What we do
Grow a Strong Family supports caregivers and other family members impacted by the serious mental illness/brain disorder of a loved one. This comprehensive multimedia website offers a great many programs easily accessed by a click. Other than the fee-for-service coaching program, the courses, and the shop, everything is complimentary. Our funding sources are primarily through donations, grants, and the coaching. New materials are added regularly. There is a monthly newsletter, a blog updated several times a month, an open and a closed Facebook page, and a weekly support group for caregivers. Referrals and collaboration with other professionals are an integral component of family life education and Grow a Strong Family regularly engages with others.
Grow a Strong Family is based on the strong belief that no one should live in isolation, especially caregivers and families impacted by others with mental illnesses/brain disorders.
Latest News
Preview November 2021 Newsletter!
November: Promote an Attitude of Gratitude November is the month when we harvest our seeds that were planted throughout the year. We celebrate with...
Gratitude Goes All Ways
Please join us as we raise awareness of all of the wonderful things that growastrongfamily.org offers by registering and participating in our...
Words Matter!
Thirteen years ago, George Carlin performed a bit about the softening of language. The bit begins with an example. “In WWI, soldiers came home...
Estrangement? Abandonment? When a Brain Disorder Impacts Relationships
One of the areas that is affected when an adult child has a brain disorder/mental illness (herein referred to as a brain disorder) is their leaving...
Summer 2021 Newsletter
June Newsletter – We Need YOU
May 2021 Newsletter
As spring blooms, we enjoy being outdoors more. The ays are longer, warmer, and greener. The mandate on wearing masks outside for those who are...
April 2021 Newsletter
It has been over a year since the pandemic began impacting our daily lives. We have managed to find ways to connect, and we have developed...
That Way Madness Lies
Podcast of filmmaker Sandra Luckow detailing her brother’s descent into mental illness and its impact on her and her family.
The Story of Grow a Strong Family
The story of how Grow a Strong Family came to be and how it continues to grow.
Our 7th Annual Meeting: A Comedy Hour
We are having our 7th Annual Meeting on Feb 21 at 7pm with a comedy show to follow. The meeting will be short, the laughs aplenty, and joined in...
Replanting Lives Re-Zooms
Replanting Lives Uprooted by Mental Illnesses/Brain Disorders. “Replanting Lives” meets weekly on zoom between 10-11:30 am for FREE in order to...
Happy Holidays from Grow a Strong Family
The end of the year is upon us. In spite of the vaccines and the hope they offer, the mantra remains the same: Wear masks. Physically distance. ...
A Gift for You, A Gift for Others
Add This to Your Library!
Getting It Done When You're Depressed, Second Edition, 50 Strategies for Keeping Your Life on Track, by Julie A. Fast and Dr. John D. Preston,...
Comedy, Mental Illness, and Replanting Lives
Replanting Lives Discusses the “System”
The “System” is the broken “mental health system” that does not serve the seriously mentally ill.
An Important Book to Read and to Share
Resources to hold, share, and apply!
Serious Mental Illness = Brain Disorders
Happy & Healthy Thanksgiving
An Accomplishment and an Opportunity
Replanting Lives Group for Family Members
Hi there, You are invited to a Zoom meeting. When: Nov 18, 2020 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Register in advance for this meeting:...
Another option for families!
Another accomplishment of ours!
November 2020 Newsletter
November is here. Days are shorter. Nights are longer. Traditionally, our tendency is to hunker in. That makes sense. Still, for your mental...
Grow a Strong Family’s Response to the Pandemic
Family members in the communities where they live receive education, information and networking opportunities through participating in support...
Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops – What You Need to Know
Hi there, You are invited to a Zoom meeting. When: Nov 4, 2020 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Register in advance for this...
Replanting Lives: Wednesdays from 7pm
Hi there, You are invited to a Zoom meeting. When: Oct 21, 2020 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Register in advance for this...
Taking Children Out of the Middle
High conflict divorce is a term that is typically applied to any of the following divorce situations: Ongoing, unremitting hostility between adults...
Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops
Discussion after viewing!
Families Work Through Grief
Replanting Lives Re-Zooms
We are extending an invitation to begin the month of October with the support of Grow a Strong Family and others like you! Our first session is...
Help Us Help Families!
This is our annual appeal! Help us move forward into next year.
FUNDLY CAMPAIGN
Join me in supporting Grow A Strong Family!
New! Tip Sheet
Creating a Family Safety Plan. This is the latest tip sheet developed by the Family Advisory Board to the Transitions to Adulthood Center for...
Law Enforcement and Community Calls Re Mental Illness
NYT Columnist Asks_ Would Daniel Prude Be Alive If His Brother Had Called Medical Professionals – Not The Police_
September 2020 Nesletter
Covid 19 continues to dominate the news, along with openings, hybrid models, remote engagement, and the mantra continues, "Wear a face covering when...
Rebuilding Our Lives: Volunteering During COVID19
Ideas to get you started!
Musical Moments
Wanted to get the musical ball rolling. What has humored you, insired you, or just amused you during this time??? Please let us know!
Excellent Resource on Grief
The authors of the piece have a great website called, “What’s Your Grief?” They also have resources and podcasts. For this piece, they identified 7 types of grief and do an excellent job of explaining them.
We Are Like Trees
Trees overcome adversity in ingenious ways. Such is the will to survive, nay, thrive.
17 Healthy Ways to Deal with Anxiety
Ultimately, acceptance is the key to serenity. Understanding what you can and cannot control goes a long way in easing anxiety. Self-soothing is...
#Giving Tuesday Appeal
Want to join me in supporting a good cause? I'm raising money for Grow a Strong Family Inc. and your contribution will make an impact, whether you...
May 2020 Newsletter
Ongoing support and resources through the spring!
Pandemic Funnies
Funnies shared by members of the Rebuilding Our Lives group.
Replanting Lives VIRTUAL Support Group
Mara Briere is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: Replanting Lives Support GroupTime: Apr 14, 2020 10:30 AM Eastern Time (US and...
April 2020 Newsletter
Grow a Strong Family understands that this time of social distancing can be especially difficult for families. Please take this survey and let us...
Please take this survey!
Looking for ways to connect during this time of social distancing.
Delivery Options
During this time of the Pandemic, there are many delivery options available. Here is a brief list to get started.
Apps to Manage Anxiety
Helpful apps to manage anxiety
Jim Jeffries on Why We’re All So Depressed
Jim Jeffries, an Australian US citizen makes astute observations about some of America's big issue. He is famous for his bit on gun control...
Halfway Through! Get us to the Finish Line!
1. 13 Participants are actively involved in counting their steps2. They have collected over 582912 steps (276 Miles) out of an anticipated 1 million...
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