Laurie Stroud
For Megan: Preventing Domestic Violence Before It Starts
Special Feature The Megan Montgomery Foundation Board of Directors recently celebrated the third anniversary of the local grantmaking nonprofit. They also celebrated awarding the following grants for healthy relationship education programs: Disability Resource Network in Huntsville, $5,000; Southern Union State Community College in Opelika $13,500; Girls Inc. $10,000; Penelope House in Mobile $10,000; and Camellia …
A Sneak Peek at the Fun in Store: Celebrate the Family Expo 2025
Special Feature Grab your family and friends and join us for the 6th Annual Celebrate the Family Expo on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at the Hoover Metropolitan Complex’s Finley Center. Enjoy free family fun, great giveaways, and delicious food while you learn about resources that can help you and your family. Rain or shine this is …
Caring Hearts, Healing Paws: Meet Tara & Ruthie- Creative, Compassionate Support for Kids and Families
Healthy Living We’re thrilled to introduce a joyful new addition to our Fortify Christian Counseling family—Tara Vines, LPC-S, and her certified therapy dog, Ruthie! Together, this dynamic duo brings a warm and compassionate approach to child and family counseling that blends professional excellence with heart-centered care. Tara Vines, LPC, brings more than 25 years of …
On Her Way to Achieving Her Dreams: Cancer Survivor Margaret Anne Palmer
Healthy Living In 2017, Margaret Anne Palmer was diagnosed with Wilms Tumor, a form of kidney cancer most commonly found in children. Her tumor was discovered by chance. When Margaret Anne was a baby, she had clogged tear ducts, which made her eyes look like they had pink eye. Doctors said they would place stents …
A Safe Space for Men to Heal & Grow: Still Waters Counseling and Education Center
Healthy Living Teal Dick, M. Div, LPC-S, is passionate about helping men heal from past pains and grow into stronger people through counseling. Teal brings nearly 30 years of counseling experience and provides a safe place where men can drop their masks and be honest about their struggles. Real Issues. Teal explains that many men …
Come Celebrate with Us!
Publisher’s Note As we close out our 25th year of publishing, we invite you to come and celebrate with us at our 6th Annual Celebrate the Family Expo! Saturday September 13, 2025 at the Hoover Met Complex Finley Center. Enjoy fun, free activities from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. while browsing 50 plus exhibits where you will …
Sojourn’s Journey to Hope
The Family Pet “When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong.” Leviticus 19:33 He didn’t come trotting in with fanfare or pedigree papers. He showed up quietly on a stranger’s porch- wounded, weary, and very much in need of a miracle. He appeared like a four-legged wanderer from …
How to Prepare for Rainy Days in Marriage
Special Feature A fashion-conscious crowd waits to cross a busy street during a downpour. Their umbrellas dance against the backdrop of fog-draped buildings like a mosaic of mushrooms in a misty forest. Then, out of nowhere, a cab splashes through a puddle, drenching the unsuspecting group. Similar to merciless cab drivers in rainstorms, life sometimes …
