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REFRESH: A Leadership Call for 2025
By Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, CADC
President & CEO, Fathers and Families Coalition of America

There is a sacred moment in every leader’s journey when they must pause—not to quit, not to retreat, but to refresh.

Not just to take a break, but to breathe new life into their purpose. Not to abandon the mission, but to remember why it began. Not to drift, but to reset the sails.

In 2025, the need for refreshed leadership is not a luxury. It is a necessity.

Unlocking the Purpose Within: A Call to the Courageous for the 2025 Advanced Practitioner Credential Course™

There is a place where passion meets precision. Where theory is not just taught—it is lived. Where strangers become family. And where you don’t just get certified—you get clarified. Welcome to the Advanced Practitioner Credential Course™ 2025, offered by the Fathers and Families Coalition of America, where you are not enrolling in a program—you are saying yes to your purpose. This course is not just for the clinician, the educator, or the leader. It is for the seeker. It is for the one who hears a whisper inside saying: “There is more.” And, you’re ready to find it.

Where GRIT Meets Grace

This course invites you to stand in your power—not the performative kind, but the deeply authentic kind that’s forged in the fires of hardship, experience, and healing. Rooted in the GRIT framework—Growth, Resilience, Integrity, and Transformation—every module calls you to not just understand the science of change, but to become the embodiment of it.

You will learn to lead with grace. To speak with clarity.
To support others and not lose yourself in the process.
To rise with both empathy and evidence.
To hold space for others and make room for your own evolution.

A Fusion of Philosophies for Modern Practitioners

At FFCA, we don’t silo disciplines—we synthesize wisdom. This course is grounded in:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Understanding the thoughts that shape our actions

• Motivational Interviewing – Inviting change through collaboration and empowerment

• Logotherapy – Finding meaning in suffering, based on the teachings of Viktor Frankl

• Schema Therapy – Healing the root wounds that shape adult behavior

• Eastern Philosophies – Ikigai, Kintsugi, and Ichigo Ichie that teach us the art of stillness, strength in imperfection, and the beauty of each present moment

• PERMA Model of Happiness – Positive psychology that focuses on Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment

We introduce you to tools. Then we teach you to wield them.
We give you frameworks. Then we teach you to live them.

The Method and Magic Behind the Course

The power of this credential doesn’t lie only in what is taught—but in how it is delivered.

Each week, you enter a space designed to nurture your mind, soul, and professional path. From morning sessions to evening cohorts to on-demand flexibility, we designed the format so that life does not become a barrier to your growth.

You’ll engage with:

• Interactive Workbook Activities that inspire and challenge you

• Victory Statement Creation that reframes what winning looks like

• Focus Mapping to uproot limiting beliefs and replace them with liberating truths

• Meet Me In Ten Years exercises that help create a new vision of self, family, and purpose

• Practitioner Integration Case Study that unites every lesson, theory, and application

• Time-Lapse Photo Reflections so you can see your growth from week to week

• And a final exam experience that’s not about passing a test—but about activating a team and birthing transformation through collaboration

A Sanctuary of Synergy, Gratitude & Belonging

Some enroll for knowledge.
Many walk away with a new calling.
And a few… find the people they didn’t know they were missing.

Through this course, friendships have been born that now span years and continents. Executive leaders and first-time practitioners have locked arms through shared vision and vulnerability. This is more than a class—it is a community. It is a coalition. One where:

• Synergy is created

• Happiness is taught

• Gratitude is elevated

• And everyone is welcomed exactly as they are

You don’t need to fit in.
You need only to show up.

Because this course believes in you before you even know why.

Enrollment Information

Course Starts: June 18, 2025
Morning Class: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM PST
Evening Class: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM PST
On-Demand Track: Weekly self-paced with assignments & exam
Course Fee: $200.00 (includes manual, assessments, certificate & access to all materials)

Register Now – Unlock Unlimited Possibilities™

https://17121.ezfacility.com/login?SmuFormId=58582B82-2149-4F2D-92B9-08C8BB6F3573

Why This. Why Now. Why You.

