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2008 Events

McShin Foundation Golf Tournament

Back Row: Chris Baham, Frank Valentine, Peer Mugnier
Front Row: TC Clark, Melinda Goodwin, Trevor Schrotz

Founded in 2004, The McShin Foundation is a non-profit community resource organization committed to serving individuals in their fight against the disease of addiction. The McShin Foundation is an affiliate of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) which fights the stigma and the disease of alcoholism and other drug additions. For the second year in a row, National Counseling Group has sponsored the Annual McShin Foundation Golf Tournament at Hunting Hawk Golf Club. Employees who played in the tournament were Trevor Schrotz, Christopher Baham, Trendell Clark, Frank Viera, Melinda Goodwin, Frank Valentine, and Peer Mugnier. NCG is a proud partner of the McShin Foundation and we look forward to continuing this partnership in years to come.


Stephanie Ney, Manassas office Site Director, leads Voluntary Action Center as a Director for 3 years:

The Voluntary Action Center connects people with volunteer opportunities in the community by offering easy access to the community agencies that will utilize their time and talents to solve real community problems. We engage seniors through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, teens and busy families through the People Power Program, facilitating court-ordered community service program for both adults and juveniles and ensuring rescue recovery operations in the event of a disaster are supported by trained volunteers. We also offer training and consulting in volunteer management so our agency partners have all the tools needed for more effective use of volunteers.

The Board of Directors is pleased to welcome Stephanie Ney as a Director to serve in a leadership and governing role for a 3 year term. In this capacity Ms. Ney will also serve on the Program Committee of the Board.


NCG-Newport News Contributes To The Community

Throughout its 16-year history, National Counseling Group, Inc. has found ways to give back to communities across the Commonwealth. The Newport News site was opened in June 2006 and continues our mission to improve lives not only by offering the highest quality mental health and substance abuse services but also through community charity events and sponsorships. Recently, Holly Duggan, Site Director for the Newport News site, attended an annual Community Fair Day at HuntingtonMiddle School on Saturday, October 4, 2008 to celebrate the school's accreditation and to promote Huntington's "Smart and SafeSchool" initiative. NCG assisted in sponsoring this event with a $250.00 donation to the school. This year's event was a large success as students and parents joined together for a day of fun games and dancing on the campus of the school while school volunteers, including Jamicia Davis, Student Support Specialist, and Cleo Holloway, Principal, worked hard to provide food and beverages, cheer on the students at the "Dunk Your Favorite Teacher" booth, and coordinate with representatives of local community resource agencies to provide information to the school community. Counselors of NCG's Newport News site continue to be a resource for HuntingtonMiddle School by providing in-home counseling and mentoring services to its students and by offering professional training to the teachers and staff throughout the school year.

Click here for more information…


NCG Pumpkin Fest in Martinsville

Pumpkin Fest 08 Pumpkin Fest 08
Pumpkin Fest 08 Pumpkin Fest 08
Pumpkin Fest 08 Pumpkin Fest 08

Friday, March 13th and Saturday, March 14th, 2009

National Assocaition of Social Workers - Virginia Chapter
2009 Annual Conference

Omni Hotel
100 South 12th Street
Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 344-7000

Patrick Slifka, Director of Training for National Counseling Group, will be presenting a workshop called Next Generation Workforce: Ethical and Best Practice Issues for Supervisors. Patrick presents on Saturday from 1:00p-4:15p.

Patrick's focus will be: The new generation of social workers entering the field is changing the way many work and function - bringing new strengths and talents, but also creating unique challenges for those supervising them. This workshop explores and addresses both practical and ethical guidelines to supervise, train, challenge, and retain our newest assets in the field.

www.naswva.org - Registration through website open after December 2008


Tuesday, November 18th, 2008

Patrick Slifka, Director of Training for National Counseling Group, will be presenting a one hour workshop on Assessment and Treatment of Alcohol Related Disorders at the Department of Social Services in Christiansburg.


Wednesday, November 5th, 2008

32nd Fall Juvenile Justice Insitute Conference

Doubletree Hotel
990 Hilton Heights Road
Charlottesville, VA 22901
434-973-2121

Patrick Slifka, Director of Training for National Counseling Group, will be presenting an afternoon workshop entitled Motivational Inviewing: Developmental and Age Appropriate Strategies for Juvenile Justice Professionals from 1:45p to 3:00p.


Friday, October 31st, 2008
8:30am-4:00pm

Sustaining a Strong and Healthy Community Conference

27th Annual Substance Abuse Awareness Week Conference
Fairfax County Government Center
12000 Government Center Pkwy
Fairfax, VA 22035

Margaret Kollay
703-934-8772
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/csb/

Patrick Slifka, Director of Training for National Counseling Group, will be presenting a workshop from 10:30am to 12 noon entitled Today's Adolescent: Current Trends in Substance Abuse focusing on inhalant abuse.

