Family is a concept that resonates deeply within us, yet its definition is profoundly personal and multifaceted. At Be Strong Families, we believe in the power of family, recognizing it as a core value built upon respect and appreciation for every individual, regardless of their background or life circumstances. This respect extends to the relationships people choose to define as their family – the intentional and meaningful connections that enrich their lives. Our understanding of family encompasses community, sisterhood, and brotherhood, acknowledging that while this value unites us, the essence of family is uniquely experienced by each person.
To truly understand “Family What Is Family” means, we need to explore its diverse meanings. Let’s delve into what family means to different individuals, drawing insights from the perspectives of our Board of Directors at Be Strong Families:
“My family is and has been supportive in helping me raise my children. They represent the foundation of who I have become in life. It was my aunt and uncle who drove me around looking at colleges as a high school student and encouraging me for higher education. My grandparents financed my college education. My family has always been there for me, in good times and not so good times. If it wasn’t for my mother, I am not sure where I would be today. Since I got divorced 12 years ago, my mother has helped me financially to stay in my home and meet the needs of my growing kids.” – Nina Aliprandi (Board Chair)
Nina’s reflection highlights the traditional sense of family as a supportive network providing crucial assistance, especially during challenging times. Her family has been instrumental in her personal and professional growth, offering both emotional and financial stability.
“Family for me represents the foundation of self, and a unity of acceptance, unconditional sacrifices, joy, support and love that is built on a continuum of resilience, and journey in humility from the past, current and future generations.” – Sandy Baba, Ph.D.
Dr. Baba emphasizes family as the bedrock of self-identity. For her, family embodies unconditional acceptance, love, and support that transcends generations, fostering resilience and humility through shared experiences.
“I feel family goes beyond bloodlines, last names or obligations. To me, the word ‘family’ includes all the people in our lives who commit to love and support us unconditionally. It is not a passive birthright but a choice, a discipline of kindness that helps us thrive both as individuals and as a society.” – Fernando Barcelona
Fernando expands the definition of family beyond biological ties. He sees family as a chosen entity, built on commitment, unconditional love, and support. It’s an active choice and a practice of kindness that benefits both individuals and the wider community.
“Holding on as one
Roots rich with stories of life
Ancestrally linked” – Denise Boston, Ph.D.
Dr. Boston’s poetic definition captures the enduring and historical aspect of family. It speaks to the deep roots, shared narratives, and ancestral connections that bind families together.
“Family, broadly and inclusively defined, is the foundation for individual and community health, well-being and prosperity. Let’s join together to strengthen families, nurture positive relationships, and promote resilience and hope.” – Anne Douglass, Ph.D.
Dr. Douglass underscores the vital role of family in fostering health and well-being at both individual and community levels. Her perspective advocates for strengthening families as a means to cultivate positive relationships, resilience, and hope within society.
“For me family is so much more than just the people I am related to, my family also consists of a supportive and caring group of friends who I can laugh and cry with. Without the strength of community, I feel that I would not have as much hope to be the parent and person that I strive to be.” – Kassia Eide (Board Secretary)
Kassia’s definition broadens family to include chosen relationships, such as supportive friends. She emphasizes the importance of community and its role in providing strength, hope, and personal growth, particularly in her journey as a parent.
“I look at family as those who care about you the most and want to see you grow and flourish. Helpfulness, respect, health, integrity and cooperation are my core values; my family understands my values and I understand their values. Through understanding of each other’s values, we arrive at a mutual respect and support. People with open hearts and a willingness to accept you for the human that you are. Even when things go wrong and crisis faces you, you can always depend on family. Family brings you back to your values and helps you make good decisions.” – Kenneth Krantz, CFP® APMA®
Kenneth views family through the lens of shared values and mutual respect. He defines family as those who genuinely care about your growth and well-being, providing dependable support and guidance, especially during challenging times.
