We had a wonderful opportunity to share Grow A Strong Family, Inc with the good people involved with the Bedford Rotary Club. The local chapter is a member of the International Network of “neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.” The Bedford Rotary meets every Tuesday for a buffet lunch at 12:15 and meeting from 12:30-1:30pm at the Doubletree Hotel Bedford Glen http://www.bedfordmarotary.org/MeetingInfo.cfm They are a group of individuals who make a difference and invite others to broaden their scope. As such, GASF introduced our program model to this wonderful group and received thoughtful inquiries and support for our efforts in improving the lives of families uprooted by mental illness. If interested in the presentation, there is a narrated slide show on our webpage http://growastrongfamily.org/about/
This Past Month: Highlights
The group, “Replanting lives uprooted by mental illness: Support for families,” continues to explore the ways that families can strengthen their responses to the changes in the family. The focus of this past month was on “Silent Agreements.” These are the unwritten rules and negative expectations that are a part of every relationship, especially family relationships. The sessions included exercises in identifying and responding to these silent agreements. For more information, watch our webinar: http://growastrongfamily.org/silent-agreements/
This FREE group meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month from 7-8:30 PM at the Edinburg Center, 205 Burlington Road, Bedford. We also meet once a month at the Gleason Public Library in Carlisle on the second Tuesday morning, from 10:30-noon. For questions and to register (recommended), please contact GASF at 781-405-8376 or GASFInc@outlook.com
We taped another presentation with the expertise of Bedford TV on “Avoiding Power Struggles.” As is our wont, when we tape presentations, we also offer a webinar of the topic. Both can be accessed here: http://growastrongfamily.org/avoiding-power-struggles/
Based on a request of the group, “Replanting Lives,” we offered a webinar on “Suicidality,” which explored the language of suicidality, risk and protective factors, attempts, and survivors.” The webinar along with a great many links can be found here: http://growastrongfamily.org/suicidality/
This Month!
“Communicating more effectively” is scheduled to be taped on March 5 at Bedford TV and will air by the middle of the month. Check out the webinar that is a prelude to the TV production as well as the materials and links that broaden your skill sets! http://growastrongfamily.org/communicate-effectively/
Tues Mar 13: Replanting Lives at the Gleason Public Library in Carlisle, 10:30-noon. Avoiding Power Struggles This session promises to offer a minimum of three strategies to step out of the power struggles and step into effective and efficient enforceable statements.
Monday, March 26, 10-11:30 am at the Bedford Council on Aging (12 Mudge Way): Caring for the Caregiver! This presentation offers several strategies for promoting self-care for the caregiver. What does it look like? How can you build it into your schedule? What are some strategies when you can’t get away? Join us in a lively discussion of this topic! Register at Bedford Council on Aging at(781) 275-6825.
We are celebrating our Fourth Birthday on Wednesday, March 28th at the Edinburg Center in Bedford! We are offering light refreshments from 6:30-7 pm with a brief Board Meeting to introduce ourselves and share our exciting growth with you! We will then turn the evening over to Nancy Pizzo Bucher, the author of the “Replanting Lives Uprooted by Mental Illness: For Families.” And advocate for services for families. She plans on showing us what she has been doing as an advocate after discussing her journey and creating the workbook. Please join us for this fun and enlightening evening, the perfect birthday celebration and welcome to spring! And if you want, bring cookies! Registration preferred: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/replanting-lives-author-to-speak-tickets-42500822103
We have several pages on our website with presentations you may find useful:
If you want to join our online community, please do! Our public page is https://www.facebook.com/growastrongfamily/
Our private page is: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GrowaStrongFamilyTogether/
When extra support is desired, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here at www.growastrongfamily.org