Family Matters
Family members are profoundly affected when a loved one becomes addicted to alcohol or another drug. In fact, by the time most people reach out to a counselor, healthcare provider or addiction treatment center for help with a family member’s substance abuse, the situation has typically progressed to a crisis level.
MN Adult & Teen Challenge provides substance abuse treatment along with recovery support to individuals struggling with alcohol, drugs, and other co-occurring conditions. This includes support for family and friends impacted by their loved ones addiction. We understand that families impacted by their loved one’s use need support to heal and learn how to cope.
Our family programs and resources are available to you, regardless of whether your loved one with drug addiction seeks treatment. Below is a virtual resource to help you cope with addiction in your family.
Family Matters Program
Zoom Meeting Information
Meeting ID: 828 3313 6604
Passcode: 230437
Tuesday, February 27: Rick Wipf & Rebecca Slater – Guilt vs. Shame
Rick Wipf | Director of Spiritual Care, Mn Adult & Teen Challenge
Rick has spent a decade working with teen boys and men struggling to overcome addiction and find freedom in Christ. He is the Director of Spiritual Care for all MnTC campuses.
Rebecca Slater | Chaplain, Mn Adult & Teen Challenge
With a quirky and appropriately irreverent sense of humor, Rebecca approaches scripture with a directness and honesty. Her own personal experience of “being an addict on all levels” and 20+ years working at MnTC infuses her speaking with a spiritual understanding of the 12 Steps she blends with biblical truth.
Tuesday, March 19: Jenny Shepherd, MA, LPCC, LADC – Impact of Childhood Trauma and Toxic Stress
Jenny Shepherd | MA, LPCC, LADC, Mn Adult & Teen Challenge
Jenny has been at MnTC for over two years as a Mental Health Professional, coming from Hazelden Betty Ford where she was a Chemical Dependency Counselor in the Teen and Young Adult program. Prior to this, she worked as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Master’s Level Certified Addiction Professional at a private, dual diagnosis treatment center that specialized in treating licensed medical professionals located in Tampa, Florida. She has been in the field for eight years and holds licensure as a LPCC, LADC, and is a Board Certified LADC Supervisor in MN and LMHC in FL. She holds a Master’s in Education and a Master’s in Rehabilitation & Mental Health Counseling. Jenny was previously an educator for 10 years until her own struggles with addiction/ alcoholism significantly affected her life. This summer she will celebrate 16 years in recovery. She loves her work as a counselor and being able to provide help, support and guidance to individuals as they grow into their authentic selves.
Tuesday, April 2: Laura Fregard, MSW, LICSW – Love Languages
Laura Fregard | MSW, LICSW, Mn Adult & Teen Challenge
Laura is the lead mental health therapist at the Duluth campus of Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge. She has been with MnTC since 2020, and loves partnering with her clients as they move towards restoration and transformation. Laura graduated with her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Minnesota, Duluth in 2020 and has been licensed as an LICSW since 2023. Prior to that she served as a child protection investigator in Wisconsin. Laura grew up traveling around the world with her missionary parents, and now uses her passion for different cultures to connect with a wide variety of clients. In her practice, she primarily utilizes a person-centered approach along with CBT, EMDR, MI, and Spiritual Integration skills.
Our Program
Delivered as an hour long virtual seminar, our Family Matters program is available free of charge to anyone concerned about a loved one’s substance abuse. Whether your loved one is active in their addiction, is seeking or currently in treatment or in recovery from their addiction, you may benefit from this series that includes:
- Educational videos/handouts on the disease of addiction and co-occurring disorders
- Emphasis on coping skills
- Positive communication and problem-solving
- Re-thinking relapse
- Developing healthy relationships
- Q&A time with experienced co-occurring professionals
- Positive reinforcement