What is Your Cultural Awareness Grade, a panel discussion, moderated by George Young, LCSW, Director of Outpatient Services for National Counseling Group, will also be held from 10:30am to 12 noon. THIS SESSION WILL BE REPEATED IN THE AFTERNOON BEGINNING AT 1:15pm. Also, on the panel are NCG counselors Carlos Huajardo, Alicia Nguyen, Alkesh Patel, Esther Chung, and Ronda Appiah.


8 Steps to Your Destination Workshop

Click here for more information…


Friends of the Virginia Beach Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court, Inc.

National Counseling Group has sponsored the Cape Henry Duathalon and Running Festival to support the local community through the "Friends' " primary annual fundraiser event. Please visit www.vbfriendsofjdrc.org for more information.

Click here for more…


National Counseling Group has donated $500 to the Pennsylvania Consort in an effort to support music perfomance in the Bedford community. The Pennsylvania Consort is a music presenting organization based in Bedford County, Pennsylvania. Its core activity, the six-concert Guest Artist Series, was founded as a follow-on to the Bedford Springs Festival for the Performing Arts, which took place every summer from 1982 to 1989 on the grounds of the Bedford Springs Hotel and occasionally in nearby venues.

Click here for more…


Susan G. Komen for the Cure

Highland Springs Cross Country Program Presents
Race Registration is at Highland Springs High School Field House
Registration is 7:45am – 8:15am

Supporting Students Through Fitness
1st Annual Road Event & Teachers/Family/Students Fun Walk

Event Date: Saturday, October 11th, 2008
T-Shirts will be available to everyone that participates.
Starting Time: 8:30am – 5K Run
9:00am – 1 Mile Family/Teachers/Students Fun Walk

Entry Fee: $10 registration, $5 students

Awards:
Prizes will be raffled off following the 5k run. All participants of the 1 mile walk & 5k run are eligible to win

For More Information:
Coach Greg Ford, Highland Springs Cross Country Call (813) 774-0710

Click here for flyer


Substance Abuse Education and Support Groups for Adolescents with Substance Abuse issues

733 Thimble Shoals Blvd, Suite 100
Newport News, VA 23606
(757) 240-5595

What is Motivational Enhancement Group Therapy?

This 10-week program consists of weekly 90-minute groups focused on improving motivation for change by increasing the adolescents' knowledge of addiction, behavioral change, and distorted thinking patterns that attribute to ongoing drug and alcohol use. Groups of no more than 15 participants will be led by Ideluia Sawyers, Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC), who brings extensive knowledge and experience providing substance abuse counseling to adolescents and adult substance abusers. Participants will leave the program with an increased motivation to change their behavior and a better understanding of their own pathways to substance abuse and dependency. Initial assessments are conducted to determine the scope of substance use for each participant and to assist in making recommendations for continued services post discharge.

Topics of Group:

  • Stages of Change
  • The Addictive Process
  • Effects of Addiction & Substance Abuse
  • Addiction & Criminal Behavior
  • Behavior Change
  • Denial & Defense Mechanisms
  • Twelve Step Support Programs
  • Recovery
  • Triggers
  • Relapse Prevention & Behavioral Pathways to using
  • Treatment Modalities
  • Community Resources
  • Discharge/Referral Plan

Cost: $5 per group session*
Please contact Holly Duggan, Site Director, to make a referral!

*Sliding Scale Fee is available


EMPOWERING PARENTS GROUP
WEDNESDAYS, 5:30-7PM
STARTING 9/10/08 at National Counseling Group

733 Thimble Shoals Blvd, Suite 100
Newport News, VA 23606
(757) 240-5595

Sponsored by: Angel Pye, B.A, QMHP of National Counseling Group

IS YOUR CHILD HAVING BEHAVIORAL DIFFICULTIES?
ARE YOU HAVING TROUBLE MANAGING YOUR CHILD?
COME SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE OR JUST LISTEN.

Network with other parents dealing with similar issues, find out about resources in your area,
learn effective parenting strategies and coping skills from an experienced NCG counselor, and
gain support for yourself in a safe & non-threatening environment.

Only $5 per week


August 29th-September 2nd, 2008

Carlos Huajardo, a National Counseling Group Therapist, will be presenting a paper "Research on Siteman Wellness Neuromuscular, Emotional and Mental Concentration in Children" (Ferriz, Ferriere) at the upcoming 5th World Conference for the Talent of Youth in Santiago, Chile August 29th-September 2nd, 2008.

This is a body of research conducted in Puerto Rico and the United States between the years 2003 and 2008. The objective is to demonstrate the usefulness of Dr. Ferriz and Ferriere's relaxation technique with children and the benefits of its practice at an early age. Results show the effectiveness on the development of a balanced mental, emotional and physical state within the child and the contribution to higher intellectual functioning.


