This narrative recounts a young boy named Joseph who witnessed the traumatic arrest of his neighbor’s father by immigration authorities. Despite his own fear and confusion regarding racial identity and legal status, Joseph responded to the tragedy with profound empathy and moral clarity. He insisted on baking a cake for his grieving friend as a gesture of support during a chaotic situation involving police…
Amanda Gorman’s poetry reminds us that words can gather people toward grief, courage, accountability, and hope. In her poems honoring Renee Good and Alex Pretti, Gorman speaks to the power of “us” and “we” — not as simple language, but as a call into community, congregation, collective responsibility, and moral courage. At the center of…
In a recent New York Times guest essay, Aaron Hicklin reflects on the renewed power and widening reach of queer literature. What was once treated as a narrow category is now being read across a much wider public, opening space for stories of identity, culture, intimacy, family, resistance, and belonging.
The Institute for Family Services proudly celebrates Rhea Almeida, Founder and Executive Director, for her recognition by Influential Women. Rhea’s scholarship and practice are rooted in liberatory healing, emphasizing healing through community, connection, relationship, and collective care. This honor recognizes her leadership, vision, and enduring commitment to transforming the ways individuals, women in families, and communities experience healing.
Music can cross the borders that keep people apart. It can carry memory, joy, grief, resistance, and freedom. Clive Davis, who died on June 22, 2026, spent his life helping music reach people across generations and communities. He championed artists whose voices changed culture and opened space for more people to feel seen, heard, and…
1801 Dr Rhea Almeida-06 04 26-Family Therapy & Training Center-Phill #26: https://ny-executive-podcast-info.simplecast.com/episodes Interview: 6/4/2026 @ 12:01pm est 1. Please give a description of your company and the products/services you offer. The Institute for Family Services is a family therapy and training center that has served individuals, families, and communities for more than 30 years.…
Did you know that being and staying in touch with Nature has powerful mind enhancing beneifts? reports that not only does being in nature greatly enhance psychological wellbeing, but physical diseases such as hypertension, cardiovascular health and potentially lowers risk factors leading to Diabetes type 2! Researchers Gregory Braton, University of Washington, and Viren Swami,…
In today’s political and social climate, many individuals, families, and communities are carrying heightened stress, fear, grief, and uncertainty. Rapid social change, public health challenges, economic pressures, and ongoing injustices can take a profound toll on our emotional and relational well-being. Though these pressures can turn us inward and make us feel alone, the weight…
With endless digital tools promising connection, it almost sounds absurd to suggest we’re living through a friendship recession. Yet research shows fewer adults report having close friendships than in previous decades. So what’s happening? Why doesn’t constant online presence translate into deeper real-life connection? What Is a Friendship Recession? Scholar Daniel Cox coined the term…
What Really Shapes Teen Behavior? A Guide for Parents Beyond the Basics Fifteen-year-old Maya used to be inseparable from her parents. Friday nights meant board games, late-night snacks, and endless laughter echoing through their hallway. But lately, she’s been eating dinner in her room, texting with friends instead. Her parents worry she’s pulling away—and in…
