Additional Resources
A Safe Place to Stay
Teenager Sarah arrived at Aspen House, a shelter for youth in crisis, devasted at having to leave her home. Our team at Aspen House provides a safe place to stay for youth 11-18 from all kinds of backgrounds and situations.
Dr. Michelle K. Murray on Managing the Anxiety and Stress of Holiday Gatherings
Family gatherings during the holidays are a time of connection and joy. They can also be a cause of anxiety or lead to triggering situations. In this special holiday episode of In This Family, Dr. Michelle K. Murray provides practical tips on thriving or maybe just surviving family events.
The Realities of Youth Homelessness
In the U.S., 4.2 million youth experience homelessness every year. Around 700,000 of those youth are unaccompanied, meaning they are not in the care of their parents and caregivers. In Minnesota, over 13,000 unaccompanied young people experience homelessness in a year. That’s a lot of kids without safe shelter!
Sarah LaBrie’s Mom Had Severe Mental Illness So Sarah Had to Figure Out Her Past and Her Future
Sarah LaBrie reflects on growing up with a mother living with severe mental illness, including psychosis and schizophrenia, and the impact it had on her life. Supported by her grandmother and aunt, Sarah navigated childhood instability, complex family relationships, and the long-term effects of trauma.
Honoring My Kids’ Roots in a Multicultural Family
Foster and adoptive parent Cherie Johnson shares her journey of raising a multicultural family, honoring her children’s diverse cultural roots through language, traditions, mentors, and connection. She reflects on the challenges, joys, and intentional efforts it takes to help every child feel seen, valued, and loved.
Comedian Maria Bamford Loved Her Parents, Learned From Them, Makes Fun of Them
Comedian and author Maria Bamford reflects on growing up with loving parents who did their best to support her through bipolar II, OCD, and intrusive thoughts—despite not having the mental health awareness we have today. Maria shares how their compassion, humor, and willingness to adapt shaped her life and continues to influence her work, including the way she lovingly (and hilariously) portrays them in her comedy.
Breaking the Silence on Mental Health While Keeping Cultural Identity with Vivien Lee
Vivien Lee recalls the first inklings of an existential crisis when she was eight years old. As she grew older, Vivien endured severe trauma. As the oldest of several children in a family that was part of Minnesota’s Hmong community, mental health was not something that was discussed in her family.
Supporting Mental Health Across Cultures
For care professionals, providing culturally sensitive, trauma-informed support means taking the time to understand each person’s unique background. By approaching these differences with curiosity rather than judgment, professionals can build trust, foster meaningful connections, and communicate more effectively.