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Get plugged into the latest Be Strong Families news, initiatives, and blog articles — all central to creating transformative conversations that nurture the spirit of family, promote well-being and prevent violence.


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Tackling Food Insecurity in Evanston: A Community Effort (bilingual)
Family Support Amanda Ramirez Family Support Amanda Ramirez

Tackling Food Insecurity in Evanston: A Community Effort (bilingual)

Food insecurity is a pressing issue that affects many communities across the nation, and Evanston is no exception. The fight against food insecurity in Evanston is supported by a network of dedicated organizations and community members. From food pantries and soup kitchens to community fridges and student resources, these initiatives provide crucial support to those in need. Here’s a look at some of the key resources available in Evanston to combat food insecurity.

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Why Are Cafés So Great? - How Cafés Promote Equity and Belonging  
Cafés, Family Support, Vitality Guest User Cafés, Family Support, Vitality Guest User

Why Are Cafés So Great? - How Cafés Promote Equity and Belonging  

In a world where many struggle to find spaces where they can truly be themselves, cafés offer a unique refuge. They provide a platform where individuals can share their stories without fear of judgment—a core principle upheld by café agreements, which emphasize equality and the power of personal experience over hierarchy.

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Welcome to Be Strong Families
Di Yin Di Yin

Welcome to Be Strong Families

Since our last Revitalizer on November 16, we welcomed three new staff Morgan Harvey as Training Program Assistant, Christina Wolken as the IDCFS YAB Administrative Lead, Amanda Ramirez as Marketing Associate, and two new board members Andreé Long and Stephanie Ceja.

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Why Are Cafés So Great? – Cafés and Healing Trauma 
Cafés, Family Support, Vitality Guest User Cafés, Family Support, Vitality Guest User

Why Are Cafés So Great? – Cafés and Healing Trauma 

Trauma, especially trauma that is experienced in early childhood, can have a significant and lasting impact on an individual's emotional, cognitive, and social development. It can disrupt the natural progression of attachment, self-concept, and understanding of the world and interpersonal dynamics. As a result, this can set unhealthy patterns of relationships…

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Why Are Cafés So Great? – Café as a Type of Therapeutic Mental Health Service
Cafés, Family Support, Vitality Guest User Cafés, Family Support, Vitality Guest User

Why Are Cafés So Great? – Café as a Type of Therapeutic Mental Health Service

The main goal of mental health services is to help individuals achieve better mental and emotional well-being. If you bracket for a moment the assumption that all such services need to be provided by licensed professionals according to a medical model including diagnosis and treatment including medication (which are not necessarily super effective in many cases), Cafés do many of the things that therapeutic mental health services do — and for some people they even work better than conventional, evidence-based interventions. They can also be catalysts and gateways to accessing professional mental health services.

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Revolutionizing ACEs Prevention: Unveiling the Science Behind Parent Cafés 
Cafés Di Yin Cafés Di Yin

Revolutionizing ACEs Prevention: Unveiling the Science Behind Parent Cafés 

In a collaboration spanning the better part of three years, Be Strong Families has proudly partnered with the Early Childhood Innovation Network (ECIN) in Washington, D.C. as they explore the outcomes and positive impact of Parent Café participation on parents, caregivers, and their families. This groundbreaking research effort, with the support of BSF, has recently culminated in a significant milestone…

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