Who can join:
Anyone

How to join:
Join through https://cathytaughinbaugh.com/invitation-to-change-group/

Affiliated Organization:
Cathytaughinbaugh.com

Online

N/A

Hopestream Community

Brenda Zane, Dina Cannizzaro, Holly O'Dea, Pattie Vargas

Days/Times:
Thursdays, 5pm Pacific

Who can join:
Our groups are currently for community members of The Stream or The Woods.

How to join:
Join one of our private parent communities, then participate in our weekly Thursday Zoom-based classes. (information at www.hopestreamcommunity.org)

Affiliated Organization:
The Stream Community, The Woods Community

Online

N/A

Invitation to Change Group

Meggan McEvoy, LCSW

Days/Times:
Tuesdays 6:45 pm-8:15 pm PT

Who can join:
Family and friends of loved ones with substance use/addiction

How to join:
Go to Twinflower Counseling website under ITC Group: https://www.twinflowercounseling.com/itc-group

Affiliated Organization:
Twinflower Counseling

Online

Portland, OR

Stronger Together, a TTI Family Partnership

Brenda Walker & Andrew Perkins

Days/Times:
Currently on pause

Who can join:
Anyone

Affiliated Organization:
Treatment Trends, Inc.

How to join:
Join via zoom with the following information:

Topic: ITC Support Group, Stronger Together a TTI Family Partnership

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZAuduCgqDMrH9BcgVJ6LdeywkCMfUByeSwM/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGsrTojEtKdsRyDRpwIA4j4Xfzwplxcgvp_nxjTKXZ_ZgbvIelhH7RKMsHV

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84319868154?pwd=TUltQU5kL29saytmZ3dtVFhXenRlQT09

Meeting ID: 843 1986 8154
Passcode: STFP-ITC

Online

Bethlehem, PA

Community Group-SMART Recovery

SMART Recovery: Family and Friends

Gretchen Saari

Days/Times:
Tuesdays, 7:00-8:30 pm PST

Who can join:
Family members or friends

How to join:
Join via the SMART Recovery meeting website: https://meetings.smartrecovery.org/meetings/6713/

Affiliated Organization:
SMART Recovery

Online

Everett, WA

Invitation to Change Community Group

Elizabeth Montavon (Betsy)

Days/Times:
Thursdays, 6:00 - 7:15 pm Central Time

Who can join:
Adult family & friends of loved ones

How to join:
Contact Elizabeth Montavon for information
414-530-1655
[email protected]

Affiliated Organization:
Wisconsin

Online

Wisconsin

ITC Group Avatar

Smart Care

Gasper, Chris, and Gladys

Days/Times:
Every Saturday, 10:00am- 12:00 noon EST

Who can join:
All care givers

How to join:
1. They must be caregivers or have a loved one with a behavioral / an addition challenge.

2. Must be English speaking.

Affiliated Organization:
Your Ally Foundation

Online

KAMPALA, UGANDA

ITC Community Group - alternat-i-ves

Alternat+ves ITC Meeting

Dave James and Tina James

Days/Times:
Tuesdays and Sundays, 18.00 UK Time (1 pm ET)
(see schedule at https://www.alternat-i-ves.org/pages/calendar.html)
UK time zone

Who can join:
We tend to be parents focused as that is our lived experience, but everyone is welcome.

How to join:
Drop in at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81498967810
or email [email protected] for further information

Affiliated Organization:
Alternat+ves
https://www.alternat-i-ves.org

Online

UK

ITC Wheel Diagram

ITC - GNRA

Roosevelt Kasonso, Emmanuel Hakaningi, Mundelanji Mbewe

Days/Times:
15 hours Central African time

Who can join:
No restrictions (anyone who has a loved one struggling).

How to join:
Email me Roosev[email protected] or request to join via whatsup on +260973452433

Affiliated Organization:
Great north road rehab centre

Online

Lusaka, Zambia

Hybrid

ITC Community Group - Oasis

ITC - Oasis Bethlehem

Tina Thomas

Days/Times:
-

Who can join:
Anyone.

How to join:
Email Tina at [email protected]
or visit oasisbethlehem.org

Affiliated Organization:
Oasis Community Center
oasisbethlehem.org

Hybrid

Bethlehem, PA

Community Group-SMART Recovery

SMART Recovery Hope & Help for Family & Friends

Brenda Walker

Days/Times:
Mondays, 6:30 - 8:00 PM ET

Who can join:
Adult family & friends who have a loved one struggling with any type of addictive behavior

How to join:

Members are welcome to show up in person at the address listed below, or they can join via Zoom.