Golf tournament

Jonathan May (NCG Corporate Accountant), Tony Roman (Roanoke Clinical Supervisor), Eddie Carter (Friend of NCG), Nicholas Ptacek (Roanoke Site Coordinator), supporting the New River Valley Special Olympics at their annual golf tournament in Blacksburg, VA.


September 19, 2008

National Counseling Group will participate as a vendor at The Annual Tidewater Regional Visiting Teachers/School Social Workers Fall Conference hosted by the Department of Special Education Services of Norfolk Public Schools.  The conference will include a keynote speaker and workshops relevant to providing support services to students for enhancing their academic success.   

The conference will be held at the Holiday Inn Executive Center at 5655 Greenwich Road Virginia Beach, VA, 23462.


Thursday, September 4, 2008

National Counseling Group, Inc.- Supporting the Communities we Serve

NCG, led by its CEO Thomas Minnick and members of its Corporate team, will join up with staff from its Eastern Shore office as well as a few State Delegates from the General Assembly in support of the 7th Annual Northampton County Sheriff's Office Charity Golf Tournament at the Bay Creek Golf Club in Cape Charles on the Eastern Shore. The proceeds from this tournament and contributions from NCG will go to support the Hospice of the Eastern Shore, a nonprofit organization that provides special care for those with limited life expectancies.


Thursday, August 21 12:00-1:00PM

J. Patrick Slifka, LCSW, CAC will be in Martinsville, Virginia at the Broad Street Christian Church for a workshop on "Grief and Grieving." The training, a "brown bag lunch" forum, is open to the public and is free of charge. The event is sponsored by the Mental Health Association of Martinsville and Henry County.


Wednesday, August 20 (time TBD)

J. Patrick Slifka, LCSW, CAC will be training Chesterfield County Public Schools Social Workers on Motivational Interviewing. The brief workshop will cover the basic philosophies in this evidence-based intervention and provide concrete and hands-on examples/role-plays to reinforce the material. The training will be held at Monacan High School.

Call 804-652-8266 for details on start time.


Monday, July 28 6:00-8:00PM

J. Patrick Slifka, LCSW, CAC and Melinda Goodwin, MSW, QMHP will be presenting on "Current Trends in Adolescent Substance Abuse" at the Hanover CSU. Attendees, including current youth on probation and their parents, will have the opportunity to interact with the facilitators during and following the event.

Location: Hanover County Branch Office - 7515 Library Drive, Hanover, Virginia 23069


July 30th, 2008 6:00 to 8:00PM

Richmond Office Open House on Foster Parent Recruitment
Location: 5002 Monument Ave, Suite 201
Richmond, VA 23230
(804) 497-4676


Saturday, July 26, 2008

Christmas in July
Christmas in July is the annual dinner dance in support of the Un-Trim-A-Tree Holiday program.  It was hosted by Ellen Patterson from the 31st Court Service Unit Manassas and sponsored in part by National Counseling Group.

The Un-Trim-a-Tree Holiday Program is a very special program that serves needy children and seniors in the Manassas community.  Each year with the help of many dedicated volunteers and donors, this program provides gifts for thousands of children, food and personal care items for seniors and homeless shelter residents in its neighborhoods.


Saturday, July 26, 2008

County Fair

National Counseling Group supported 9 year old Lindsay Funston of Buffalo Mills, PA by purchasing her reserve champion carcass lamb at the Bedford County Fair’s Junior Livestock Sale.


July 18th

The Northern Region VJJA will provide a training on July 18th from 8:30AM to 3:00 PM.  Part I on Street Crimes and Drugs will be presented by Det. Murdock Wooddard with Spotsylvania Sheriff’s department.  Part II on Treating the Prescription Generation will be presented by Mr. Patrick Slifka, NCG’s Director of Training. 

The training will be held on at the Locust Shade Room at the Ferlazzo Building, 15948 Donald Curtis Drive, Woodbridge, VA 22191.

This training is free for VJJA Members, $ 20 for new members, and $15 for non-members.
Please CLICK HERE for more information on the event and its registration.


