Sis Wenger Memorial Fund
Sis Wenger: "Remember that if these children cannot be seen, they feel invisible and helpless. You must speak in such a way that they will feel safe enough to find their own voice"
Honoring Sis's Legacy by Remembering the Children
In honor of Sis Wenger — beloved leader, advocate, educator, and longtime CEO of the National Association for Children of Addiction — we are establishing the Sis Wenger Memorial Fund, a lasting tribute to her lifelong commitment to children and families impacted by the disease of addiction.
For decades, Sis devoted her life to ensuring that children affected by parental addiction were seen, supported, educated, and given hope. Her leadership transformed the national conversation around addiction’s impact on families and helped create programs that continue to strengthen communities, faith leaders, educators, and caregivers across the country.
The Sis Wenger Memorial Fund will remain in perpetuity and will support the continued growth, innovation, and accessibility of two core initiatives that Sis championed throughout her life and career.
Children’s Program Development and Implementation
Memorial contributions will help support:
- Development of new educational and prevention content for children and families affected by addiction
- Training, webinars, and ongoing education for professionals, caregivers, schools, and community organizations
- Assistance for organizations implementing NACoA’s children’s programming for the first time
- Expansion of resources that help break intergenerational cycles of addiction and trauma
- Ongoing research-informed curriculum and content development
Faith Leader Institute (FLI)
The newest version of NACoA’s faith community education and support for children and families impacted by the disease of addiction — a program Sis was instrumental in originally developing in partnership with Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration — will be dedicated in her honor.
Memorial gifts will support:
- Continued development and expansion of the FLI curriculum
- Educational resources and training for clergy and faith communities
- Webinars and implementation support for congregations and faith-based organizations
- Scholarships and assistance for communities needing support to launch the program
- Ongoing content development to help faith leaders respond compassionately and effectively to addiction and family recovery
Through this fund, Sis Wenger’s vision and legacy will continue to guide and inspire future generations.