cherish-families

Taking Care of Yourself Is Not Selfish: 8 Simple Ways to Rest and Recharge

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 04:11:18 GMT

1. Let Go of the Guilt

Why You Deserve Care Too

If you have spent your life taking care of others, the idea of caring for yourself might feel strange. It might even feel wrong. Many people, especially those from high-control groups or difficult family situations, were taught that their own needs do not matter. They learned to put everyone else first. They were told that thinking about themselves was selfish or sinful.

But here is the truth: taking care of yourself is not selfish. It is necessary.

You cannot keep giving if you have nothing left. You cannot help your children, support your family, or heal from hard times if you are running on empty. Rest is not a reward you earn after everything else is done. It is something your body and mind need to survive.

At Cherish Families, we believe that parents and caregivers deserve support too. You matter. Your health matters. Your wellbeing matters. And learning to care for yourself is an important part of healing.

Here are 8 simple ways to rest and recharge, even when life feels overwhelming.

For many people, the hardest part of self-care is feeling guilty or selfish for doing it. You might feel like you should be doing something else. You might worry that resting makes you lazy or weak. You might hear old voices in your head telling you that your needs do not count.

These feelings are real, but they are not true.

Taking care of yourself does not mean you are abandoning others. It does not mean you love your family less. It means you are making sure you have the energy to keep going. It means you are filling your own cup so you have something to give.

Think about it this way: if you were sick, you would rest so you could get better. Your mind and emotions need the same kind of care. When you are worn out, stressed, or overwhelmed, rest helps you heal.

You do not need to earn rest. You do not need permission. You are allowed to take care of yourself simply because you are a person who matters.

2. Start Small

Self-care does not have to be big or fancy. You do not need a spa day or a vacation. Sometimes the smallest things make the biggest difference.

Small ways to care for yourself:

Take five deep breaths when you feel stressed
Drink a glass of water
Step outside for a few minutes of fresh air
Sit down while you eat instead of rushing
Wash your face and brush your teeth before bed
Stretch your body when you wake up

These things may seem too simple to matter. But when life is hard, small acts of care add up. They remind your body and mind that you are worth taking care of.

Start with one small thing today. You do not have to change everything at once. Just take one tiny step toward caring for yourself.

3. Rest Your Body

Your body carries a lot. It carries stress, worry, and exhaustion. It holds onto tension from hard days and sleepless nights. When you are going through difficult times, your body feels it too.

Resting your body can help:

Go to bed a little earlier, even if it is just 15 minutes
Lie down for a few minutes during the day if you can
Take a warm bath or shower
Sit in a comfortable spot and close your eyes
Do some gentle stretching or movement
Notice where you hold tension and try to relax those muscles

Sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your health. When you sleep, your body repairs itself. Your brain processes emotions. Your energy comes back. If you are not sleeping well, everything else feels harder.

You may not be able to get perfect sleep right now. That is okay. Just do what you can. Even small moments of rest help your body recover.

4. Rest Your Mind

Your mind works hard. It worries about the future. It replays the past. It tries to solve problems and keep everyone safe. When you have been through trauma or stress, your mind can feel like it never stops.

Resting your mind means giving it a break from all that work.

Ways to rest your mind:

Spend a few minutes in silence
Focus on your breathing and nothing else
Listen to calm music or sounds from nature
Step away from your phone and screens for a while
Do something simple with your hands, like folding laundry or washing dishes
Let yourself daydream or think about nothing in particular

You do not have to meditate for an hour or clear your mind completely. Just give yourself moments of quiet. Let your thoughts slow down. Your mind needs rest just like your body does.

5. Do Something You Enjoy

When life is stressful, fun can feel like a luxury you cannot afford. But doing things you enjoy is not a waste of time. It is fuel for your soul. It reminds you that life can hold good things too.

Think about what brings you joy:

Reading a book or magazine
Watching a favorite show
Listening to music that makes you feel good
Working on a craft or hobby
Playing a game with your kids
Spending time in nature
Cooking or baking something you love
Talking to a friend who makes you laugh

You may have forgotten what you enjoy. That is common for people who have spent years focusing on everyone else. It is okay to try new things and rediscover what makes you happy.

Even 10 or 15 minutes of doing something you enjoy can lift your mood and give you energy to face the rest of the day.

6. Say No When You Need To

One of the most powerful forms of self-care is learning to say no. You cannot do everything. You cannot be everywhere. And you do not have to say yes to every request that comes your way.

Saying no protects your time and energy. It keeps you from burning out. It helps you save your strength for the things that matter most.

Saying no might look like:

Turning down an invitation when you are too tired
Asking someone else to handle a task
Not answering your phone when you need quiet time
Setting limits on how much you take on at work or at home
Telling someone you cannot help right now

If you grew up in a situation where saying no was not allowed, this might feel very hard. You might worry about making people angry or being seen as difficult. But healthy relationships allow room for no. People who care about you will understand that you have limits.

Start small. Practice saying no to little things. Over time, it will get easier.