You don’t need a title to matter.
You don’t need a degree to grow.
You don’t need a reason to say yes to yourself.

You just need to be willing.

Willing to do the inner work.
Willing to listen to your deeper calling.
Willing to believe that everything you’ve been through is leading you here—for a reason.

This is your invitation to become who you were meant to be.
Not someday.
Now.

So, join us.
Be part of the movement.
And let your purpose rise.

Lead with Love. Transform with Intention. Live With Purpose.

— Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, CADC
President & CEO
Fathers and Families Coalition of America

COMING SOON: The Purpose Within – Like the Phoenix Out of the Ashes
By Dr. James C. Rodríguez

There’s a song by Bad Bunny where he says, “Duermo en Los Ángeles, pero vivo en San Juan.” I know that feeling. I live in Phoenix to be near my children, but my dreams still hum with the heartbeat of New York City. My soul? It dances in Puerto Rico. And my heart—it finds peace walking the shores of California. My family migrated from Puerto Rico to New York and then California, settling in San Bernardino County. I left home at 17 to serve this country as a combat medic and never truly returned—only to visit, to serve, to build. Yet, every step since has been about rising from what tried to break me and returning to what gives me life.

This is why I wrote The Purpose Within: Like the Phoenix Out of the Ashes.

How do we rise when life burns everything we know to the ground?

In The Purpose Within, I open the doors to my journey—not to recount pain for pain’s sake, but to walk with you through the embers of what was… and into the possibilities of what can be. Inspired by Nietzsche’s truth—“Ready must thou be to burn thyself in thine own flame; how couldst thou become new if thou have not first become ashes!”—this book is not about avoiding the fire. It’s about becoming it. Not a spark of ego. But a flame of transformation. This book is not just a project. It is my purpose, poured onto the page.

THE SUMMER OF BEING INTENTIONAL: A PERSONAL CALL TO ACTION
By Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, CADC
President & CEO, Fathers & Families Coalition of America
Author of "The Purpose Within: Like The Phoenix Out of the Ashes" (coming soon)
This summer isn’t just another season. It’s a calling.

We live in a world where burnout is normalized. Healing others often comes at the cost of forgetting ourselves. Leaders, clinicians, teachers, counselors, advocates, and parents are stretched so thin that they forget they carry the power to transform lives, starting with their own.

I created the Advanced Practitioner Credential™, the FFCA DiSC™ Program, and our QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Certification not as training checkboxes but as transformational opportunities to reclaim what we all deserve—purpose, clarity, power, and healing.

This summer, we’re not doing business as usual. We are claiming a new standard. We are stepping into the Summer of Being Intentional.

From the Ashes, We Rise

A Transformational Journey for Leaders and Change-Makers

By Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW
President & CEO, Fathers and Families Coalition of America

Are You Ready to Go Beyond Communication—Into True Connection and Growth?

Are you tired of surface-level team training that barely scratches the surface of real growth? Are you searching for a way to build stronger teams—and elevate human potential in yourself and those around you?

Then, now is the moment to take the next step.

The DiSC Training of Trainers Program™ by Fathers and Families Coalition of America (FFCA), in partnership with the California Institute of Health and Social Services, Inc., is more than a training—it's a transformational experience grounded in evidence, empathy, and purpose.

Launching May 28, 2025 (registration open)at our new Los Angeles training center, this hybrid model offers both in-person and virtual sessions. It invites professionals to step into advanced learning that fuses emotional intelligence, trauma-informed care, and personal growth like never before.

Why This Isn't Just Another DiSC Training

While most DiSC courses limit themselves to communication styles, the FFCA DiSC Model™ was intentionally designed to reflect the depth of human experience. It is built on four foundational dimensions:

The Advanced Practitioner Credential™ Course: A Transformational Journey for Professionals Working with Children, Families, and Communities

By Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW
President & CEO – Fathers and Families Coalition of America

In today's climate of uncertainty, rising demands, and deep-rooted inequities, professionals serving children and families—particularly those in nonprofit agencies, Head Start and Early Head Start programs, child welfare systems, behavioral health, and education—are being asked to do more than ever before. Yet, they are often doing so with fewer resources, higher caseloads, and increased emotional toll.