June 19th and 20th

NCG, Inc. is participating in the 2008 Making a Difference in Juvenile Justice Conference sponsored by the Department of Criminal Justice Services. The conference is taking place on the 19th and 20th of June at the Hampton Convention Center. The following is a link for additional information: http://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/trainingEvents/jjdp/2007.cfm


May 1, 2008

National Counseling Group’s Second Annual Conference and 15 year Celebration was a tremendous event and a great time! We were thrilled to have Governor Tim Kaine speak for a second year.  Governor Kaine’s remarks were followed by those of Delegate Phil Hamilton and Former Virginia Secretary of Education, James Dyke and all 3 spoke about the very pressing issue of mental health care reform.  This was a great way to get energized for the day and ready for the learning opportunities provided by Dr. Stanton Samenow, Lisa Hunt, Executive Director of Center for Clinical and Forensic Services, Craig King, PsyD, MSW, Patrick Slifka, Director of Training, National Counseling Group, and the panel discussion featuring Leslie Martin and Frank Valentine of National Counseling Group and Bud Sedwick, CSA Coordinator, Martinsville.  The Luncheon ceremony featured Delegate Steve Shannon as the key note speaker and recognized Bud Sedwick and the 31st Court Services Unit Food Drive and this year’s Community Services Award winners.

On behalf of everyone at National Counseling Group, we would like to thank all those who attended and contributed to the success of this year’s conference.

We invite you to enjoy our photos of the event below.

National Counseling Group’s Second Annual Conference and 15 year Celebration


Start Over


March 31, 2008

The National Counseling Group will be a vendor at:
Warren County Best Practices Conference
March 31st from 8am-4pm
4-H Conference Center
600 4-H Center Drive
Front Royal, VA 22630


March 27, 2008

Patrick Slifka and Wayne Frith, Executive Director for SAFE (Chesterfield County's substance abuse awareness and prevention coalition), will speak at VJJA's Spring Conference in Virginia Beach, March 27, 2008. The three hour training, beginning at 1:00 PM, will address the issue of Inhalant use among teenagers in Virginia and the significant implications of the use of these products on the development of young people who choose to abuse them. Additionally, the response of SAFE and the local community, including National Counseling Group, to the problem of inhalant abuse will be reviewed.


March 25, 2008

Patrick Slifka will conduct a training for Hanover Court Services Unit on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at 10am. The workshop will cover Motivational Interviewing techniques.


March 18, 2008

Patrick Slifka and Frank Valentine (Richmond Site) will be presenting on "Adolescent Brain Development" at Chesterfield Public Schools Staff Development Day (March 18, 2008). Attendees will include over 250 school psychologists, social workers, counselors and other school personnel.


March 12, 2008

National Counseling Group will be recognized as a community resource and public partner with SAFE (Substance Abuse Free Environment), Chesterfield County's collaborative community coalition addressing substance abuse issues, during the first Virginia Inhalant Abuse Prevention Institute. The conference will be held in Staunton, Virginia on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at the Stonewall Jackson Hotel. Patrick Slifka, NCG's Director of Training and the Chair of SAFE's Inhalant Task Force, will speak about Chesterfield County's response to the increasing trend of inhalant abuse among youth in the Commonwealth.


March 10, 2008

Patrick Slifka participated in a 30 minute interview on the Spanish radio show "Enfoque con tu Comunidad" - AM 1380. The interview was conducted by Juan Santacoloma from the the Chesterfield County Hispanic Liaison. The focus was on Inhalant Abuse in Chesterfield County, Virginia.


March 6, 7, & 8, 2008

NASW

2008 ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The Omni Hotel, Richmond, VA
Annual Awards Luncheon
Saturday, March 8
11:30 am - 1:00 pm

pdfClick here to view brochure.


February 7, 2008

On February 7, 2008 Patrick Slifka was interviewed by Don Kappel, Chesterfield County's Director of Public Affairs, for the "Chesterfield Spotlight" - a local television spot highlighting relevant issues in the local community. The segment focused on the use of inhalants by chesterfield youth and offered resources for concerned parents and professionals. The spot will air at various times throughout the month of February prior to CNN Headline News.


January 15, 2008

National Counseling Group, Inc.

Presents: Stanton Sameow, PhD

Nationally recognized speaker, researcher, and author Dr. Stanton Samenow, will return to Winchester to present on Tuesday, January 15, 2008 at the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church. This will be a free training from 9-4 with lunch included. Books will be available for sale at the presentation.

Be sure to register by Friday, January 4, 2008 and include your name, agency, address, phone, and email so you /will receive updates about the training. We will have only 200 seats available. We look forward to seeing you.

NATIONAL COUNSELING GROUP, INC.
12 N. Braddock Street
Winchester, Va 22601
Phone: 540-450-2734

Email: Mary.Steele@nationalcounselinggroup.com


January 14, 2008

Patrick Slifka and Frank Valentine will conduct a training for Hanover Court Services Unit on Monday, January 14th, 2008. The workshop, Drug and Alcohol Testing, will cover screening methodology and types of testing, clinical and probationary implications of screening, interpretation of results, and strategies frequently employed by clients to avoid detection of substance use.

Please join us for our annual Holiday Open Houses!

Friday January 11, 2008
12:30pm-3:30pm
729 Thimble Shoals Blvd.
Suite 5-C
Newport News, VA 23606

 

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