7. Connect With People Who Lift You Up

Healing does not happen alone. We all need people who support us, listen to us, and remind us that we are not alone. Being around people who lift you up is a form of self-care.

Think about who makes you feel good:

A friend who listens without judging
A family member who understands what you have been through
A support group of people with similar experiences
A counselor or therapist who helps you process hard things
A neighbor or community member who shows you kindness

You do not need a lot of people. Even one or two supportive connections can make a big difference. What matters is that these people treat you with respect and make you feel valued.

At Cherish Families, we offer peer support from people who understand your background. Sometimes talking to someone who has walked a similar path can help you feel less alone. Community events and support groups are also a great way to connect with others who are on the same journey.

8. Ask for Help

Asking for help is one of the bravest things you can do. It is also one of the hardest, especially if you were taught to handle everything on your own.

But you were never meant to carry everything by yourself. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign that you know your limits and you are willing to do what it takes to get through.

Asking for help might mean:

Letting a friend watch your kids for an hour so you can rest
Talking to a counselor about what you are going through
Asking a family member to help with chores or errands
Reaching out to an organization like Cherish Families for support
Telling someone you trust that you are struggling

You deserve support. You deserve to have people in your corner. And there are people who want to help if you let them.

You Cannot Pour From an Empty Cup

Cherish Families provides wraparound support for individuals and families, especially those from polygamous backgrounds or high-control groups. Our services include:

Trauma-informed counseling for children, teens, and adults
Peer support from people who understand your background
Crisis support and safety planning
Community events where families can connect and heal together

If you or your child needs support, we are here. You can visit cherishfamilies.org or call us at 928-875-0969. We will listen without judgment and help you take your next step.

How Cherish Families Can Help

You have probably heard this saying before, but it is worth repeating. If you give and give and give without ever refilling, you will run dry. You will have nothing left for yourself or anyone else.

Taking care of yourself is not selfish. It is what allows you to keep showing up for the people you love. It is what helps you heal. It is what gives you the strength to build a better future.

You matter. Your needs matter. And you are allowed to take care of yourself.

Healing Begins with Safety: How Trauma-Informed Care Guides Everything We Do

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 04:03:32 GMT

1. We Focus on Understanding, Not Judgment

At Cherish Families, we know that many of the individuals and families we serve have been through hard things. They may have faced loss, disruption, or harm. Sometimes, the systems that were supposed to help them made things worse instead. We are committed to doing things differently. Our goal is to make sure that when someone reaches out for support, they feel safe, respected, and in control.

Here are 8 things that make our approach different.

Trauma-informed care means we pay attention to how past experiences shape the way people respond to stress and support. We do not ask "What is wrong with you?" Instead, we ask "What happened to you?" This shift changes everything. It helps our team meet people where they are with kindness and patience.

2. Clients Are Always in Control

When someone has been through hard things, feeling in control matters. That is why we give clients choices in how they receive support. We are honest about what we can offer. We explain things clearly so people always know what to expect. Healing happens best when someone feels safe and when they are the one making decisions about their own life.

3. We See Strengths, Not Deficits

We believe that the people we serve are strong, capable, and full of potential. Our programs are built around what someone can do, not what they cannot. Whether we are helping with housing, mental health, parenting, or building financial stability, we work alongside families. We build on the skills and hopes they already have. This approach helps restore confidence and supports real, lasting change.

4. Our Team Understands Because They Have Been There

Most of our staff come from the same communities as the families we serve. They have walked a similar path. This shared experience builds trust that cannot be taught from a textbook. Our team recognizes cultural details, unspoken fears, and hidden sources of strength that outsiders might miss. When someone comes to Cherish Families, they do not have to explain or defend their history. They are understood.

5. Everyone Who Works With Us Gets Special Training

Our commitment to trauma-informed care goes beyond our own staff. Every partner and organization that works with Cherish Families has completed cultural sensitivity training. This training is designed for the specific communities we serve. It helps make sure that families are treated with respect and understanding at every step. We also offer this training to anyone who wants it because building better systems takes all of us working together.

6. Privacy Is Protected

Many of the families we serve come from places where privacy did not exist. Information may have been used to control or hurt them. We take protecting personal information very seriously. We provide services in ways that are careful and private. Trust is something that must be earned, and keeping information safe is one way we earn that trust.

7. From Surviving to Thriving

When care is trauma-informed, strengths-based, and culturally grounded, families can move forward. They can find stability. They can rebuild trust. At Cherish Families, we are honored to walk alongside individuals and families as they create futures that are not defined by what happened to them. Their futures can be defined by what is possible.

8. You Can Be Part of This Work

When you support Cherish Families, you help make this kind of care possible. Your generosity funds counseling, housing assistance, peer support, and so much more. It ensures that families receive help that honors their dignity and meets them where they are. If you believe in a world where healing is possible for everyone, we invite you to partner with us. Together, we can help more families move from crisis to hope.

