spotlight

A Simple Ritual for a Tender Season

In every peer grief support group, the holiday season brings familiar conversations: the empty chair, the missing plate, the way traditions shift after loss. At a recent workshop, participants explored a new practice—designing “memory plates” using natural materials, personal keepsakes, and handwritten messages to create a symbolic place at the table for the people they love and miss.

In her article, Kerry J. Bickford shares the inspiration behind this project along with ideas for creating your own memory plate during the holidays—whether you’re gathering with family or finding your own quiet moment of remembrance.

harm reduction

How to Thrive During the Holiday Season:

Harm Reduction Holiday Tips

The holiday season brings moments of celebration — and moments of stress. This time of year, often comes with increased alcohol and substance use, whether during gatherings with friends and family or as a way to cope with grief, financial strain, trauma, or other personal challenges. For many people, this is a complicated season

Harm Reduction offers a compassionate, practical approach to staying safer. It recognizes that people may choose to drink or use substances and provides realistic strategies to reduce risk and keep yourself and others safe. Planning ahead, avoiding mixing substances, not using alone, staying hydrated, and ensuring a safe way home is just a few of the small choices that can make a big difference.

In this feature, we share Harm Reduction Holiday Tips adapted from the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay, along with a link to local support services if you need help or someone to talk to this season.

prevention

B FREE WELLNESS Presents a FREE event on Wednesdays:

Family Yoga & Play

recovery

High Point to Open New Treatment Facility in Hyannis

Ready-to-Use Resources:

Join Us for an All-New NCSACW Free Webinar Series

December 11, January 15, January 29, February 12 — 2–2:30 p.m. ET / 11–11:30 a.m. PT

Feeling overwhelmed by information overload? Looking for quick, actionable tools to support families affected by substance use?

The Ready-to-Use Resources webinar series is designed with busy professionals in mind. NCSACW has developed a new set of 30-minute sessions featuring practical tools that you can apply immediately in your work.

Each session spotlights a different resource to help cross-system professionals strengthen collaboration across child welfare, substance use treatment, mental health services, and the courts — all with the goal of improving outcomes for children and families.

treatment

Professional Development Opportunities, December 2025

This December, there are multiple virtual learning opportunities for providers, recovery coaches, and community partners working across the substance use, mental health, and grief continuum. Topics range from Addiction 101 and extended-release buprenorphine for opioid use disorder to jail and prison health, youth substance use, methadone regulations, and grief after substance-related loss.

You’ll also find information about Recovery Coach trainings, the BSAS Learning Management System (TRAIN MA), and where to access ongoing BSAS-sponsored offerings and calendars.

CADER: Substance Use and Aging for Faith Leaders

CADER — the Center for Aging & Disability Education & Research — provides innovative, competency-based online training for professionals working with older adults and individuals with disabilities. Their programs are rooted in practice and designed to build skills that strengthen home and community-based support systems. Nationally, CADER has reached over 50,000 practitioners and partnered with 450 agencies and state organizations to deliver accessible, evidence-informed education.

upcoming community events

SADOD:

Direct Service Provider Program

Training and Peer Support Offerings

Working in the overdose crisis can take a toll. SADOD’s Direct Service Provider Program provides specialized training and peer-led support designed for DSPs navigating grief, trauma, stress, and the day-to-day realities of this work. From “Good Grief: Tools for the Workday” to advocacy, nervous system regulation, and manager-focused support, these offerings help teams stay grounded and connected.

National Homeless Persons Remembrance Day: Fellowship Dinner

food resources

Buy Fresh Buy Local 2025 Farmers Market Calendar

Nutrition educators have assisted in coordination of Buy Fresh Buy Local Cape Cod with the mission of connecting people and businesses on the Cape with locally grown farm and sea products. Through Buy Fresh Buy Local Cape Cod, resources are created to assist individuals and families in purchasing, cooking, and storing fresh foods. Below are collections of cooking videos, recipes, cookbooks, and other resources to help families and communities better understand Cape Cod’s local food system and access to fresh, local food.

Food Access Cape Cod

Be sure to download our Cape & Islands Food Access Resource Guide! This publication is updated regularly by the Barnstable County Cape Cod Cooperative Extension and contains all the information you need for food accessibility.

network of care

The Barnstable County Department of Human Services’ Network of Care (NOC) SERVICE DIRECTORY website, is a robust local health and human services directory with resources for individuals, families, and agencies on Cape Cod with public health questions and concerns.

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