Address: 429 E Broad St, Bethlehem, PA 18018

Zoom link: SMART Recovery Family & Friends

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85757999638?pwd=R0tFK09QZCtNUWlIcllBaURDbE43QT09

Meeting ID: 857 5799 9638
Passcode: SRF&F

Affiliated Organization:
Treatment Trends, Inc.

Hybrid

Bethlehem, PA

Invitation to Change Family Skills and Support Group

Lucinda Rowley

Days/Times:
Every second and fourth Monday at 5 pm Pacific Time.

Who can join:
Anyone

How to join:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScnFx9tXf0Gk9yf_txrlrm7QWcvV-15ftx5jm2uyxDxlInErA/viewform

Hybrid

Mukilteo, Washington

ITC Group Avatar

Invitation to Change Tri-Cities WA

Carol Strom

Days/Times:
Mondays at 7:00 PM, PST

Who can join:
Anyone

How to join:
Email Carol Strom at [email protected] for information.

Affiliated Organization:
None

Hybrid

Tri-Cities WA

In-Person

ITC Group Avatar

Families Supporting Change

Rachel Franzen, Amanda Rose

Days/Times:
Mondays at 12PM AKSTD

Who can join:
Adults

How to join:
Call 907-631-6300 to learn how to attend.

Affiliated Organization:
Southcentral Foundation - Benteh Nuutah Four Directions

In-Person

Wasilla, AK

ITC Group Avatar

ITC Silicon Valley

Patricia McBrayer

Days/Times:
Next session in planning stage

Who can join:
Parent focused, but not restricted

How to join:
Send an email inquiry to [email protected]

In-Person

Menlo Park, CA

Invitation to Change Family Group

Cathy Hartman, Jordan Halle, and Maryann Rodino

Days/Times:
1st and 3rd Wednesdays from 5:30-7:00pm

Who can join:
Family, friends, interested folks

How to join:
Email: [email protected]

Affiliated Organization:
Volusia Recovery Alliance

In-Person

Ormond Beach, FL

ITC Group Avatar

SMART Recovery: Family & Friends

Carey Rinke

Days/Times:
Saturdays, 10:00-11:30 a.m. ET

Who can join:
Adult family & friends who have a loved one struggling with any type of addictive behavior.

How to join:
Please reach out with contact information below. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Carey Rinke, Facilitator

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 734-234-6844

For more information: https://meetings.smartrecovery.org/meetings/6338/

Affiliated Organization:
Restored Connections Counseling, LLC

In-Person

Plymouth, MI

ITC Community Group-Thrive logo

Thrive-White Bear Lake

Andrea Lemon

Days/Times:
Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:00 pm in White Bear Lake, Minnesota.
(CDT)

Who can join:
Anyone.

How to join:
contact Andrea Lemon
763-244-0496
[email protected]

Affiliated Organization:
Thrive Family Recovery and Resources
https://thrivefamilyrecoveryresources.org

In-Person

White Bear Lake, Minnesota

CFC Family Support Group

Susan Evans

Days/Times:
-

Who can join:
Any family member, but we mostly have parents and siblings.

How to join:
Email: [email protected]

Affiliated Organization:
CFC Loud N Clear
https://healingus.org/

In-Person

Farmingdale, NJ

Closed Groups

ITC Group Avatar

Hope Releasers

Melanie Ota

Days/Times:
Two sessions:

Tues at 10 am HST, and Wed at 6 pm HST

Who can join:
Women only

How to join:
Sign up for the next class at https://www.hopereleasers.com/renewed

Affiliated Organization:
None

Online

Hawaii

ITC Group Avatar

NYC Parents of Adolescents and Young Adults

Julie Merberg

Days/Times:
Thursday evenings 6PM ET

Who can join:
Parents of 15-22 year-olds

How to join:
Email [email protected] with ITC GROUP in the subject line.

Online

New York City, NY

Sandy Hill Community Health Centre - ITC Group logo

Supporting Your Loved One

Pascale Hough

Online

N/A

ITC Community Group-Thrive logo

Thrive ITC

Kathi Waters

Online

N/A

Already running a group and want to be listed? Please contact Elliot Foote, our Program Manager at [email protected].

Interested in starting a group? Visit the Community Groups page.