How Cherish Families Can Help

Cherish Families provides wraparound support for individuals and families, especially those from polygamous backgrounds or high-control groups. Our services include:

Trauma-informed counseling for children, teens, and adults
Peer support from people who understand your background
Crisis support and safety planning
Community events where families can connect and heal together

If you or your child needs support, we are here. You can visit cherishfamilies.org or call us at 928-875-0969. We will listen without judgment and help you take your next step.

Resources

Cherish Families – cherishfamilies.org
National Domestic Violence Hotline – 1-800-799-7233
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988
Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence – (800) 782-6400
 Utah Domestic Violence Coalition – (800) 897-5465

Helping Your Child Feel Safe: 8 Ways to Support Kids Through Big Changes

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 03:36:23 GMT

1. Keep Routines as Steady as You Can

How to Help Your Children Feel Loved and Secure During Hard Times

Change is hard. It is even harder when you are a child. Kids do not always have the words to explain how they feel. They may not understand why things are different now. But they do feel it. They feel the stress. They feel the fear. They feel when something is not right.

If your family is going through a big change, your child needs you now more than ever. The good news is that you do not have to be perfect. You just have to be present. Small, simple things can make a big difference in helping your child feel safe and loved.

At Cherish Families, we walk alongside parents and children during some of life's hardest moments. We know that healing happens together. Here are 8 ways you can support your child through big changes.

When life feels out of control, routines bring comfort. Kids feel safer when they know what to expect. Even small things like bedtime, mealtimes, and morning habits can help.

You do not need a perfect schedule. Just try to keep some parts of the day the same. If bedtime was always at 8:00, try to stick with that. If your child always had a snack after school, keep that going.

Routines tell your child, "Some things are still the same. You are still safe."

If everything has changed and old routines are not possible, that is okay. You can make new ones. Let your child help pick a new bedtime story or a new way to say goodnight. This gives them a sense of control when so much feels uncertain.

2. Let Your Child Have Big Feelings

Children feel things deeply. They may cry, yell, or shut down. They may act younger than they are. They may have trouble sleeping or not want to eat. These are normal responses to stress.

When your child shows big feelings, try not to fix them right away. Instead, just be there. Sit with them. Let them know it is okay to feel sad, scared, or angry.

You can say things like:

"It is okay to cry. I am right here."
"You seem upset. Do you want to talk about it?"
"I know this is hard. I am not going anywhere."

Your calm presence helps your child feel safe enough to let those feelings out. Over time, this helps them heal.

3. Tell the Truth in Simple Words

Kids know when something is wrong. Even if you do not tell them, they can feel it. Hiding the truth can make them more scared because their imagination fills in the blanks.

You do not have to share every detail. But you can tell them what is happening in a simple and honest way.

Use words they can understand. For example:

"We are moving to a new home. It will be different, but we will be together."
"Mom and Dad are having a hard time right now. It is not your fault."
"Some things are changing, but I will always love you and keep you safe."

Let your child ask questions. Answer them honestly, but keep it short. If you do not know the answer, it is okay to say, "I do not know yet, but I will tell you when I find out."

4. Watch for Signs of Stress

Children show stress in different ways. Some kids talk about their worries. Others hold it inside. Pay attention to changes in how your child acts.

Signs of stress in children can include:

Trouble sleeping or bad dreams
Stomachaches or headaches with no clear cause
Being more clingy or not wanting to leave your side
Acting out or having more tantrums
Going back to younger behaviors, like thumb-sucking or bedwetting
Not wanting to play or losing interest in things they used to enjoy
Being very quiet or pulling away from others

If you see these signs, your child may need extra support. This does not mean you are doing something wrong. It just means your child is trying to cope with something hard. With love and patience, they can get through it.

5. Be a Safe Place for Your Child

Your child needs to know they can come to you with anything. They need to feel safe talking to you without fear of getting in trouble or being brushed off.

This means listening without judgment. It means not reacting with anger or panic, even if what they say surprises you. It means making time for them, even when you are tired or stressed yourself.

You can create safety by:

Getting down to their level and making eye contact
Putting away your phone and giving them your full attention
Saying things like, "You can always tell me how you feel"
Not interrupting when they are trying to talk
Thanking them for sharing, even if it is hard to hear

When your child knows you are a safe place, they will come to you when they need help.

6. Take Care of Yourself Too

You cannot pour from an empty cup. If you are worn out, stressed, or running on empty, it is hard to show up for your child the way you want to.

Taking care of yourself is not selfish. It is one of the best things you can do for your family.

Try to:

Rest when you can, even if it is just a few minutes
Eat regular meals
Talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling
Ask for help when you need it
Give yourself grace on hard days

At Cherish Families, we believe parents deserve support too. You are going through something hard. It is okay to not be okay. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

7. Stay Connected as a Family

When things are changing, connection matters more than ever. Your child needs to feel like they are still part of a family. They need to know they are not alone.

You do not need fancy activities or big plans. Simple moments of connection can make a big difference.

