CMC: Foundation For Change. Year In Review 2023
CMC: Foundation for Change – Reflecting on 2023 and Goals for Change in 2024
In 2023, I won funds for CMC: Foundation for Change, a wonderful nonprofit organization dedicated to providing evidence-based tools to everyone who cares about a person struggling with substance use DISORDER.
CMC created a really special program specifically for loved ones and helpers called Invitation to Change (ITC).
Based on science and kindness, ITC groups help individuals stay connected with their loved ones while "creating an environment supportive of change."
I’m thrilled to share an update on the incredible progress made by CMC: Foundation for Change over the past year and some of their exciting plans for 2024. This organization has been making waves in the field of substance use disorder recovery, particularly through its innovative ITC groups.
2023 Highlights: A Year of Growth and Impact
2023 was a year of remarkable achievements for CMC: Foundation for Change. Let’s dive into some of their key milestones:
Invitation to Change Groups: These groups, which focus on providing families with the skills they need to support loved ones struggling with substance use, have seen tremendous growth. In 2022, CMC launched 20 groups, but in 2023, they doubled that number to 40 groups. These learning groups offer a supportive environment where participants can learn essential skills like motivational interviewing, which is crucial for effective communication with loved ones.
Training and Outreach: The foundation has ramped up its training efforts significantly. In 2022, they provided 230 hours of training and reached 1,419 people. In 2023, those numbers skyrocketed to 372 hours of training, reaching 2,489 people. This expanded reach has allowed even more families to benefit from the CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training) approach, which is at the heart of CMC’s mission.
Podcast Launch: 2023 also saw the launch of CMC’s podcast, Rethinking Rock Bottom, which engaged over 3,000 listeners. This podcast is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to understand how effective addiction recovery programs work in real life. I personally found it to be incredibly informative and inspiring.
Quarterly Seminar Series: CMC introduced a new quarterly seminar series in 2023, offering more in-depth training to the public. One of the standout seminars focused on motivational interviewing, and I had the privilege of attending live. These seminars are also recorded and made available on YouTube, and on the CMC website, making them accessible to a broader audience.
Educational Resources: The foundation reached 8,700 readers through the distribution of their Invitation to Change Short Guide and the Beyond Addiction Workbook. Additionally, they expanded their infrastructure to support 161 new group leaders, enabling them to serve approximately 400 families annually through ITC support groups.
2024 Focus: Ambitious Goals and New Initiatives
2024 saw CMC: Foundation for Change setting some ambitious goals to further their impact in the wider community:
Expanded Community Support: One of the primary goals for 2024 is to ensure that community support is available to anyone who needs it, whenever they need it. To achieve this, CMC plans to launch a new program that will, over the next two years, make free ITC-based training and community support available through their website seven days a week.
Support for Spanish-Speaking Families: Recognizing the need for more inclusive resources, CMC is working on developing support materials for Spanish-speaking families. This will help bridge the gap and ensure that more families can benefit from the ITC approach.
Grief Support Resources: With nearly 200,000 family members grieving the loss of a loved one due to substance use each year in the U.S., CMC is focusing on developing much-needed evidence-based grief support materials. This initiative will provide crucial resources for those navigating the painful journey of loss.
Join Us on This Journey of Change
I’m incredibly proud to be connected with CMC: Foundation for Change and to have completed their facilitator training. I still attend monthly meetings to continue my education and to engage with the CMC community. One of my goals for this year is to start running my own Invitation to Change group, and I’m excited to bring the principles I’ve learned to life.
Through my association with CMC, I’ve also had the privilege of meeting many inspiring individuals, including Heather Ross. Heather leads ITC groups and coaches parents whose children are struggling with substance use. Her journey is deeply personal—she has walked the difficult path of supporting her own child through addiction. I’m honored that Heather entrusted me with her story, and I’m grateful to share it on my blog in the hope that it reaches others who may find comfort and guidance.
You can read Heather’s story here: ‘A Mother’s Journey: Navigating Her Child’s Substance Use Disorder, Healing, and Loss.’
In another piece, ‘Breaking the Cycle of Substance Use Disorder: The Power of Science and Kindness,’ I delve into the profound impact of 'compassionate love' versus 'tough love' in helping individuals overcome substance abuse. In this article, I also introduce CMC: Foundation for Change and highlight their incredible work within the community.
CMC’s work is truly transformative, and its dedication to supporting families through evidence-based practices is inspiring.
I encourage you to stay connected with CMC as they continue to expand their reach and impact in 2024. Whether you’re a family member affected by addiction, a mental health advocate, or someone looking to make a difference, there are countless ways to get involved and support this remarkable organization.
Explore more about CMC: Foundation for Change and how you can contribute to their mission by visiting their website. Together, let’s make 2024 a year of hope, healing, and transformation!
FREE RESOURCES PAGE FOR LOVED ONES OF THOSE STRUGGLING WITH SUBSTANCE USE disorder!
In my ongoing commitment to supporting not only those facing substance misuse challenges, but also the loved ones standing by their side, I’m excited to provide a FREE Resources page on my website.
This page is filled with valuable information, recommended books, and services designed specifically for friends and family of individuals struggling with substance use. My hope is to provide you with the tools, understanding, and support you need during such a challenging time, all in one accessible place.
You are not alone on this journey, and these resources are here to guide you with compassion and care.
VISIT MY FREE RESOURCES PAGE VIA THE BUTTON BELOW. 💜
Thanks for joining me on this journey, and here’s to another year of growth, support, and positive change!
Remember, sunsets 🌅 are the new happy hour, and I’m rooting for you!
Kristin 🫶
How I Can Help You 🌅
If you want to explore an alcohol-free life or would like to improve your health, it would be my greatest pleasure to help you on your journey.
I have two different coaching options:
Health Coaching Program
Are you experiencing sickness, fatigue, depression, pain or weight issues?
If so, then your body isn’t working as it should.
There are many reasons for these health issues, and sometimes working with a Health Coach can help.
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Gray Area Drinking (GAD) Program
It’s challenging to change your drinking habits - especially when they’ve crept up and have been happening for a long time.
That’s where I can help you. I work holistically, focusing on your gut health, neurotransmitters, and dysregulated nervous system to calm, soothe, and get everything back in balance. I teach you coping mechanisms to deal with cravings and give you all the tools you need to live an alcohol-free life.
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Remember…
EVERY DAY IS A GOOD DAY TO BE ALCOHOL-FREE, and SUNSETS ARE THE NEW HAPPY HOUR! 🌅
Kristin ❤️ x
