Families are important.
As are boundaries, intimacy, and warmth.
Our families signify the origin of our personal identities, comprise our first relationships and shape our conscience. Whatever we think or do, however we express our thoughts or emotions, whenever we relate with others – our lives are shaped by, and respond to, our family dynamics.
We encourage people to reflect upon their own family – its composition (i.e., who do you consider to be a member of your family?) and the varied roles, expectations, and estrangements that characterize its relationships – and to share their stories with us.
We listen. We want to understand your family experiences, since your stories – painful and celebratory – guide our work.
See our Mission Statement.
Centers & Special Programs
Family Spirals® addresses family relationships holistically, and explores the external factors and influences that shape family wellbeing. Yet there are still numerous areas of family life that have been under-researched, and consequently, there are few to no effective programs addressing them. Our Centers and Special Programs are designed to fill in those gaps. Each of our programmatic Centers is designed as a hub of activity and resources addressing particular aspects of family life. They are also gateways to our Family Dynamics Clearinghouse™ & Virtual Art Galleries which pertain to those particular relationships, and introduce services designed to help people who are confused, challenged, or pained by their family relationships.
Family Dynamics Clearinghouse™ & Virtual Art Galleries
People can immediately access, free of charge, our Family Dynamics Clearinghouse™, which addresses several neglected family problems. These vetted resources and curated lists of relevant information can foster critical thinking, and help people navigate the overwhelming and often contradictory information and advice online (some of which can actually exacerbate problems).
Resources include organizations, activities, programs, information, bibliographies, and lists of narrative and documentary films, music, and more. Unlike many other organizations, we include resources by other organizations, providers, and authors so that people can have the information they need when they need it.
With our Virtual Art Galleries, we incorporate the arts into all our work, since art provides a salve that helps us face problems and traumas that may otherwise be too uncomfortable or painful to confront. Galleries include paintings, drawings, short films, sculpture, installations, performances, and poetry. In the future, we will also feature family forward culinary arts and fashion programs.
Together, art and resources help destigmatize family problems as people learn that there have always been caring individuals, providers, scholars, and artist throughout history and from different cultures, who have seriously addressed these very issues.
For people who are homebound or with busy or erratic schedules, the ease of access is especially beneficial, and something that all can share and discuss with their family members and others.
Services & Programs
Let it Out! is Family Spirals® series of Discussion and Support Groups. We address family problems often overlooked by providers, and neglected within communities. Each group is designed for people who have certain family experiences in common. We provide a safe space, free from shaming and guilting, and the opportunity to openly and honestly explore the painful, complicated, often messy aspects of family life.
In the future, we will have workshops, trainings, as well as several programs that bring family members together.
Think Tank
As we grow, we will be joining coalitions that address the external factors that influence family dynamics and wellbeing. These include coalitions formed to ensure healthy environments, access to healthcare and fresh foods, access to open and natural spaces, and which promote violence prevention, and sustainable economic development.
Legal Status
Family Spirals® is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a non-profit arts service organization. Contributions for the charitable purposes of Family Spirals® must be made payable to “Fractured Atlas” only and are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Family Spirals® 