Ideas for staying connected:

Eat at least one meal together each day
Read a book together before bed
Take a short walk outside
Play a simple game or do a puzzle
Talk about one good thing that happened that day
Give extra hugs and say "I love you" often

These small moments remind your child that even though things are changing, your love for them is not.

8. Get Help When You Need It

Sometimes, children need more support than a parent can give on their own. That is okay. Asking for help is a brave and loving thing to do.

Cherish Families has trained, trauma-informed therapists who work with children, teens, and adults. These therapists understand what your family is going through. They use kind, gentle methods to help kids process big feelings and hard experiences.

Counseling can help children:

Learn ways to feel calm when they are scared or upset
Talk about their feelings in a safe space
Work through confusing or painful memories
Build confidence and feel stronger inside

You do not have to wait until things get really bad to ask for help. If your child is struggling, or if you just want some extra support, we are here.

You Are Doing a Good Job

Parenting through hard times is one of the hardest things you will ever do. There will be days when you feel like you are not doing enough. But the truth is, your love matters. Your presence matters. The fact that you are reading this and looking for ways to help your child shows how much you care.

You do not have to have all the answers. You do not have to do this alone. At Cherish Families, we are here to walk with you every step of the way.

How Cherish Families Can Help

Cherish Families provides wraparound support for individuals and families, especially those from polygamous backgrounds or high-control groups. Our services include:

Trauma-informed counseling for children, teens, and adults
Peer support from people who understand your background
Crisis support and safety planning
Community events where families can connect and heal together

If you or your child needs support, we are here. You can visit cherishfamilies.org or call us at 928-875-0969. We will listen without judgment and help you take your next step.

Resources

Cherish Families – cherishfamilies.org
National Domestic Violence Hotline – 1-800-799-7233
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988
Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence – (800) 782-6400
 Utah Domestic Violence Coalition – (800) 897-5465

The Ripple Effect: How Supporting One Parent Changes an Entire Family Tree

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 22:07:10 GMT

Why Helping Parents Helps Everyone

When a parent walks through the doors of Cherish Families for the first time, they often feel scared and unsure. They're worried about their kids. They're worried about where they'll live. They're worried about what comes next.

But they also carry something else: hope. Hope that things can get better. Hope that their children can have different lives than they've had.

What happens next might not seem big at first. But over time, something amazing happens. Kids stay in school. Teens graduate from high school. Parents find stable jobs and safe places to live. And years later, grandchildren grow up in a totally different world.

This is what we call the ripple effect. When you help one person, the good spreads out like circles in water. It touches their kids. It touches their grandkids. It touches people who aren't even born yet.

At Cherish Families, we help families and individuals primarily from polygamous backgrounds. We offer free counseling, help with housing, peer support, and basic needs like food and clothes.

People often ask us: does this really make a difference that lasts?

Yes. It really does.

When we help a parent, we're not just helping one person. We're changing the path for their whole family. Kids grow up with more choices. Grandkids will have opportunities their grandparents never had.

What Happens Without Help

When families are in crisis and can't get help, problems get bigger and bigger.

A parent who can't find stable housing has to move a lot. That means kids have to change schools over and over. When kids change schools all the time, they fall behind. When they fall behind, many drop out. When they drop out, it's hard to find good jobs. When they can't find good jobs, money is tight. And the same problems happen again in the next generation.

The same thing happens with feelings and stress. When parents deal with hard things and don't get help, they might feel very anxious or sad. This makes it harder to help their kids feel safe and loved. Kids who don't feel safe have trouble in school and with friends. When they grow up and have kids, the same patterns continue.

Money problems, school struggles, mental health challenges, and relationship troubles are all connected. They get passed down in families like old furniture nobody wants.

This is why helping parents matters so much. When you support a parent in crisis, you stop these cycles. You give them tools to build something better.

How We Help Families

The families we work with usually face many problems at once. They might not have stable housing while caring for several kids. They feel overwhelmed. They don't know where to get help.

Our advocates start by helping them make a safety plan. We connect them with housing help right away. But we don't stop there.

Parents and children can receive free therapy from licensed clinicians. In therapy, they talk about hard things that happened and learn ways to feel better. We help with basic needs like food and clothes for kids. Most important, parents find other people who understand. They meet otherswho have faced similar challenges. They learn they're not alone. They find out they're stronger than they thought, and that hope is possible.

We help with many things at once because families in crisis don't have just one problem. They have several problems all happening at the same time. These problems need to be solved together.

What Changes for Parents

The biggest changes we see first are with the parent who asks for help.

In therapy, parents learn how to handle stress and worry. They learn that getting help is smart, not weak. They learn ways to stay calm when things get hard with their kids.

When we help with housing, families have a safe place to sleep every night. When kids have a stable home, they can stay at the same school. When they stay at the same school, they make friends. They get to know their teachers. They can actually learn instead of always being the new kid.

