Materials
December, 2009
Edited selections from the ASCA newsletter.
The original newsletter (pdf)
Contents
1. What is ASCA?
ASCA—Adult Survivors of Child Abuse—is an international, psychologically-based, self-help support group program designed specifically for adult survivors of physical, sexual, and/or emotional abuse or neglect. ASCA is a highly effective program that consists of individual and group components. We offer survivors the opportunity to participate in virtual asynchronous meetings via our website, as well as live in-person support group meetings. We support the meetings with high-quality recovery literature, created especially for adult survivors of child abuse. The Survivor to Thriver manual is the workbook for the three-stage recovery program of ASCA that can be downloaded for free, or purchased and delivered to you.
2. Purpose of ASCA
The Morris Center created ASCA in order to guarantee access to a superior program focused on recovery from childhood abuse irrespective of any survivor’s financial situation. ASCA supports and assists individuals to transform their identities from victims to survivors to thrivers. Our mission is to reach out to and provide support for as many survivors of child abuse as possible, and to encourage the growth of ASCA support-group meetings around the world. Please join us in our mission by contributing what you can. The Morris Center needs you to survive and thrive.
3. Who Uses ASCA?
- Individuals practicing the ASCA program, either privately or online through the forums and e-meetings on our website.
- Those practicing the ASCA program in conjunction with ASCA self-help support groups.
- Those using parts of ASCA with their individual or group psychotherapy.
- Mental health and social services organizations looking to initiate a support-group program for adult survivors of child abuse.
4. History of ASCA
In 1993, The Morris Center began collaborating with a team of respected therapists and community volunteers to design and implement our first ASCA meetings in the San Francisco Bay Area. We have continued to update and evolve the program in conjunction with solid research, testing, and participant feedback.
In 1999, with the inauguration of our website, The Morris Center decided to host all ASCA materials online. Individuals and groups may download and use any materials they consider helpful to their recovery efforts, free of charge.
5. How Can I Start an ASCA Group?
We offer ASCA to all members of the survivor community, as well as to professional caregivers and care-giving organizations working with survivors of child abuse. Everything you need to start your own group is right on our website. Join us in our mission, so that we may continue to reach out to other survivors and extend the ASCA program to those who desperately need quality recovery resources. Any amount you are able to give will help. Join us in our mission.