Addiction has a ripple effect, impacting the person experiencing it as well as their loved ones. It often touches parents, siblings, spouses, children, and others who love and care for the person. That’s why the YMCA’s approach goes beyond the individual participant. By involving families in the process, they aim to create a stronger foundation for lasting change.
Addiction is often described as a family disease, and recovery can be a family process as well. The YMCA offers counseling and support not only for individuals using substances, but also for those whose lives have been affected by a loved one’s addiction. Family members learn that their own healing and growth are possible and important, both for themselves and their loved ones.
One of the key ways the YMCA supports families is through their Family Association, a free weekly group offered virtual and in-person to the community, even for those who don’t currently have a loved one enrolled in the program. This group brings together parents, spouses, guardians, and other adults in a supportive environment where they can share experiences, gain insight, and learn practical tools for navigating the challenges of addiction. For families involved in youth services, parental participation is strongly encouraged, recognizing the important role caregivers play in a young person’s recovery.
Licensed Social Worker and Lead Facilitator of the Family Association Group, Jessica Maria Bruno-Matlak, emphasizes the significance of helping the whole family. “When a family member comes to us, they’ve been identified as a significant other that are impacted by their loved one’s substance use and are looking for something that’s tailored to their needs,” she said.
It can be extremely difficult to seek help when you’re the family member of someone suffering from addiction, but Jessica stresses that the YMCA is open to all: “We welcome everyone into our space. We encourage them to give us a try, do a couple of sessions with us. I want people to find their community. Being a loved one of someone who is addicted to substances can be a very isolating experience, and I hope to be able to create an environment that allows for free exchange of understanding, but also to provide insight, even if that’s through psychoeducation or through peer support. Everybody is welcome through our doors.”
At its heart, the YMCA’s Counseling Service is about community. Recovery isn’t just about addressing symptoms, it’s about rebuilding lives, strengthening families, and helping people move forward with stability and hope. Through personalized care, family involvement, and evidence-based practices, they provide compassionate, accessible support to those seeking change, and remind every participant and family that healing is possible.
To learn more about their free family support service, call today at 718-948-3232.