Peer support gives parents something many haven't had in a long time: people who really get it. Many of our peer support specialists have been through hard times too. That shared understanding makes it safe for parents to be honest. They can ask questions without feeling bad. They can accept help without being judged.

Over time, things get better. Parents find jobs. Kids go to school regularly. Families create routines. The crisis that felt too big to handle starts to feel manageable.

But something else changes too. Something deeper. Parents start to see themselves in a new way. They see that they can make things better. They see that they can speak up for their families. They see that they're part of a community.

How Kids Benefit

The way we help parents creates new opportunities for their children.

When a parent gets help and life becomes more stable, everything opens up for their kids. Teenagers don't have to work so many hours to help pay bills. They can focus on school. They watch their parents get help and learn new things. They see that asking for help leads to good things. They learn that opportunities are real if you know where to look.

We've watched teens who were planning to drop out stay in school and graduate. We've helped connect young people with information about college and job training. We've celebrated with families when kids reach goals nobody thought were possible.

Younger kids benefit in different ways. They grow up hearing their parents talk openly about feelings and mental health. They learn that it's normal to have hard feelings and that getting support is healthy. They watch their parents make friends and build community. This teaches them that relationships matter.

They get to experience stability when they're young. They have the same teachers year after year. Teachers who know them and can help when they struggle. They make friendships that last. They join sports or clubs. They get to explore what they're interested in. They get to just be kids.

Research shows that when parents get mental health support, their kids do better in almost every way. They do better in school. They have better friendships. They're healthier. They're more likely to graduate high school. They're less likely to have mental health problems themselves. They're more likely to break cycles of poverty.

What It Means for Grandchildren

Maybe the most powerful part of the ripple effect is what it means for people not even born yet.

When today's teenagers grow up and have children, those children will start life with advantages their parents didn't have. They'll have a mom or dad who graduated high school. They'll have a parent who knows how to help them in school. They'll have a parent who knows that mental health support exists and isn't afraid to use it.

They'll grow up in a home where therapy is normal. Where asking for help is okay. Where community connections are valued. They'll see a family that faces challenges but doesn't face them alone. They'll learn that people can be resilient and strong.

Even more important, they'll grow up with a different story about what's possible. Their family story won't just be about struggle. It will include stories of growth and success and change. That matters more than we might think. Kids who grow up believing their family can change are more likely to believe they can create positive change in their own lives.

How It Helps the Whole Community

The good spreads even further than individual families. It changes whole communities.

Parents who get help often turn around and help others. They volunteer. They share their stories at community events. They become advocates not just for their own families but for all families who need support.

Their kids talk with friends about the help their family got. This makes it less scary for others to ask for help. When one family shares their story, other families realize it's okay to need support too.

When one family heals and becomes stable, they show other families that it's possible. They prove that support works. They make it safer for others to ask for help. They become part of the solution for everyone.

Why Helping Parents Is So Important

There's a reason Cherish Families puts so much energy into parent support. We offer free therapy, peer mentoring, and crisis services because parents are the key.

When you invest in a parent's mental health, you're investing in their children's emotional health. When you help a parent find stable housing, you're helping their kids stay in school. When you help a parent get a job, you're showing their kids that they can have careers too.

Supporting parents in crisis isn't just kind. It's smart. It's one of the best ways to create lasting change in a community because the impact naturally spreads through families.

This is especially true for families and individuals primarily from polygamous backgrounds. They often face unique challenges when looking for support. Understanding their background matters. Providing help without judgment matters. When families get support that respects where they come from and meets them where they are, they're more likely to ask for help, more likely to benefit, and more likely to create the kind of lasting change that reaches across generations.

What Real Change Looks Like

Big change doesn't always look dramatic. Often, it looks like everyday moments that would have been impossible a few years before.

It looks like a child talking about therapy the same way they talk about soccer practice. No shame. Just normal. It looks like a teenager applying to college because they watched their parent go back to school. It looks like a young adult calling a crisis hotline when things get hard because they learned that asking for help is brave, not weak.

It looks like families gathering for graduations, first days at new jobs, and moving into apartments. Celebrating moments that represent new beginnings instead of repeating old patterns.

It looks like a grandmother holding her grandchild and knowing this child will have opportunities she never imagined.

The Math of Change

Think about this: one family represents one parent and their children. But Cherish Families serves hundreds of families each year.

Think about all the children who stay in school because their parents got housing help. Think about all the teenagers who graduate because their parents got mental health support. Think about all the future generations who will start life with advantages their grandparents didn't have.

That's thousands of lives changed. That's whole communities transformed. That's the ripple effect in action.

How Everyone Can Help Create Ripples

The beautiful thing about the ripple effect is that everyone can be part of creating it. Whether you work with families, you're a community member who wants to help, or you've been through these challenges yourself, you have power to create positive ripples.

Sometimes that looks like volunteering your time. Sometimes it looks like sharing resources with families who need them. Sometimes it simply looks like treating people with respect and believing they can change.

