Families invited to Wednesday evening sessions to share experiences

Marie Pelletier leads a recent Family Support Group

SSTAR (Stanley Street Treatment and Resources), a Fall River non-profit health care and social service agency that since 1977 has provided services for those with substance abuse disorders, offers a weekly Family Support Group each Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the facility’s administration building at 386 Stanley Street.

The weekly sessions provide an opportunity for individuals and families to share their experiences with others, gain strength and support from each other and experience hope for themselves and their loved ones dealing with substance abuse.

The Family Support Group program has been in effect for more than two years, starting with a core group of about a dozen participants. The group has grown to more than 30 people, with some original members continuing to share their wisdom and experiences with new members.

The open forum discussion group is led by Marie Pelletier, an interventionist with SSTAR. The Wednesday evening program often includes invited speakers, videos that deal with the issues of addiction, and honest conversation with people presently in recovery.

“People who come to our Family Support Group become stronger, knowing that there is a place of non-judgment where they can share their feelings and experiences, all the while recognizing they are not alone,” said Pelletier.

Said Nancy Paull, Executive Director and CEO of SSTAR, “We invite new members to join this important group, one that helps the families of those addicted to better understand the disease and to receive the support of others who are undergoing similar challenges.”

For more information about SSTAR’s Family Support Group, please call Marie Pelletier at 508-558-0376.

ABOUT SSTAR

Stanley Street Treatment and Resources (SSTAR), located in Fall River, Mass., provides quality integrated substance abuse treatment, primary health care and behavioral health care to residents in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Since 1977, SSTAR has been committed to providing programs and services that offer understanding, help, support and hope to those in need. SSTAR is a non-profit health care and social service agency, offering a wide range of mental health and substance abuse treatment services to people throughout the communities of Southeastern Massachusetts. All its substance abuse and mental health programs are licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Department of Mental Health. For more information, please visit www.sstar.org or call 508-679-5222.