“To me a family is whoever I can depend on for support, to laugh with, to play with, and to share the challenges and rewards of life with.” – Beth Lakier
Beth offers a simple yet profound definition, focusing on dependability and shared experiences. Family, for her, are those you can rely on for support, joy, and companionship through life’s ups and downs.
“Family means having someone to love you unconditionally in spite of you and your shortcomings. Family is loving and supporting one another even when it’s not easy to do so. It’s being the best person you could be so that you may inspire your love ones. Family doesn’t see color, race, creed not culture it sees heart. Family isn’t always about being connected biologically, because understands that other things and influences bind us. Family is unrelenting, it’s secure and reliable. Family isn’t just important, it’s what is most important!” – Marvin Lazenbury, MHS
Marvin passionately describes family as unconditional love and unwavering support, transcending biological connections and societal differences. He emphasizes the paramount importance of family as a constant source of security, reliability, and inspiration.
“I used to tell this to my kids when they were younger, ‘Our family is like Noah’s ark. The outside world may sometimes feel chaotic or harsh or overwhelming, like a flood. In our family, we want to create an ark for each other — where we’re safe and protected and feel a sense of belonging, loved, cared about, taken care of and protected.’ They got it and that’s the world our family is.” – Naomi Mark, LCSW
Naomi uses the metaphor of Noah’s Ark to illustrate family as a safe haven. She envisions family as a protective space offering security, belonging, love, and care amidst the chaos of the outside world.
“My love for my family, my desire for them to be proud of me and my decisions, is my life’s compass. I hope to advance the organization’s mission through my time and judgment. I consider serving on this board as something of a civic duty, in addition to a challenging and enjoyable experience.” – Scott Reinglass, JD (Board Treasurer)
Scott highlights the guiding influence of family. His love for family and desire for their approval shapes his decisions and actions, acting as his “life’s compass”.
“Family always feels nearby. The closeness is never determined by distance or time. Frequent gatherings develop into mutual support. And occasional visits enrich lives with gratitude. Family is comfort; it is home. What is most important: I refuse to limit family to a group or place. I am passionate about strengthen all communities. I believe, the foundation is respect and commitment and creating cherished moments.” – Antoinette Rice-White
Antoinette emphasizes the enduring presence of family, transcending physical distance and time. She views family as a source of comfort and belonging, advocating for a broader understanding of family that extends to communities, built upon respect, commitment, and shared positive experiences.
“Building strong families is a self-preservation strategy for any rational and sane society. An enlightened society is one which supports all of its members in reaching their full potential as human beings. I believe we can become true architects of our destinies rather than mere captives of our fate, of our past. This liberating model allows for true freedom as each segment of society takes responsibility for itself and for our extended human family. It is a strengths-based and wellness model which leads to evolutionary growth, resilience, and development towards the higher reaches of human nature. It is a vision of hope, based on the most powerful force in all of nature: love.” – Carl Totton, Psy.D.
Dr. Totton presents a societal perspective, arguing that strong families are crucial for a healthy and progressive society. He believes in empowering individuals and communities to shape their futures, fostering growth, resilience, and human potential through love and mutual responsibility within the extended human family.
“We are family.” – Katthe Wolf, MA (President)
Kathe Wolf’s succinct statement encapsulates the unifying essence of family. It’s a powerful declaration of togetherness, belonging, and shared identity.
Conclusion: The Enduring Significance of Family
Exploring the diverse definitions of “family what is family” truly means reveals its profound and deeply personal nature. While traditional notions of family often center on blood relations, these perspectives illuminate the importance of chosen families, communities, and relationships built on love, support, shared values, and mutual respect. Family, in its most expansive and meaningful sense, serves as a foundation for individual well-being, community strength, and societal progress. It is a source of resilience, hope, and unconditional love, guiding us through life’s journey and reminding us of what truly matters. Ultimately, family, whatever form it takes, is undeniably essential to the human experience.
