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 their families. This may happen quietly, over time, or abruptly without warning. It can be a dance that occurs when...
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 immunized is being lifted and we have the opportunity to enjoy the smiles we have been missing! May is mental health...
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 alternate rituals to celebrate lifespan events like holidays, birthdays, deaths, etc. The awareness of mental health issues has...
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 the virtual universe from far and wide. Let's connect for an hour of smiles, laughs, and feeling good. The fee is a...
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 offer caregivers of individuals with mental illnesses/brain disorders a space to connect, network, share, and acquire...
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. Wash hands. Here at Grow a Strong Family, we have so much to be grateful for. First and foremost, the ongoing...
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, PsyD;, ABPP (2021) is a more comprehensive edition than the first edition which was also very well organized and helpful. ...
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: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcvdu2hpzgvGd1afaKcywHN83QnG_3qMZG3 After registering, you will receive a confirmation...
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 health and well-being, get out everyday! And yes, believe it or not, wear Deet! Ticks are alive and well in malodorous...
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 programs that integrate virtual and community based therapeutic recreation activities. Participation in one or both of these...
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 meeting:https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMvdOiprzwqGtOK3BiNnzNJNrCEow8ErbZ6 After registering, you will receive a...
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 meeting:https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0qd-CoqTkpEtY98BVGsRCS2lTEutX5XO4T After registering, you will receive a confirmation...
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 Drawn-out or frequent court actions Custody battles Allegations of domestic violence, physical abuse, and/or sexual...
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 this coming Sunday, Oct 4, 7-8:30 pm. Our discussion begins with exploring how the pandemic has affected our families and...
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 Research. Grow a Strong Family was instrumental in assisting in the design of this tip sheet! We also incorporated material...
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 you cannot physical distance 6 feet, wash your hands, avoid gatherings. We have continued to provide services...
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 an essentil skill for managing ourselves when we are anxious... Here are 17 more ideas! Link to Article
#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 donate $5 or $500. Every little bit helps. Thank you for your support. I've included information about Grow a Strong...
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 Canada) Every week on Tue, until May 26, 2020, 7 occurrence(s) Apr 14, 2020 10:30 AM Apr 21, 2020 10:30 AM Apr 28, 2020 10:30...
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 know when we can set up online chats: https://growastrongfamily.org/please-take-this-survey/ Replanting Lives Group Tues...
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 (https://youtu.be/0rR9IaXH1M0) and he also has a regular show on Comedy Central. He has a bit about mental health and...
Poll!
February 2021 Grow a Strong Family is 7!
February is both the shortest month of the year and the longest month of the year. It is also the month that saw the birth of Grow a Strong Family! In honor of our birthday, we are making available an hour of comedy! Jacob Williams' comedy follows his...