The Advanced Practitioner Credential™ (APC) Course is not just another certification. It is a bold, purpose-driven response to the urgent need for elevated leadership, intentional practice, and trauma-informed transformation. This course is built for those who refuse to settle for surface-level professional development. It is designed for those who know that the families and communities we serve deserve our very best—grounded in evidence, powered by purpose, and sustained by compassion.

Whether you are a seasoned clinician navigating burnout, a Head Start family service worker committed to generational change, a fatherhood practitioner striving to build bridges in underserved communities, or a community leader advocating for equity, this course offers an immersive journey of growth and renewal.

Be More Than an Exhibitor: Join the Movement to Make a Difference
26th International Families and Fathers Conference: April 7–11, 2025 | Hilton Los Angeles Airport Hotel

#BuildingBridges2025 #FFCAConference #StrongerFamiliesStrongerCommunities #GlobalImpact2025
#FathersAndFamilies #ExhibitorSpotlight #CommunityConnections #MeetTheAuthors2025 #InspiringChange
#BridgeBuildersUnite #FFCAExpo2025 #ConferenceWithPurpose #DiversityAndInclusion #EmpowerFamilies

We are pleased to confirm that the 26th International Families and Fathers Conference will continue as scheduled. Despite the recent devastating fires in Los Angeles County, the host hotel, Hilton LAX, remains unaffected and has graciously extended discounted room rates for attendees.

In light of these events, we are also considering extending the Early Registration Rate to support our community during this time.

Register Now: Click Here to Secure Your Spot

The authors are Tammika Fedrick and Frank Green
Protection & Prevention Capacity Building Coordinator, Division of Family Services
Virginia Department of Social Services
#ReconnectingFathers #FatherhoodAfterIncarceration #BreakingRecidivismCycles #FathersRebuildingLives #ReentryFamilySupport #IntentionalEngagement #FatherChildBonding #CollaboratingForFathers #FathersBuildingBridges #SystemicSupportForDads
#FatherhoodInVirginia  #VirginiaSocialServices #AdvocatingForDads #FamilyLeadershipInVA

Fatherhood is more than just a title—it is the cornerstone of family stability and a vital force shaping the futures of children, families, and entire communities. Yet, countless fathers, particularly those navigating challenges like reentry after incarceration, face systemic hurdles that threaten their ability to fulfill this essential role. At the 26th International Families and Fathers Conference – Building Bridges, we can explore groundbreaking solutions that empower fathers, uplift families, and strengthen communities. This transformative event, taking place April 8–11, 2025, at the Hilton LAX Hotel in Los Angeles, will bring together voices of experience, wisdom, and action to forge a brighter path forward.

With millions of children impacted by parental incarceration, this is not just a family issue—it’s a call to collective action. Together, we can reimagine fatherhood engagement, create bridges over systemic gaps, and build a future where every father has the tools to inspire, nurture, and lead. Join us as we collaborate with trailblazers like whose impactful work in Virginia is reshaping family dynamics and redefining what it means to support fathers.

Now is the time to unite, innovate, and act. Let’s build stronger families and communities, starting with the power of fatherhood.

By Allan Shedlin

Founder, DADvocacy Consulting Group and the Daddying Film Festival & Forum (D3F)

#Daddying #FathersMatter #BuildingBridges #Fatherhood #ParentingForTheFuture #EngagedDads #FamilyWellness #FathersAndFamilies

Introduction: A Transformative Call to Action

Parenting is one of the most profound opportunities to create lasting change in the world. Yet, how we approach fatherhood often feels constrained by outdated stereotypes and societal expectations. As I prepare to share my journey and insights as the keynote speaker at the Drs. Ramon and Yolanda Nieves Family Affair Red Tie Red Dress Gala, part of the 26th International Families and Fathers Conference - Building Bridges this April in Los Angeles, I invite you to join me in reimagining what fatherhood can truly mean.

