Sacred Families International, Inc.

02/04/2026

Strong families remain a cornerstone of a healthy society and, fathers play a crucial role—especially in the areas of child safety, stability, and well-being. Children with involved fathers experience stronger developmental foundations and lower risks for poor outcomes, such as academic challenges...

02/01/2026

I've always wondered why not ALL police officers are trained in crisis negotiation, but I am thankful that agencies like NAMI have made crisis intervention training accessible to all who care enough to be part of the solution.

02/01/2026

The word "prevention" is used so frequently today that I think many are beginning to disregard its significance, overlook its relevance for their own lives, and even dismiss the need for it.

In doing so, our society and systems have become more reactive, scrambling to find solutions when a crisis is looming, occurring, or tragically, after the fact...when a loved one is hospitalized, incarcerated, or a life is lost.

It is my hope to normalize seeking support, connecting with a support system, and receiving training to reduce mental health crises.

Every month, there are opportunities to attend a free NAMI Rockdale Newton support group, join me for a free QPR Su***de Prevention Gatekeeper training, and attend the free NARCAN Training.

Sign up to receive the NAMI Rockdale Newton newsletter at https://tinyurl.com/NAMIrnNewsletters to learn more about other events and resources.

10/19/2024

I attended my first RAV race today, incognito...LOL, I'm making light of it, but it is also my first time attending an event (that I recall) addressing violence. I've always felt too emotional to get involved in public events addressing this topic.

On very few occasions in my work as a peer specialist, I've shared the full extent of my experience, and only when I believed it would be helpful for others to know they are not alone, that they can escape the cycle of abuse, and raise awareness about the importance of trauma-informed care.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline cites a source on their website stating that "A average of 24 people per minute are victims of r**e, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States — more than 12 million women and men over the course of a single year."

Domestic violence has negatively impacted my life and those I love dearly. I can't change my life experiences or control the nightmares that continue to haunt me. Some days are harder than others, but I am determined to “Use Transparency to Transform my Tragedy into My Triumph!” (Olinda Ricard-Hodge)

For confidential support, if you are experiencing domestic violence, you can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline 24/7/365 at 800-799-7233, text BEGIN to 88788, or visit their website at https://www.thehotline.org to learn more.

10/04/2024

Tomorrow, I will be participating in Georgia's NAMIWalk, the annual fundraiser. Donations I collect will help support the work of the 20 state affiliates, which provide peer-led education programs, support groups, presentations, and training on mental health.

As the current Chairperson for the NAMI Rockdale Newton Affiliate Chapter, It would mean the world to me if you would make a donation of any amount on my donation page: https://www.namiwalks.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donate.participant&participantID=555575

If you are in Georgia join me for the walk, tomorrow, Saturday, October 5 at Assembly Park, 2582 Assembly Blvd, Doraville, GA 30360. RAIN OR SHINE! Walker check-in starts at 8:30AM Walk starts at 10:00AM get more details at https://www.namiwalks.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=cms.page&id=1567&eventID=1605

Remember, to mark your calendar for NAMI Rockdale Newton's 1st local pop-up NAMIWalk on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 8:30 am to 11:30 am at Wheeler Park in Conyers, GA. There is still time to donate, register to walk, or be a sponsor or vendor. Be sure to get your logo and payment in by October 15th to be included on our event race t-shirt. Learn more here: https://www.namiwalks.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=cms.page&id=4637&eventID=1605

09/20/2024

Here is an opportunity to let your voice be heard on issues that impact the community.

Please take time to attend one of the community input sessions as Newton County Ga Government is updating its Unified Development Ordinance.

08/09/2024

Please encourage youth and families to attend one of the two listening sessions this weekend. This effort aims to expand awareness about the 988 dialing code and uncover any barriers to service in our area.

07/31/2024

please share this , please share this with parents/caregivers in your network.

07/27/2024

I'm happy to announce that Sacred Families International Network, Inc. is officially accepted and recognized as a Chapter of the Georgia Parent Support Network. This recognition is due to our "unwavering commitment to empowering parents and caregivers, fostering resilience, and promoting mental health and well-being among youth and families."

07/27/2024

I am struggling to rekindle the excitement, motivation, and self-confidence I've been drained of due to a lifetime of every form of abuse/trauma (neglect, physical, verbal, sexual, financial, etc.).

Many individuals, particularly women like me, are "starting over" in our later years with a drained tank. There are also many women in their late 60s and 70s who have worked hard all their lives (and continue to work) and accomplished great and praise-worthy things for our community but have yet to secure the sustained support and resources needed to maximize their potential.

Almighty Father, I pray that you help us discover ways to bridge the gap so that those who need mentors/coaches to restore our strength can be united with the women of wisdom and strength for mutual spiritual and entrepreneurial support. Amen!!

05/29/2024

Join me as I host this FREE 2-hour training tonight, Wednesday, May 29, 2024, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. CEs given count towards CPS required hours,