Twenty years ago, Dr. Alicia La Hoz, a licensed clinical psychologist, saw a disturbing trend in some of the Latino families that she counseled. She noticed that some of the children experienced trauma growing up in volatile family environments. Her answer to breaking such a dangerous cycle was found in the creation of Family Bridges/Lazos de Familia, an Oakbrook Terrace nonprofit that offers resources, tools, and support to families experiencing such situations.
OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill., Nov. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Twenty years ago, Dr. Alicia La Hoz, a licensed clinical psychologist, saw a disturbing trend in some of the Latino families that she counseled. She noticed that some of the children experienced trauma growing up in volatile family environments. Her answer to breaking such a dangerous cycle was found in the creation of Family Bridges/Lazos de Familia, an Oakbrook Terrace nonprofit that offers resources, tools, and support to families experiencing such situations.
The nonprofit's mission is to end the cycle of family trauma through innovative programs that empower, equip, and encourage underserved communities. Its vision is to have resilient communities where flourishing families raise purpose-driven children.
This year, La Hoz and her team celebrate the organization's founding. She explained that since 2004, the nonprofit's national and international programs served an average of 5000-10,000 people a year through its collective impact model where her team works collaboratively with multiple organizations yearly.
With Giving Tuesday around the corner, the nonprofit encourages the public to support its mission by joining the Familias Unidas Giving Circle. By joining as a monthly donor, members enter into a family of champions dedicated to strengthening Latino families and empowering communities.
"At our nonprofit, we work to end the cycle of trauma through our array of faith-filled, scientifically-based programs that help to bring families closer together and overcome challenges," La Hoz explained. "Our services include interactive, culturally relevant, and skill-building workshops done in English and Spanish in online and face-to-face engagements specific to couples, parents, and singles."
There are other special programs geared for younger people. La Hoz mentioned Bridgekeepers, a volunteer coaching program for 14 to 19-year-olds that gives them tools to build strong foundations for their future with guidance and goal-setting skill sets. The Wise Up Girl program welcomes young ladies between the ages of 16 and 24 to learn about life skills and relationship scenarios.
New members joining the Familias Unidas Giving Circle level will receive a special thank-you gift: the limited edition Golden Bridges board game. The game brings families together for quality time, communication, and fun experiences while helping to build bonds and create memories. The goal of the game is for players to perform enjoyable and challenging activities while expressing gratitude.
"In this age of high tech, we often forget about the importance and need to establish human connections," she said. "Opportunities exist in simple activities such as having a one-to-one conversation, eating together for a meal or even playing a board game like Golden Bridges," La Hoz said. "This game is special because it encourages families to talk, react, and share emotions positively and healthily. This game can be a great Christmas gift for a family that needs it."
For more information about Family Bridges/Lazos de Familia, visit the website. For more information about Familias Unidas Giving Circle, visit this link.
About Family Bridges/Lazos de Familia:
While working as a licensed clinical psychologist and working with Latino parents, couples, and children, Dr. Alicia La Hoz witnessed the pain experienced by children growing up in high-conflict homes. Wanting to end the cycle of trauma, she founded Family Bridges/Lazos de Familia, a mission-driven organization that empowers limited-resource families with tools to combat trauma, mental illness, and poverty.
What began as a small group of community leaders meeting in church basements and serving a handful of families, has evolved into an international group of community champions impacting millions around the world.
Today, Family Bridges is a big family of community champions, teachers, counselors, and creatives. We empower people through interactive, culturally relevant workshops and events. There they learn skills to strengthen their relationships at home, at work, and in the community. We equip leaders with curricula to build stronger communities and develop a positive environment to raise children. We encourage a culture of hope through stories delivered online and on stage. For information, visit the website.
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SOURCE Family Bridges/Lazos de Familia
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