Be a Part of the Conversation was originally a school/community initiative in Hatboro-Horsham School District. Our first event was by invitation, and welcomed community leaders as we introduced our vision:  “The more aware we all become, the more power we have to stop substance abuse before it starts.”

Our first community event, “A Conversation About Substance Use & Consequences, with Ken Thompson, MD” was held at the Horsham Township Community Center on October 11, 2011.

June 11, 2014 – Be a Part of the Conversation was incorporated in the state of Pennsylvania.

Our Board of Directors was established and we held our first board meeting. Board members included John Mergenthaler (President), Doug Leavitt (Vice President), Nancy DeLucia (Treasurer), Dawn Tucker (Secretary), and Heather Gregan. Kim Porter (then Rubenstein) was named Executive Director.

Awarded nonprofit status as a 501(c)3 corporation by the Internal Revenue Service. All contributions to Be a Part of the Conversation are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.  >> Click here to donate!

We honored Roland Lamb with our 2016 “Conversation Inspiration Award” and Caroline Fenkel with our “Conversation Youth Inspiration Award” at our first fundraising event.  >> Click here to read about the event.

Be a Part of the Conversation moved into our first official office space at the Center for Families, 101 Phoenixville Pike, Malvern, PA 19355.

We honored Jamison Monroe with our 2017 “Conversation Inspiration Award” and Carl Antisell with our “Conversation Youth Inspiration Award” at our second annual fundraising event.  >> Click here to read about the event.

Judy Hirsh, CFRS was hired as our Program Director.

The mother of a son in recovery, Judy brings a diverse background to BPOC.

Professionally, she practiced law for four years, has practiced real estate valuation and managed a family business for 24 years and served as a budget analyst for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. She has worked as a Neighborhood Mediator with the Good Shepherd Mediation Program in Philadelphia, PA. Judy is a Certified Family Recovery Specialist (CFRS), which is someone who assists families impacted by a loved one’s substance use disorder.  >> Click here to meet our entire team.

We honored PA Attorney General Josh Shapiro with our 2019 “Conversation Inspiration Award” and Kristen Harootunian with our “Conversation Youth Inspiration Award” at our third annual fundraising event.  >> Click here to read about the event.

Tessa Ricci was hired as our Communications Director.

With a background in psych services and business development, Tessa’s passion is working directly with people. She graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in Education and Social Policy, and has explored roles in design consulting, performing arts, and marketing.

At the root of all her professional endeavors is empathy. Tessa strives to create positive impact and genuine connection both in and out of the workplace. She continues this mission by running Lit Improv — a theater, learning center, and community dedicated toward cultivating authenticity, spreading positivity, and sparking creativity in individuals and groups across Philadelphia and beyond.

For many years, Tessa has been passionate about spreading awareness of mental health. She believes in the importance and powerful impact of having open discussions in supportive environments, and not skirting around delicate topics. For this reason, she is especially excited to be part of this team.    >> Click here to meet our entire team.