Strong Families Events

For the Family

Strong Families Celebration – June 13, 2026 at 3:00pm

Let’s celebrate a wonderful year of connection with dancing, crafts, and family fun! There will be food, photo opportunities, and you can bring a family with you who may be interested in joining Strong Families next year. RSVP here.

Dress Code: This is your chance to go all out! Wear the fancy dress hanging in your closet, a superhero cape, a princess gown, sparkles, sneakers, tuxedos, suits, bow ties; whatever makes your family feel confident, joyful, and uniquely you! We’ll have a photo opportunity, so come dressed in the outfits you’ll want to remember as part of this unforgettable family celebration. Costumes are welcome, but please no masks or weapons

This will be an afternoon full of laughter, joy, and connection for the whole family, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Kids who have completed the Empathy Explorer Challenge will be celebrated during the event! See more about the challenge below.


For Caregivers

The Counselor Is In – Various Dates and Topics

We are offering six therapist-led discussions designed specifically for parents and caregivers. Each session will provide practical mental health tools and an opportunity to connect with others navigating the challenges of parenting. Every discussion will focus on a unique topic in which you can attend any or all the dates. Participants are welcome to join us in person—where a catered lunch will be provided—or virtually during their lunch hour for added flexibility. In person spots will be limited, we suggest getting access early to save your spot for each discussion. Discussions are intended for adult participants, no children should attend this talks. Each discussion will be held from 12:00-1:00.

    • Parenting Through Anxiety – October 16th
    • Having Hard Talks with Kids – November 17th
    • Guiding Kids Through a Tech World – February 17th
    • Friendship and Peer Pressure – March 25th
    • Raising Resilient Kids – April 13th
    • Childhood Under Pressure – May 4th

Parent Power Talks – Virtual

Join us for short sessions where you’ll learn how to teach important emotional and social skills. Let’s focus on building strong relationships, not just enforcing rules. These discussions are led by experts from our Early Learning Center. Offered virtually from 12:00-1:00pm.

    • Composure & Encouragement – November 21st
    • Assertiveness – December 19th
    • Choices – February 20th
    • Empathy – April 17th
    • Positive Intent – June 19th
    • Consequences – July 17th

Empathy Explorers Challenge

Join us for a year-long journey to strengthen family bonds, build empathy, and create meaningful memories together.

Families who complete the challenge will be recognized at the Strong Families Gala.

Through a mix of family events, at-home activities, and community giving, families are encouraged to:

Attend Four Strong Families Events

For every family event you attend, each child will receive a badge for attending the event! These are brag tags that can be clipped onto bags and outfits!

    • Strong Families Picnic – September 20th
    • Handmade with Heart – October 4th
    • Art Station Collaboration – March 7th
    • Rooted to Rise Yoga – April 11th
    • Fidget Forward – May 9th

The Strong Families Gala is a special celebration to honor the families who completed the challenge, so it won’t be counted as part of the challenge itself.


Complete 3 Quality Time Adventures

We ask that you share a picture with us doing each adventure. See below for a few example adventures.

    • Read a book together at the library
    • Go on a nature walk as a family
    • Bake a treat and share it with a neighbor or loved one
    • Write a letter or draw a picture for a loved one

Reflect on 2 Moments of Growth or Gratitude

Share two stories or thoughts about a meaningful experience you had in the other components of this challenge.


Participate in 1 Act of Kindness through Lena Pope programs.

  • Sponsor a family in our Holiday Donor Program – We match your family with a family we serve and provide thoughtful gift suggestions to help support them during the holiday season. Coordination for this initiative begins in November.
  • Volunteer to clean our play therapy rooms – Our play therapy rooms are equipped with specialized toys that require regular sanitization. Families interested in helping clean these toys—and getting a behind-the-scenes look at our play therapy spaces—are welcome to coordinate this opportunity with our staff. Please note: this activity is only available outside of regular business hours.
  • Provide dinner for a therapy group – We have groups meet for evening therapy almost every week night. Groups vary in size from 10-20 people. Details for this opportunity can be coordinated with staff.