This is a call to all fathers, father figures, educators, policymakers, and community leaders: let's embrace the power of daddying—a concept rooted in nurturing, connection, and lifelong commitment to the well-being of our children. It's time to shift the narrative and recognize the profound impact fathers can have as engaged co-parents and caregivers.

Author: Thao Tran
Digital Wellness Expert | Creator of the Ditox
For: Parents, Educators, Mental Health Professionals and Family Counselors

#FFCA2025 #DigitalWellbeing #PositiveParenting #FamilyEngagement #BuildingBridges #MentalHealthMatters #HealthySocialMedia #MindfulParenting #DigitalEmpowerment #SocialMediaSafety

Thao Vanessa Tran, a celebrated digital wellness expert and creator of the innovative Ditox program, will be one of the featured speakers at the 26th International Families and Fathers Conference, Building Bridges, April 8-11, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. As a passionate advocate for fostering resilience and positivity in the online world, Thao has dedicated her career to empowering families to navigate the complexities of social media with confidence and purpose.

With a wealth of experience in coaching and creating global digital well-being movements, Thao brings a unique perspective on helping parents, educators, and young people balance the opportunities and challenges of social media. Her sessions promise to be transformative, offering practical tools to build healthier digital habits, support mental health, and create authentic online connections.

Join us to hear Thao Vanessa Tran’s compelling insights as she shares her mission to shape a future where families thrive both online and offline. Her voice is a beacon for positive parenting and mindful digital engagement, aligning perfectly with the conference's theme of Building Bridges.

Workshop: Father’s Soaring to New Heights with their Families– Providing Vital Workforce Development Programming
Author: Katrina R. Johnson, EMBA
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Horizon Outreach

Workshop Date & Time: Tuesday, April 8, 2025,⋅ 3:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: La Jolla B, Hilton LAX Hotel

Fathers play a pivotal role in shaping the future of their families, yet many face unique challenges as they transition from difficult life circumstances such as incarceration, rehabilitation, or homelessness. Recognizing these barriers, Horizon Outreach, under the leadership of Katrina R. Johnson, EMBA, has dedicated itself to empowering fathers through comprehensive workforce development programming. The Horizon Eagle Fatherhood Program exemplifies how passion and purpose can transform lives, equipping fathers with the tools, skills, and support needed to build self-esteem, foster healthier relationships, and secure sustainable employment. With proven success in reducing recidivism and promoting economic self-sufficiency, this program uplifts individual fathers and creates a lasting generational impact, laying the foundation for stronger families and communities.

Inasmuch, employment for the varied demographic of fathers we are honored to serve is important, but also critically essential & a necessity to provide for their families as they transition from prison,  rehabilitation centers, shelters, and/or a plethora of other seasons in their lives. One hundred percent 100% of the men we serve are fathers, so transition of any kind must ABSOLUTELY include and encapsulate sustainable employment so that they can (continue to) provide (legally) for themselves and their children/ families. In doing so, passion meets the purpose for these men as they begin taking advantage of the opportunity to hone in on building self-esteem, self-worth, and a selfless attitude & approach toward their families during the 6-8 week workshops they attend here at our facility. These workshops help fathers build and healthily expand their fathering, parenting, and relationship skills.

One challenge common amongst organizations doing similar fatherhood work is the ongoing development of staff to ensure they are meeting the needs of the community and clientele served.

#MentalHealthMatters #SuicidePrevention #QPRTraining #BuildingBridges2025 #FathersAndFamiliesCoalition #FreeCEUTraining
#WellnessCommitment 

Suicide and The Importance of QPR
By: Dr. Alicia Jackson, PhD
Coordinator of Clinical Programs, Certified QPR Trainer
Florida A&M University, Office of Counseling Services

Introduction: The Vital Role of QPR in Suicide Prevention
The 26th International Families and Fathers Conference, Building Bridges, hosted by the Fathers and Families Coalition of America (FFCA) in Los Angeles, California, is an extraordinary gathering of thought leaders, advocates, and professionals dedicated to strengthening families and communities. Scheduled for April 8–10, 2025, at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport Hotel, with specialty trainings on April 11th, this conference underscores FFCA's commitment to wellness and professional development. Among the invaluable offerings is the QPR Suicide Prevention Certificate Training, provided free of charge to all attendees as part of FFCA’s mission to foster mental health awareness and actionable solutions.

The QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer) Suicide Prevention Training is more than an educational program—it is a lifeline for individuals in crisis and a transformative experience for those who participate. With continuing education units (CEUs) available, this initiative empowers attendees with practical tools to recognize warning signs, intervene effectively, and refer individuals to the necessary support systems. FFCA's dedication to offering this critical training for free reflects its unwavering focus on equipping communities with the skills to address mental health crises compassionately and proactively.

The Case for QPR

The Impact We Have - Authored by Dr. Anna Marie Frank, Bakersfield, California

#EmbraceExtraordinary #WellnessCoaching #FathersAndFamilies #LifeOfFlourishing #PersonalGrowth #MentalHealth #SelfCare #FamilyWellness #DrAnnaMarieFrank #HappyWholeYou #Naturopathy #MindsetMatters #HealingJourney #WellnessProfessionals #HolisticHealth #LiveWithPurpose #CoachingForWellness #Fatherhood #FlourishingLives #ExtraordinaryImpact #LifePurpose

Introduction: In our interconnected world, our influence on each other is immeasurable. Dr. Anna Marie Frank, Founder & CEO of Happy Whole You, explores this profound connection in her latest blog post, "Embracing Our Extraordinary Lives: The Impact We Have on Each Other." Dr. Frank delves into the vital role relationships play in shaping our development and well-being, particularly those with fathers and father figures. As one of the keynote panelists at the 26th International Families and Fathers Conference, Dr. Frank will join Mr. Kerry Brooks and Mr. David Koeblin for an inspiring morning session on Thursday, April 10, 2025, titled "Coaching for Wellness: The Path Towards a Life of Flourishing and Fulfillment." Together, they will explore the tools and mindset needed to build lives of purpose, connection, and fulfillment. Dr. Frank's insights from her blog beautifully set the stage for this transformative session, reminding us of our extraordinary impact on one another.

The Power of Connection and Purpose

In our rapidly changing world, it's easy to overlook our profound impact on one another. Each interaction, each shared moment, and each piece of advice we offer to shape the lives of those around us. We all serve as mentors in some capacity, whether we realize it or not. The relationships we cultivate, particularly with fathers and father figures, play a pivotal role in our development and overall well-being. The influence of a father—or a fatherly figure—can be a guiding force, instilling confidence, providing support, and teaching valuable life lessons. 

Values: A Foundation for Wellness authored by Mr. David Kobelin.

#ValuesDrivenLiving #CoachingForWellness #IdentityRestoration #PersonalGrowthJourney #LeadershipDevelopment #PurposefulLiving
#FamilyAndWellness 

The 26th International Families and Fathers Conference – Building Bridges is honored to welcome Mr. David Kobelin as a featured keynote speaker on Thursday, April 10, 2025. David’s journey as an Identity Restoration Specialist, pastor, husband, father, leader, and coach is rooted in his unwavering commitment to helping others flourish through clarity of values and purpose. With over 13 years of experience working with clients ranging from students to CEOs of major corporations, David’s approach is grounded in the belief that our core values shape our identity, influence our decisions, and ultimately determine our fulfillment in life. David’s reflections in his blog, "Values: A Foundation for Wellness," offer an intimate look at his personal journey of discovering and embracing his core values. The blog is an invitation to embark on a transformative process that promises to inspire readers to examine their own foundations for living. Whether you're a seasoned professional, a parent navigating the complexities of family life, or someone striving for personal growth, David's insights are sure to resonate deeply.

"The first time I embarked on a Values Clarification Exercise, I was unaware of the profound transformation it would bring. Questions about the animals I'd like to embody, the book titles that would narrate my life, and the eulogies at my memorial service seemed unrelated to my core. Yet, as I delved deeper, a list of values emerged that resonated within me, echoing, 'This is who I am!'