For families and individuals primarily from polygamous backgrounds who need support, it looks like knowing that help exists. That reaching out won't mean judgment. Only understanding and real help.

For community members, it looks like recognizing that when we support one family, we're investing in generations we may never meet but whose lives we're helping to transform.

Looking Forward

The families we work with are still writing their stories. Grandchildren haven't been born yet. The full ripple effect of the help we give today won't be known for decades.

But we already know this: it matters. Supporting one parent in crisis creates stability for their children. It creates educational opportunities for teenagers. It creates a completely different path for all the generations that come after.

That's the power of wraparound support. That's the impact of meeting families where they are and giving them real, judgment-free help. That's why the work of organizations like Cherish Families matters so much.

Every parent who gets help today is a ripple that will spread across time. It touches lives and creates possibilities that wouldn't exist otherwise. Every family that finds stability creates a new story. A story of hope. A story of change. A story that will echo through generations.

Artwork curtousy of @ britchida

https://www.instagram.com/p/CG0CP5NJU9k/?img_index=2

Finding Safety in a Time of Crisis

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 18:30:10 GMT

1. What Is a Safety Plan?

How Cherish Families Helps You Plan, Prepare, and Heal

When life feels scary or out of control, it can be hard to know where to turn. Maybe you are worried about violence at home, your children’s safety, or what might happen if you ask for help. In times like these, you do not have to go through it alone. Cherish Families is here to walk with you, listen without judgment, and help you find safety, peace, and hope.

Here are 8 important things to know about finding safety in a time of crisis.

A safety plan is a simple guide to help you stay safe. It is more than a list. It is something made just for you, based on what you need. You can make a plan if you are thinking about leaving a dangerous situation, getting ready for an emergency, or trying to stay safe where you are now.

Your plan might include:

Where to go if you need to leave fast
Who to call for help
How to keep papers, medicine, or clothes ready
How to talk safely with someone you trust

Even small steps like packing a bag, learning a phone number, or using a code word can help when things feel scary or confusing.

2. How to Know When to Reach Out

Sometimes, when you live in fear for a long time, it starts to feel normal. But being afraid is not something you have to live with.

Watch for signs like:

Being threatened or yelled at
Being cut off from family or friends
Being followed, watched, or controlled
Feeling trapped, hopeless, or afraid all the time

If something feels wrong, it probably is. You can trust your gut. Talking to someone who understands can help you see what is really going on.

3. How Cherish Families Can Help

We know it can be hard to ask for help—especially if you are in a high-control or close-knit community where trust is not easy. Our team is here to support you, not judge you.

We can help you:

Make a safety plan that fits your life
Understand your legal rights, like protective orders
Have someone with you at court, the doctor, or when talking to police
Get help with child safety or custody questions
Connect with mental health and suicide prevention support
Get follow-up care so you are not left alone

4. Your Choices Matter

You are the expert on your life. No one else can decide for you. Whether you want to make changes now or just talk through your options, we will meet you with kindness and respect.

You do not have to rush. You do not have to explain everything. We will go at your pace.

5. Breaking Down the Barriers

We understand that reaching out can feel risky. You might worry about being judged, losing your kids, or being pushed away by people you love. You may not have a safe phone or car. That is okay.

We can help by:

Using safe and private ways to talk
Helping with transportation
Offering support from people who understand high-control situations

We will never pressure you. We will work with you to make a plan that is safe and works for your life

6. You Are Not Alone

No matter what you are going through, there is help. There is hope. You can contact Cherish Families through our website or call our private support line.

We will listen. We will believe you. And we will help you take your next step toward safety.

Crisis Resources:

Cherish Families – Visit cherishfamilies.org
National Domestic Violence Hotline – 1-800-799-7233
Utah Domestic Violence Coalition – (800) 897-5465
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988

7. Healing Starts Here

Crisis can turn your world upside down. But with the right support, healing is possible. At Cherish Families, we understand how hard it can be. Many of us have lived through it too.

We will walk beside you as you build a safer, more stable future. One step at a time.

8. You Deserve Safety and Hope

You deserve to feel safe. You deserve to be treated with respect. You deserve to live without fear.

You are not alone. We are here to help.

Healing Is Possible: Finding Hope Through Counseling

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 18:25:09 GMT

1. What Does “Trauma-Informed” Mean?

When someone has been through something scary or painful, the hurt can last a long time. Even if everything looks okay on the outside, you might feel worried, sad, tired, or unsafe. It might be hard to sleep, trust people, or feel calm. But here is the good news: healing is possible.

At Cherish Families, we help people feel better after hard times with kindness, care, and understanding. If you're wondering how counseling works or what it is like to ask for help, here are 8 simple things to know about healing through trauma-informed counseling.

Some people have been through really hard things, like being hurt, controlled, or scared. These experiences can still affect their life, even after a long time.

“Trauma-informed” means we do not ask, “What is wrong with you?” We ask, “What happened to you?” That helps us understand and care for you in a kind and respectful way.

You get to choose what you want to share and how fast you want to go. We will make sure you feel safe and in control.

