On Saturday, August 8, 2026, Abundant LIFE Community Development Corporation and the GUD LIFE Wellness Program hosted the virtual Stronger Family Wellness Conversation: Rooted & Rising, Growing Stronger Families.
The meaningful conversation brought together young people, parents, caregivers, counselors, community leaders, and advocates to discuss youth mental health, belonging, resilience, parenting, and the importance of supportive adults.
One of the most powerful moments came from youth participant Destiny, who shared her experience of feeling isolated and unsupported during middle school. She explained how being excluded from conversations and social activities affected her emotional well-being. Destiny encouraged parents and teachers to check on young people regularly, pay attention to changes in their behavior, and create safe opportunities for them to ask for help.
The featured panel included Dr. Terry Flood, licensed counselor Barbara Fountain, and fatherhood advocate Eric Hargrave. The panelists discussed how adults can build trust with children by listening without judgment, keeping their promises, asking open-ended questions, and remaining calm when young people share difficult feelings or experiences.
Panelists emphasized that resilience does not mean children should hide their emotions or handle problems alone. Young people need to feel seen, safe, soothed, secure, and valued for who they are, not only for what they accomplish. They also need caring adults who model healthy communication, allow them to learn from mistakes, and remind them that asking for help is a sign of strength.
The discussion also addressed the effects of phones and social media on family communication. Participants were encouraged to create phone-free opportunities for meaningful conversation and to recognize that children often need an adult’s time, attention, and understanding more than material things.
Another important concern was how parents and caregivers can manage their own stress, responsibilities, and emotional needs while remaining present for their children. This question highlighted the need to support caregivers as part of every effort to strengthen young people and families.
The event’s lasting message was clear: Young people need adults who notice, listen, affirm, and remain present. A simple daily check-in, encouraging word, trusted mentor, or few minutes of uninterrupted attention can make a life-changing difference.
The event was supported by the St. David’s Foundation and the Black Men’s Health Clinic. Abundant LIFE Community Development Corporation thanks the speakers, sponsors, volunteers, and attendees who helped make this important conversation possible.
To learn more about upcoming programs and community resources, visit www.alcdcorp.org and follow Abundant LIFE Community Development Corporation and its GUD LIFE Wellness and LIFELine Support and Services webpages on Facebook.