In Memoriam: The Legacy of Sis Wenger

The Addiction Policy Forum community joins colleagues across the country in mourning the loss of Loretta "Sis" Wenger, a pioneering advocate whose life's work transformed support for children and families affected by addiction.

For more than four decades, Sis was a tireless voice for children affected by parental substance use. Long before adverse childhood experiences and intergenerational trauma became widely recognized, she was educating policymakers, healthcare professionals, educators, faith leaders, and communities about the often-overlooked needs of children growing up in families affected by addiction. Her message was simple, powerful, and unwavering: Remember the Children.

Under Sis's leadership, the National Association for Children of Addiction (NACoA) became the nation's leading organization dedicated to supporting children and families impacted by substance use disorders. She helped develop training programs, educational resources, and professional competencies that strengthened the ability of physicians, social workers, educators, and clergy to identify and support children affected by addiction. Her work extended far beyond the United States, helping to build international networks and expand access to resources for families around the world.

Sis's influence reached every level of the field. She advised the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse. She collaborated with organizations ranging from Sesame Workshop and Marvel Comics to recovery advocacy organizations and national prevention initiatives, always seeking innovative ways to reach children and families with messages of hope, resilience, and healing.

At Addiction Policy Forum, we were honored to know Sis as a trusted colleague, partner, and advocate. She believed deeply in the power of prevention, education, family engagement, and recovery support. Her wisdom, generosity, and commitment to improving the lives of children and families helped inform countless initiatives across the addiction field. In 2021, Addiction Policy Forum recognized her extraordinary contributions with the Advocate of the Year Award, honoring a lifetime dedicated to breaking cycles of addiction and creating pathways to recovery and wellness.

As Jessica Hulsey, Founder and CEO of Addiction Policy Forum, reflected:

"Sis Wenger changed the way our nation understands the impact of addiction on children and families. Long before family-centered care became a national priority, she reminded all of us that recovery is strongest when we support children, caregivers, and entire family systems. Her leadership, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to prevention, healing, and hope have left an indelible mark on our field, and her legacy will continue to inspire our work for generations to come."

While her professional accomplishments were extraordinary, those who knew Sis best often speak first about her kindness. She mentored emerging leaders, connected colleagues across sectors, and made everyone feel seen and valued. She understood that meaningful change begins with relationships and that every child, every family, and every community deserves hope.

Today, countless individuals, families, professionals, and organizations continue to benefit from the foundation she built. Her legacy lives on in the children who found support, the families who found healing, the professionals who gained knowledge and skills, and the advocates who continue the work she championed so fiercely.

We extend our deepest condolences to Sis's family, friends, colleagues, and the entire NACoA community. We are grateful for her life, her leadership, and her unwavering belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive.

May we honor her memory by continuing to do what she asked of us all: Remember the Children.

As we reflect on Sis Wegner's extraordinary legacy, we are honored to revisit this moment recognizing her as Addiction Policy Forum's 2021 Advocate of the Year.