2. A Safe Place to Talk and Heal

Talking about feelings can be scary, especially if you were told to stay quiet or if people did not listen to you before. At Cherish Families, you will find a calm and caring space where your story matters.

We believe healing works best when there is:

Safety – You feel protected
Trust – You know we care
Choice – You are in charge
Teamwork – We work together
Empowerment – You find your strength again

3. Help for Kids, Teens, and Adults

People of all ages can be hurt, and people of all ages can heal. We support children, teens, and adults from many types of families, including polygamous or plural families.

Children can use play or art to share feelings
Teens can talk about stress, friendships, and who they are
Adults can work through grief, fear, or painful memories
Groups can help people feel less alone and more supported

4. What Happens in Counseling?

At first, you will meet your counselor and talk about what you want to work on. You can share as much or as little as you feel ready for.

You might:

Talk about feelings
Learn ways to feel calm
Practice handling stress
Try special tools like EMDR to help with hard memories

You get to go at your own pace.

5. How Trauma Affects the Body

Trauma does not just hurt your heart. It can also hurt your body. You might get headaches, stomach aches, feel tired all the time, or have trouble sleeping.

That is why we use healing tools for the body too, such as:

Deep breathing
Gentle movement or stretching
Grounding exercises to help you feel safe

These tools help your whole self feel better.

6. It Is Okay to Ask for Help

In some families or communities, people are told to be strong and stay quiet. But asking for help is a brave kind of strength.

You do not have to handle everything on your own. Talking to someone who cares can help you feel lighter and stronger inside.

7. How to Get Started

If you are thinking about counseling but feel unsure, that is okay. You do not need to have it all figured out. Just take one small step.

You can:

Visit cherishfamilies.org and fill out the “Client Intake Form”
Or call us. We will listen and explain everything
We will connect you with a kind, trauma-informed counselor who understands your background

8. You Deserve to Heal

Healing takes time. It happens one small step at a time, and that is okay. At Cherish Families, we believe everyone deserves a chance to feel safe, peaceful, and happy again.

You are not alone. You are strong. And we are here when you are ready.

Overcoming Housing Barriers: What You Need to Know About Finding Stability

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 18:20:26 GMT

Why Housing Can Be Hard to Find

Having a safe and stable place to live is something everyone deserves. But for many people, especially those from polygamous families, high-control groups, or crisis situations, finding housing can be very hard. At Cherish Families, we understand these struggles, and we are here to help.

There are many reasons why finding a home can feel impossible. Some people do not have a credit history or job history. Others may not have their ID or Social Security card. Some have never rented a home before because they lived in shared or family housing. And some people face unfair treatment because of their background or family structure.

When you are leaving a hard or controlling situation, it can also feel scary to trust new people or ask for help. You might not know where to start, or you may be afraid of entering a system you don’t understand. These are real barriers—but you do not have to face them alone.

How Cherish Families Can Help

At Cherish Families, we walk with you step by step. Our team can help you:

Apply for low-income housing or emergency housing programs
Get your ID, birth certificate, or other documents
Understand your rights as a renter
Talk to landlords or housing workers
Learn how to set up utilities and keep a safe home
Find short-term help with rent or deposits through our partners

We also help you build a plan for the future—so housing is not just for now, but for good.

Meeting Basic Needs First

Before someone can focus on housing, they need food, clean clothes, and personal care items. That is why Cherish Families also provides basic needs support.

We offer a food pantry, hygiene supplies like shampoo or toothpaste, and household items like towels or bedding. We can also connect you with partners who help with clothing, furniture, or cleaning supplies.

When your basic needs are met, it is easier to think clearly, plan ahead, and start building stability.

Understanding Housing Programs

There are different types of housing help, but it can be confusing. Some housing is based on income. Some is meant for people who recently lost their home, or a victim of a crime. Some resources are temporary, while other housing resources offer long-term support for people with health or mental health needs.

Our case managers are here to explain your options. We will help you apply and make sure you understand each step.

Helping You Move Toward Independence

Getting into a home is important. But we also care about what comes next. We want to help you build a strong and healthy future.

We offer:

Job readiness and help applying for work
Support with school, GED, or college applications
Classes about money, budgeting, and saving
Emotional support from Peer Support Specialists who understand your journey

Housing is just one part of the story. We are here to help with the rest too.

You Are Not Alone

If you are struggling to find housing or do not know where to start, reach out. You do not need to have all the answers. You do not have to go through this by yourself.

Call us, visit cherishfamilies.org , or come to one of our outreach events. We will listen without judgment. We will help you make a plan. And we will walk with you every step of the way.

You Deserve a Safe Place to Call Home

At Cherish Families, we believe that housing is more than a roof over your head. It is the first step to safety, healing, and building the life you want.

No matter where you come from or what you have been through, you deserve stability. You deserve support. And you deserve a place to belong.

The Power of Peer Support: Why Lived Experience Matters in Recovery

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 18:15:53 GMT

What Is Peer Support?

