Frances Gonzalez, Author at Strength After

Seven Autumns of Mourning in Newtown

VIA The Atlantic | December 6, 2019

Over these past seven autumns, I’ve learned that just showing up for neighbors during these difficult weeks between Halloween and December 14 can help lift at least some of the weight we carry.

If you are experiencing emotional distress or other mental health concerns after a disaster, the Disaster Distress Helpline is here for you 24/7/365.

1-800-985-5990

For Deaf and Hard of Hearing ASL Callers: To connect directly to an agent in American Sign Language, Click the “ASL Now” button below or call 1-800-985-5990 from your videophone. ASL Support is available 24/7.

The mother of a child who experienced the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting reflects on the power of the community 7 years after the tragedy.

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Mom fights to keep kids safe after Moore tornado

VIA Today | July 30, 2019

I figured that while everyone argues about politics or gun control, let’s do something to keep kids safe.

If you are experiencing emotional distress or other mental health concerns after a disaster, the Disaster Distress Helpline is here for you 24/7/365.

1-800-985-5990

“We were fortunate enough to have a community that supported that endeavor,” Romines told TODAY. “I have a junior high student in the district, and I’m not going to lie, there’s a peace of mind to me as a parent and as a superintendent that we’ve got a place to send our students (during a storm).”

(article link, but page also includes a video embedded)

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Puerto Rico teachers reflect on Hurricane Maria 1 year later

VIA Today |

Physically, we will never be the same. But, emotionally, we are growing stronger.

If you are experiencing emotional distress or other mental health concerns after a disaster, the Disaster Distress Helpline is here for you 24/7/365.

1-800-985-5990

Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico just as the 2017 school year was beginning. A year later, two teachers recall their struggle to rebuild their schools and communities amid the devastation. (article link, but also includes a video embedded)

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Columbine High School Shooting

Rachel’s Challenge, an anti-bullying program created by Columbine shooting victim’s father, starts a ‘chain reaction’ in Lancaster County

VIA Lancaster Online | March 20, 2019

I want you to think of the power you have. The power you have to make a huge difference in the life of someone else with a small, simple act.

If you are experiencing emotional distress or other mental health concerns after a disaster, the Disaster Distress Helpline is here for you 24/7/365.

1-800-985-5990

Rachel’s Challenge, an anti-bullying program created by a Columbine shooting victim’s father, offers an emotional presentation highlighting Rachel’s life story, help in creating a FOR — Friends of Rachel — club focused on creating a more positive school climate, and training materials for schools.

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Boston Marathon bombings

Boston Marathon bombing survivor leading charity that once helped her

VIA Boston 25 News |

For me, it's been therapeutic to give back.

If you are experiencing emotional distress or other mental health concerns after a disaster, the Disaster Distress Helpline is here for you 24/7/365.

1-800-985-5990

A Boston Marathon survivor is giving back to the same foundation that helped her 48 hours after she was hurt.

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Before and After Route 91

VIA New York Magazine | October 3, 2018

I feel like sharing my story has connected me with people that have gone through similar traumatic things, and it makes me feel less alone, and it makes them feel less alone.

If you are experiencing emotional distress or other mental health concerns after a disaster, the Disaster Distress Helpline is here for you 24/7/365.

1-800-985-5990

On the first anniversary of the Las Vegas shooting at the Route 91 Harvest Festival, survivor Natalie Grumet reflects on her experience with recovery and trauma for New York Magazine’s The Cut, and shares her story in her own words.

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Survivors of Las Vegas sniper find support in each other

VIA Los Angeles Times | July 26, 2018

People are resilient if you give them the tools.

If you are experiencing emotional distress or other mental health concerns after a disaster, the Disaster Distress Helpline is here for you 24/7/365.

1-800-985-5990

Five months after the Route 91 country music festival in Las Vegas turned into the largest mass shooting in U.S. history, a support group in California helps the survivors cope and move forward together.

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A Bittersweet Journey Back to Puerto Rico After Maria

VIA The New York Times |

It was a phenomenon, but who cares. We’re alive, we’re alive.

If you are experiencing emotional distress or other mental health concerns after a disaster, the Disaster Distress Helpline is here for you 24/7/365.

1-800-985-5990

After Hurricane Maria, thousands of Puerto Rico residents fled the island. Many are now returning home to rebuild their lives. In this story, a New York Times reporter follows an older couple as they return home to Puerto Rico and work to rebuild their lives.

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Pulse Nightclub Survivor: ‘I Have To Keep Moving’

VIA NBC News | May 30, 2018

You honestly don’t know how strong you are until you have no other choice.

If you are experiencing emotional distress or other mental health concerns after a disaster, the Disaster Distress Helpline is here for you 24/7/365.

1-800-985-5990

One year after the tragedy, Pulse nightclub shooting survivor Patience Carter is moving forward, but still trying to heal. Although she has healed physically, she is still on an emotional road to recovery.

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How One Small Town In Puerto Rico Holds On To Hope

VIA Forbes |

We have found what we can do together, and we know we can do even more things together.

If you are experiencing emotional distress or other mental health concerns after a disaster, the Disaster Distress Helpline is here for you 24/7/365.

1-800-985-5990

It’s been six months since Hurricane Maria slammed into this small town in Humacao on the southeastern coast of Puerto Rico. Little more than two months now stand between its 5,000 or so residents and the next hurricane season. One nonprofit, Programa De Educacion Comunal De Entrega Y Servicio, Inc., or P.E.C.E.S., is at the center of the effort to rebuild, stronger than before.

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