“STRiVE created a community of leaders that taught and uplifted each other. I left this program a better person and leader because of the people I met.” — Ellie Davidson (junior, math)

“I learned that stories are everything, and people want to matter and belong, but most importantly civic life is everywhere. We see, we experience, and we thrive for change. Not just change that honors our values and perspectives but honors the values and perspectives of others.” — Djina Awungnija (first-year, biochemistry and molecular biology)

• Angelina Jenkins, M.A. (The Mosaic: Center for Cultural Diversity)
• David Hoffman ’13, Ph.D. (Center for Democracy and Civic Life)
• Jasmine Lee, Ph.D. (Division of Institutional Equity)
• Jeff Cullen, Ph.D. (Student Conduct and Community Standards)
• Mary Rose Khamfong (senior, psychology)
• Maya Hunn (senior, public health)
• Nikita Lobo (sophomore, computer science)
• Sebastian Zamora (sophomore, financial economics and English)

“I was nervous before joining STRiVE, but there really is no reason to be nervous. STRiVE fosters a very welcome community and I truly loved every second.” — Davida Wiredu (first-year, political science and English)

“STRiVE helped me feel like I belong at UMBC and that I can make an impact, here and in the wider community!” — Connor White (junior, geography and environmental studies)

• Ciara Christian, M.A. ’18, Ph.D. ’22 (Center for Social Justice Dialogue)
• Darcie Adams ’23 (The Gathering Space for Spiritual Well-Being)
• Griselda Flores, Ph.D. (Retriever Essential Needs and Connections)
• John Fox, Ph.D. (Division of Student Affairs)
• Katie Bowen, LCSW-C (Retriever Integrated Health)
• Matt Hoffman, M.Div (The Gathering Space for Spiritual Well-Being)
• Ricky Blissett ’11, Ph.D. (Center for Democracy and Civic Life)

“This experience has reinforced my commitment to leading with empathy and integrity. Whether in academic, professional, or community settings, I now feel more equipped to approach challenges thoughtfully and drive positive change with purpose.” — Roza Zareidoodeji (sophomore, biological sciences)

“This was without a doubt the best experience of my life. I came in scared of being hated and judged, but came out with so much support. This is so much more than just a retreat, this is the start of a community.” — Taylor Laumann (junior, business technology administration)

“At STRiVE, you learn how individuals connect to create a narrative of love, a true community.” — Yael Chookrun (first-year, computer science)

Healing from Family Challenges is a six-week group that provides psychoeducation and skills that help address the effects of adverse childhood experiences. It helps the members to recognize how these past challenging experiences might be impacting their current functioning and helps individuals identify healthy ways of coping with their experiences. Students transition from surviving past experiences to thriving in the present. The group creates a safe and supportive environment to develop an alternate way of looking at the past and develop a sense of meaning and purpose that help them thrive today.

Wednesdays, 3:00 PM-4:30 PM beginning February 19

The first step to joining any group is to complete an Initial Consultation appointment. Please call us at 410-455-2542 or visit the RetrieverCare portal to schedule.

For general group questions, or if you need accommodations for a disability, please send a secure message to CC Front Desk via the patient portal at least one week prior to the start of group and RIH will arrange for services.

All RIH services are LGBTQIA2S+ friendly and are welcoming to all diverse populations.