Join us for a free screening of the acclaimed documentary Our American Family, which examines the searing impact of generational addiction on one Philadelphia family.
Glenn Sterner, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice and an expert on the illicit use of opioids, will moderate a post-film discussion that includes two members of the family, Nicole and Bryan, featured in the film. Carla Sofronski, the director of the Pennsylvania Harm Reduction Network, will join the panel to highlight resources in the community and, as a person with lived experience, she will address the role of stigma.
Due to language and thematic elements, this film is not suitable for audiences under the age of 18.
This event is sponsored by the Penn State Abington Criminal Justice program and the Division of Social Sciences with support from the Division of Arts and Humanities and the Penn State University Libraries.
Date: Tuesday, March 28
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: 112 Woodland Building
Penn State Abington
1600 Woodland Road
Abington, PA 19001
Directions to campus
Parking Map
Our American Family Bios
Nicole, Daughter
Nicole is the oldest child featured in Our American Family. At one time, she was considered a “chronic relapser” with a heroin addiction. She attended over 15 treatment centers before achieving long-term sobriety. Today, Nicole has earned over five years of sobriety and works to help others as a certified recovery specialist. She has helped over 1000 people gain access to treatment. Her goal is to let other women and mothers know that no matter how low they are, they can “get there” and live a better life. She continues to work on herself and makes a decision every day to not use or get high.
Bryan, Stepfather
Bryan is the stepfather in Our American Family. Bryan married his soulmate who had three children from a previous marriage. One year later, Bryan realized that his wife’s oldest child was struggling with a substance use disorder. He shifted from saving money for vacations to finding ways to pay for rehabs and therapists. Initially resentful of his struggling family members, Bryan spent the next 15 years learning about addiction in efforts to support his wife and their children. He and his wife Linda not only support their children, but also help raise their granddaughter—who is the number one person in Bryan’s life. Bryan is a landscaper for his family business who also finds peace working with the lathe.