Such is the power of values clarity. Once I understood my core values, I applied them to every aspect of my life—each decision I made, and every goal I set had my values at their foundation. They still do. For instance, a core value of mine is 'honoring individuality.' This is important to me because every person is unique and has a story that only they can tell. And I want to give them the opportunity to tell it well. This is one of the main reasons I am an 'Identity Restoration Specialist.' I operate from my values to help them discover and live from theirs.

From Transformative to Transcendence

Author by Dr. James C. Rodriguez, MSW,
President and Chief Executive Officer

Your Next Step Toward Growth

The FFCA DiSC Training Program is an investment in yourself and the people around you. Whether you’re a professional, a parent, a leader, or someone seeking deeper self-awareness, this program offers a unique opportunity to grow, connect, and lead with purpose.

💻 Register Now
📞 Contact us at 424-789-4644 or 📧 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

Transformation begins here. Lead with love.

Authored by Ashley Torres, Father Involvement Specialist, Camden Healthy Start and Tatiyana Stubbs, Health Educator, Camden Healthy Start, The Cooperative

Fathers play a crucial role in reducing maternal mortality by ensuring timely care, providing emotional support, and assisting during critical periods. This blog highlights the importance of father involvement in maternal health and how empowering fathers can lead to healthier outcomes for mothers and children.

Maternal mortality remains a critical issue globally, but often overlooked in discussions about improving maternal health is the pivotal role fathers can play. Empowering fathers to be actively involved in pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care is not only a way to support women emotionally but can also have a profound impact on reducing maternal mortality rates. While maternal health discussions often center around women's roles, the involvement of fathers plays a pivotal role in improving maternal outcomes and significantly reducing the risks of maternal mortality. This blog will explore the connection between empowered fathers and safer mothers and how working together can transform maternal health outcomes.

The Global Maternal Mortality Crisis
Maternal mortality refers to deaths caused by complications from pregnancy or childbirth. While many countries have made strides in lowering these rates, maternal mortality remains alarmingly high in many parts of the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 295,000 women died due to complications related to pregnancy and childbirth in 2017. The vast majority of these deaths are preventable, with timely medical care and the right support systems in place. Reducing maternal mortality requires not only medical intervention but also active, informed involvement from fathers who can play a key role in ensuring maternal health and safety.

In describing my passion for this workshop on Motivational Interviewing Strategies to Increase Family and Father Motivation for School Readiness, I must reflect on the experiences that have shaped my inherent interest in the male perspective and its potential impact on men’s lives and those around them.

While working as a psychologist in the UK, I had the privilege of working with male boarding school survivors, where the theme of disconnection in their lives emerged due to separation and trauma. These survivors were sent away from their families to isolative environments, often filled with abusive behavior from authorities in the schools. This was seen as a rite of passage into manhood, training boys to endure emotional pain and press forward despite it. Unfortunately, a consequence of this approach was a profound inability to feel safe with emotionality, which impacted many of their relationships and self-esteem. I observed that this theme was not isolated to boarding school survivors but extended to many other men in the therapeutic environment.

I further explored my interest in the male perspective while working in the U.S. Air Force Surgeon General’s office as a co-investigator on a study examining substance use. Military service is a traditionally male-dominated culture, so many of the advantages and disadvantages associated with traditional male roles were evident. In this study, we hypothesized about the potential impact of male gender roles on substance use counselors, specifically focusing on difficulties related to masculine gender roles, which were measured using the Gender Role Conflict Scales (GRCS), and conformity to masculine gender roles, assessed by the Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory (CMNI). The GRCS evaluates the internal and external conflicts associated with traditional male roles, such as the importance of success, power, competition, restrictive emotionality, and conflicts between work and family relations. The CMNI examines how much a person conforms to traditional masculine roles, such as winning, dominance, emotional control, and self-reliance.

The study found that both male and female substance use counselors, as well as the populations they treated, exhibited higher levels of conformity to masculine roles and conflict related to those roles. However, this did not impact the counselors' ability to deliver the intended Motivational Interviewing (MI) intervention. MI, a well-established evidence-based method for behavior change, has its roots in the substance use field.