Healing is not the same for everyone. People come from different places and face different struggles. If you are leaving a high-control group, a polygamous background, or any situation where life was hard, recovery can feel confusing and lonely.

That is why Peer Support Specialists at Cherish Families are so important. They know what it is like because they have been there too. They have real-life experience, not just training. And they are ready to walk with you on your healing journey.

Peer support means getting help from someone who has been through something similar. At Cherish Families, Peer Support Specialists are kind, trained people who have faced things like trauma, fear, or big life changes. They now use their story to help others feel less alone.

Peer Support Specialists offer:

Kindness without judgment
Advice that comes from real life
Hope that things can get better
A safe person to talk to when life feels heavy

Why Lived Experience Matters

Therapists and case managers are very helpful, but peer support feels different. It is more relaxed and more personal. It can feel easier to talk to someone who understands your background.

Peer Support Specialists share not just their struggles, but their strength. They show you that healing is possible and that you can grow, even after hard things.

What Peer Support Looks Like at Cherish Families

At Cherish Families, we include peer support in many ways:

Family support – Helping with routines, parenting, and setting boundaries
Life skills – Budgeting, job searching, or setting up a new home
Emotional support – Someone to talk to during hard days
System navigation – Helping with doctors, schools, or courts

Sometimes, a Peer Support Specialist will go with you to appointments or interviews. Other times, they are just there to talk and check in. Either way, they are someone you can trust.

From Surviving to Thriving

Peer support is about more than just getting by. It is about moving forward.

Take Rachel’s story. She left a strict community and felt lost. But when she met a Peer Support Specialist who had faced the same kinds of struggles, she began to feel hope. Over time, she started school, made new friends, and even helped others. Peer support helped her heal—and grow.

Why Peer Support at Cherish Families Is Special

We understand the fears and questions that come with leaving a high-control life. That is why our Peer Support Specialists are often from similar backgrounds. They know what it’s like to start over. They will never push or judge you.

Our Peer Support team:

Shares lived experience, not just advice
Listens with care
Respects your choices
Helps you set your own goals

How to Get Support

If you or someone you care about could use support from someone who understands, reach out to Cherish Families. We can connect you with a Peer Support Specialist who will listen and walk beside you.

You don’t have to go through this alone.

You Are Not Alone

Healing takes courage—but you don’t have to do it by yourself. At Cherish Families, we believe that lived experience is powerful. When shared with care, it can bring real hope.

Your story matters. Your voice matters. And someone who understands is ready to walk with you.

Finding Healing Through Community: Events That Empower and Connect

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 18:11:26 GMT

Why Community Matters

Healing does not happen alone. It happens in safe, caring spaces—together with others. For people from polygamous families or high-control groups, connecting with others might feel new or even scary. But at Cherish Families, we know that community is one of the most powerful ways to heal.

That is why our community events are more than just fun or helpful. They are a chance to feel seen, heard, and supported.

Many people who come to us have spent years feeling alone or afraid to speak up. In controlling environments, people are often told not to trust others or to keep their pain a secret.

That is why coming to an event can be such a big step. When people gather in safe places, something special happens:

They meet others who understand
They share stories and learn new things
They begin to feel strong and hopeful again

Community is not just about being together—it is about healing together.

Events That Help People Grow

At Cherish Families, we offer many types of events. Each one is made to support healing, learning, and connection.

Here are a few examples:

Health Fairs – Learn about your health, get free check-ups, and find wellness resources
Self-Defense Classes – Build confidence and learn how to stay safe
Money Workshops – Learn how to budget, fix credit, and plan for the future
Parenting Classes – Get support with discipline, child growth, and family life
Holiday Parties and Dinners – Enjoy food, fun, and friendship in a safe place

For some, coming to one of these events is the first time they feel truly welcome in a public space. That first visit can open the door to new hope.

Going Where People Are

We know that not everyone feels ready to come to an event. So we also bring support to you.

Cherish Families visits schools, neighborhoods, and other places where people feel more comfortable. We also work with partner organizations to offer joint events. This helps us create programs that are inclusive, safe, and respectful of all cultures and backgrounds.

Training for Professionals

Healing also means making sure the people who offer help understand what you have been through. That is why Cherish Families trains professionals like teachers, doctors, social workers, and police officers.

These trainings help others learn how to serve people from polygamous or high-control backgrounds with kindness and care. By teaching others, we build a more supportive world for everyone.

How to Join In

You are welcome at any of our events. Whether you are looking for help, want to learn something new, or just want to feel less alone, there is a place for you.

To find out what is coming up:

Visit cherishfamilies.org
Follow Cherish Families on social media
Sign up for our newsletter
Or call us—we are happy to answer your questions

You Belong in This Community

At Cherish Families, we believe healing grows in community. Our events are made to help you learn, laugh, connect, and grow. No matter where you come from or what you are going through, there is a place for you here.

Come as you are. You are welcome. And we are glad you are with us.