Two new Family 2 Family support groups for addicts' loved ones

Independent Perspective #1600

Guest:  Naomi Taylor

Topic:  Two new Family 2 Family support groups for addicts' loved ones

Duration:  05:51

Published:  July 7, 2020

Host:  Welcome to Independent Perspective, a public affairs presentation of Western New York Independent Living (WNYIL). Our guest today is Naomi Taylor, Family 2 Family Peer Specialist with Mental Health peer Connection (MHPC), and your host is yours truly, Ernie Churchwell. Welcome to the program, Naomi.

Guest:  Thanks for having me, Ernie.

Host:  And we're here together because you've got a couple of new Family 2 Family locations to make sure people know about but I'm willing to bet that there's some people listening, that are not familiar with the Addict 2 Addict, Family 2 Family program whatsoever. Could you tell us, whom it serves and what it can do for them?

Guest:  Sure, absolutely. We serve people that struggle with addiction and the family members that are affected by people in active substance abuse disorder. What that can look like is anything from narcotics, alcohol, gambling, and any other addictions, and I work with the family members that are directly affected from those addictions.

Host:  Very good. What sort of things would you offer to the family members to counsel them on how to best support their loved ones that are dealing with these issues?

Guest:  Well, normally when somebody comes to us, they're in a place of not knowing what to do to help their loved one. There might be sleepless nights, a lot of money spent on trying to help. There can be turmoil in the home, there can be lost jobs. And, you know, lack of payment on apartments and things like that. I sit down with people and I start by listening and hearing where they're coming from. I've been in that situation and I understand what it feels like. I meet them from a peer perspective, which means I've been there I've done that. And I've been able to get tools underneath my belt to learn how to deal with everyday life. As I’m speaking to the family members, I can hear in their voice, how hard it is. And I can help them identify which things they would like to work on first.

Host:  And I suspect that there, makes quite a difference to have that peer aspect as compared to that that a number of traditional agencies might have come to think of it. Are there any traditional agencies that have embraced working with the family, the way you do?

Guest:  Not that I have come across. Normally coming from a clinical setting it's more of a book knowledge than it is a heartfelt empathy. I find through my own growth that having somebody that knows what it feels like is more helpful for me personally. And I see that come out in the people that I sit across from and help.

Host:  That certainly is something that is filling a need that is long existed in the community. Before we run out of time, could you mention, where the two new groups are that hold Family 2 Family gatherings on a fairly regular basis and when those occur?

Guest:  Absolutely. The one on Wednesday nights, that's the last Wednesday of the month, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. is at the Genesis Center, 2163 Seneca Street in South Buffalo. And then my other group is at the C. Dee Wright Center, located at 11 Church Street in Akron, that one runs the second and the fourth Friday from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Host:  Now I realize that you don't have all the details of the existing groups at your fingertips. Can you tell me how many there are in approximately where they are, and people can call you for more information later?

Guest:  Well, we have quite a long extensive list of family support groups in the area. So far, I personally run these two. But we do have a list, if somebody were to contact me, I could get them that list. Both of peer support groups, and also of Al-anon and Nar-Anon.

Host:  And this is all around the greater Buffalo area, I believe?

Guest:  Absolutely.

Host:  I'm sure people will have questions. How can they reach you?

Guest:  They can reach me at my office, which is extension 164. And also, you can join me at both of these support groups.

Host:  And of course, the main number to reach 164 is 716-836-0822. Thanks so much for being with us Naomi and we're glad to bring us this good news.

Guest:  Thanks so much, Ernie.

Host:  You've been listening to Independent Perspective, a Public Affairs presentation of WNYIL. Our guest today was Naomi Taylor, Family 2 Family Peer Specialist with MHpC, and your host was yours truly, Ernie Churchwell.