Author: Dr. Rosina McAlpine, PhD
Parenting Expert | Creator of the Win Win Parenting Program

For: Parents, Educators, Mental Health Professionals, Family Counselors, and Social Workers
#FamilyWellbeing #ParentingTips #MentalHealthSupport #PositiveParenting #FFCA2025
 

Supporting Positivity and Nurturing Mental Wellbeing in Family Life

It seems like life is busier than ever, and one of the biggest challenges families face is finding quality time together. Parents are juggling work, taking care of the household, and driving the kids' to various activities, leaving little time to truly connect as a family or to take time out to rest and rejuvenate. For kids, the stress of jam-packed school and extra-curricular schedules, the strong pull of screentime, and the pressure to perform well in school can all feel overwhelming. When life feels this demanding and rushed, it’s easy for everyone—parents and kids alike—to feel stressed and disconnected which can harm family mental wellbeing.

Building Stronger Bonds as a Family

Understanding the Science of Early Childhood Development: Empowering Families and Communities
By Dr. Gloria Andrade, PhD, IMH-E®

Understanding the science of early childhood development is more than just informational—it’s empowering. This knowledge, when applied effectively, can significantly improve relationships and influence policy and practice. It underscores the importance of paying close attention to child development, especially considering that children are the future of our species. This awareness not only provides us with the confidence and capability to positively impact children's lives but also highlights our collective responsibility in shaping the future through early childhood development.

The Importance of Getting Things Right from the Beginning

The early years of a child’s life are crucial, and the way we approach these years can have lifelong effects. The scientific understanding of early childhood development reveals that brain architecture is formed predominantly in the first years of life, making the early years a critical period for development (Shonkoff, 2016). This knowledge empowers us to create real change, both in the lives of children and within our communities. At the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, three core principles are identified as key to improving outcomes for children: reducing sources of stress, supporting responsive relationships, and strengthening adaptive skills. These principles are interconnected and apply to both children and their adult caregivers. By focusing on these principles, we can significantly impact the well-being of children, families, and the communities that support them.

Attachment and Serve-and-Return Interactions

HOW SAFE RELATIONSHIPS CAN HELP MEN RECOVER FROM FATHER WOUNDS
By Darron Hilaire

One of the most pervasive issues affecting men today is the widespread problem of fatherlessness—and, more specifically, father wounding. The loss of a father, whether through death, divorce, or personal choice, has left billions of men silently suffering. These struggles often go unnoticed, masked by the many ways men have learned to numb or cope with the pain, without ever truly healing or recovering from it.

At 24 years old, I had the opportunity to visit Chicago for the first time to attend a church conference aimed at young people in their twenties. It was a time of worship, teaching, and reconnecting with old friends. During that event, one of my favorite speakers, John Mark Comer, said, “The hurt of relationship is healed in relationship.” It took me six years and countless ruptured relationships to truly understand the significance of that statement and what it meant to have relationships capable of healing and restoration. That understanding brought hope, encouragement, and the realization that healing was possible through safe, healthy relationships.

During that time, I reflected deeply on the deterioration of my relationship with my biological father, who passed away on February 19, 2017, just a year before this trip. My father had left our home nearly 20 years earlier after he and my mother divorced. For years, I believed the only way to repair that wound was to somehow get my parents back together—a hope that, of course, never materialized. Then I turned to my relationship with God, believing He could heal my pain. Though the hurt lessened for a while, it always returned. I couldn’t separate my father from the concept of God the Father. I tried to surround myself with godly men, hoping they could fulfill the role of father that I so desperately needed.

One day, I read a book by T.D. Jakes, who spoke of the concept of a "surrogate father." This idea resonated deeply with me. A surrogate father, or spiritual father, can help supplement the role of an absent father and fill some of the gaps left by his absence. These surrogate fathers can take many forms—mentors, pastors, older male figures—who offer guidance, wisdom, and support. Thankfully, I found many of these men in the churches I attended, and a few even became genuinely invested in my well-being, growth, and spiritual development. The challenge, however, arose when these father figures made their own mistakes, and it became difficult not to impose the image and shortcomings of my absent father onto them.