What does family mean to yous?

Screenshot 2018-09-28 11.57.21.png

Family is ane of Be Strong Families core values, first with respect for and appreciation of others no matter how old, how young, where they come from, what they've experienced, where they are, how capable they are, how healthy they are, who they beloved. It extends to individual's choices of who they call family – what intentional, meaningful relationships they form. Our value of family extends to community and to sisterhood and alliance . Although we are united by this value, family means something different to each of us. Hear from our Board of Directors what family means to them:

"My family is and has been supportive in helping me raise my children. They represent the foundation of who I take become in life. It was my aunt and uncle who drove me around looking at colleges equally a loftier school pupil and encouraging me for college teaching. My grandparents financed my college instruction. My family has always been at that place for me, in good times and non then good times. If information technology wasn't for my mother, I am not sure where I would be today. Since I got divorced 12 years ago, my mother has helped me financially to stay in my dwelling and meet the needs of my growing kids."

- Nina Aliprandi (Board Chair), Director of Program Services, Maryville Academy

"Family for me represents the foundation of self, and a unity of acceptance, unconditional sacrifices, joy, support and honey that is built on a continuum of resilience, and journey in humility from the past, current and futurity generations."

- Sandy Baba, Ph.D., Education Researcher

"I feel family unit goes across bloodlines, last names or obligations. To me, the word 'family' includes all the people in our lives who commit to love and support u.s.a. unconditionally. It is non a passive birthright but a choice, a discipline of kindness that helps us thrive both as individuals and equally a lodge."

- Fernando Barcelona, President / Creative Manager, Barcelona and Friends

"Holding on as one

Roots rich with stories of life

Ancestrally linked"

- Denise Boston, Ph.D., Dean of Variety & Inclusion, California Constitute of Integral Studies

"Family, broadly and inclusively divers, is the foundation for individual and community health, well-being and prosperity.  Let's join together to strengthen families, nurture positive relationships, and promote resilience and hope."

- Anne Douglass, Ph.D., Founding Executive Manager, Institute for Early on Education Leadership and Innovation and Associate Professor, Academy of Massachusetts

 "For me family is so much more than just the people I am related to, my family also consists of a supportive and caring group of friends who I can laugh and cry with. Without the strength of community, I experience that I would not have as much hope to be the parent and person that I strive to be."

- Kassia Eide (Board Secretary), SPARK Family Engagement Coordinator, Play tricks Valley United Way

"I look at family equally those who care about you the most and want to see you grow and flourish. Helpfulness, respect, wellness, integrity and cooperation are my core values; my family unit understands my values and I understand their values. Through understanding of each other's values, we arrive at a mutual respect and back up. People with open up hearts and a willingness to accept you for the human that yous are. Even when things become wrong and crisis faces you, you tin can always depend on family. Family unit brings you lot back to your values and helps you make adept decisions."

- Kenneth Krantz, CFP® APMA®, Financial Advisor, Grezlik, Krantz, and Associates Ameriprise Fiscal

 "To me a family unit is whoever I tin can depend on for support, to express joy with, to play with, and to share the challenges and rewards of life with."

- Beth Lakier, Chief Operating Officer, Chicago Commons

"Family ways having someone to love you lot unconditionally in spite of y'all and your shortcomings. Family unit is loving and supporting one another even when it's not easy to do and then. It'due south being the best person you could be so that you may inspire your love ones. Family doesn't see color, race, creed non culture it sees heart. Family isn't always about existence connected biologically, because understands that other things and influences bind us. Family is unrelenting, it's secure and reliable. Family isn't just important, it's what is almost important!"

- Marvin Lazenbury, MHS, Associated Director of Housing, Bucks & Montgomery County Valley Youth House

 "I used to tell this to my kids when they were younger, 'Our family unit is like Noah's ark. The outside world may sometimes feel cluttered or harsh or overwhelming, like a overflowing. In our family, nosotros want to create an ark for each other — where we're safety and protected and experience a sense of belonging, loved, cared near, taken care of and protected.' They got it and that's the world our family is."

- Naomi Marking, LCSW, Manager of Educational Programs for the Office of Workforce Evolution at NYC's Department of Social Services

 "My honey for my family, my desire for them to be proud of me and my decisions, is my life's compass. I hope to advance the organization'south mission through my fourth dimension and judgment. I consider serving on this board as something of a civic duty, in addition to a challenging and enjoyable experience."

- Scott Reinglass, JD (Board Treasurer), Assistant Managing Attorney, Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.

 "Family always feels nearby. The closeness is never determined by distance or time. Frequent gatherings develop into mutual support. And occasional visits enrich lives with gratitude. Family is comfort; it is home. What is most important: I decline to limit family unit to a group or place. I am passionate most strengthen all communities. I believe, the foundation is respect and commitment and creating cherished moments."

- Antoinette Rice-White, Community Parent Leader, Foster Parent, and Child Care Provider

 "Building strong families is a self-preservation strategy for any rational and sane society. An enlightened lodge is one which supports all of its members in reaching their full potential equally homo beings. I believe we tin get truthful architects of our destinies rather than mere captives of our fate, of our past. This liberating model allows for true freedom equally each segment of society takes responsibility for itself and for our extended human family. It is a strengths-based and wellness model which leads to evolutionary growth, resilience, and development towards the higher reaches of human nature. Information technology is a vision of promise, based on the most powerful force in all of nature: love."

- Carl Totton, Psy.D., Professor of Psychology, Phillips Graduate Academy

 "We are family unit."

- Katthe Wolf, MA (President), Founding Partner, and CEO of Exist Strong Families

Our Make New Family Game QUESTIONABLE Is Here!