As the new year begins, many people focus on setting goals and plans for change. What is often overlooked is the role hope plays in making those goals meaningful and achievable. Hope is more than a feeling. It is a framework built on clear goals, belief in the future, and identifying pathways forward, even when challenges arise.

The holiday season brings both joy and added stress for professionals, families, and communities. For those serving children, busy schedules and emotional demands can feel overwhelming. Understanding how holiday stress affects our work and the families we support helps us stay grounded and resilient. Although challenging, the holidays also create opportunities for meaningful connection through community events and shared traditions.

As November arrives, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect on gratitude. More than a holiday tradition, gratitude strengthens relationships, supports mental well-being, and builds compassionate communities, reminding us to notice the good around us every day.

Resilience helps children, families, and communities adapt, recover, and grow through life’s challenges. It develops through strong relationships, stable routines, and hopeful thinking. When communities work together to support families, they create environments where every child feels safe, connected, and capable of thriving, even during difficult times.

We don’t always know the challenges our colleagues or employees carry with them each day. Nearly 70% of U.S. adults have experienced trauma, and its effects often show up in the workplace through stress, burnout, or difficulty building trust. Becoming trauma-informed is more than an act of compassion—it’s a proven strategy for creating safer, stronger, and more productive teams. When leaders and organizations adopt trauma-informed practices, they foster resilience, loyalty, a

At Thriving Families Alliance, we believe early support creates lasting impact. By connecting families to resources, addressing community priorities, and offering professional development, we are building a Southwest Iowa where every child is safe, supported, and connected.

Supportive relationships with caring adults are one of the most powerful influences in a child’s life. When these connections start early, they build trust, resilience, and a sense of belonging that helps children thrive. Communities grow stronger when every child feels seen, supported, and valued—not just by their families, but by the adults around them. A connected child is a thriving child, and a thriving child helps build a better future for all of us.

Explore how Thriving Families Alliance is strengthening families, building connections, and creating lasting impact across Southwest Iowa through innovative programs, community partnerships, and accessible support. See what we’ve accomplished..

Quality childcare shapes young minds and strengthens communities. Discover why the early years matter so much and how high-quality care can build the foundation for a lifetime of learning, resilience, and success.

Protecting children means supporting families early. Discover the vital role of nurturing relationships, safety, resources, and community in preventing child abuse.

Professionals help families adopt healthy lifestyles, fostering well-being and stronger communities.

Parental resilience is key to empowering caregivers to navigate challenges, fostering healthier families and stronger communities.

Children, Families, and Communities Discover how building social-emotional competence in children creates resilient families & communities.

Strengthening Families and Communities Through Protective Factors Discover how focusing on protective factors like social connections can em

Concrete Needs are the practical and tangible resources that individuals and families require to meet their basic needs.

The Protective Factor Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development Provides Benefits to Both Families and Communities.

Positive childhood experiences (PCEs), which occur before the age of eighteen, have protective effects, helping to heal the brain from...

As we embark on a new fiscal year, Thriving Families Alliance (TFA) renews its commitment to our mission: to empower a caring community...

Looking Back, A Year in Review As we end our year at Thriving Families Alliance, it's a natural time to take a moment and reflect on all...

Child abuse, once commonly considered a private family issue, is finally recognized as a pressing public health concern. According to the...