It's About Childhood & Family, Inc.

100% of contributions will be directed to post-production costs of film including editors, film crew, music rights, etc.

We are excited to announce a new film exploring The Nurtured Heart Approach® (NHA) as it enters its final stages of editing and post-production. The documentary highlights how NHA methodologies are being employed amongst sufferers of poverty, violence, trauma, the symptoms of mental health conditions — and perhaps most importantly, in pioneering educational settings around the world.

The documentary draws from dozens of interviews in order to deliver invaluable insights into the use of NHA in the classroom, varied work environments, within families, and ultimately, each of us. The interviews we’ve captured underscore the use of NHA by teachers, administrators, counselors, mental health professionals, family members and provide an environment where people feel they are seen, heard, and understood. The filming and editing has been part of an invigorating process — and we are encouraged and uplifted by our ability to identify stories which will speak to the “common man and woman” - no matter where they reside.

NHA, created by Howard Glasser over 30 years ago, is one of the most well-respected approaches for inner nourishment worldwide. That NHA has never been afforded a platform on international media is an anomaly that we intend to change. This film, produced by Dr. Michael Gilbert and others, introduces educators and experts from around the globe, while explaining how people from many cultures and traditions have used the approach to energize learning environments — from India to America. But it also explores the myriad ways NHA has been utilized to address — if not reverse — trauma and hurtful communications, while building stronger self-image and inner wisdom among children and adults as well. “People often say that NHA centers around positivity,” says Glasser. “But it really focuses on transforming intensity and negativity in the classroom, work environments, and in the home.” As such, the film features powerful stories of hope - and offers another way for parents, teachers, and children to grasp the possibilities of a better future. But it also boldly sets a clear path to guide each individual through the use of simple, attainable methods and principles.

While the documentary will be released this Autumn, we need your help to catapult this important work over the finish line. We respectfully request that you consider donating in any amount. Contributions are tax deductible and 100% goes directly to the film production. We are excited to provide this film for the betterment of people everywhere, and thank you in advance for your consideration. 

No raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or promotions are offered in exchange for any donations made to my GoFundMe.

Now more than ever, we need to focus our collective energy on hope and healing. Every day, children and families struggle with the impact of generational poverty, trauma/grief, educational disparities, and social injustice. Despite these realities, thousands of children and families demonstrate their courage, resilience, compassion, persistence, and wisdom on a daily basis. They are the hope for a better tomorrow.

Our mission? To capture those moments of excellence and inspiration through short films which document how families, children, educators and others chart new paths during these challenging times. Using our unique connections and pathways to these leaders, we will utilize their extraordinary stories via a network of award-winning filmmakers who have a passion for children - and for what’s possible.

We will inspire by simply sharing the stories of individuals, schools, and organizations across the country as they find new paths for learning and overcoming the burdens they face. After all, hopeful stories are windows into the inspiring possibilities life has to offer. We are committed to featuring those voices by bringing their stories to the screen.

These films will bring awareness to vital issues and will aid non-profit organizations with promotion and fundraising as they strive to bring change to their communities and globally. We will employ local talent to assist with the filmmaking process, including high school and college students who rarely have opportunities to work with top filmmakers for the greater good.

Proceeds from the films will be reinvested back into our local communities.

It’s About Childhood & Family Inc. will partner with award-winning filmmakers - relationships we have been cultivating for nearly 20 years.

Here are some examples:

SELAH CAREFARM

A compassionate community where grief and love, pain and beauty intersect.

CHILD HEALTH & RESILIENCE MASTERY®

The mission at CHARM is to empower children and families to strengthen their resilience in health promoting ways. They are passionate about providing strengths-based, research-grounded resources.

RESTORATIVE STRATEGIES

A warrior whose focus is on building capacity around the philosophy and practices of Restorative Justice.

STREET ADDICTION INSTITUTE

An organization providing non-traditional prevention and intervention methods and approaches addressing trauma, specific to neighborhood conflict and street addictive behaviors for youth and young adults.

MEDITATION NOT DETENTION

HOLISTIC LIFE FOUNDATION

An opportunity for children and young adults to become a generation of healthy, supported, mindful students with the knowledge, access, and support to be successful.

A movement to provide hope, training, and support to individuals needing a second chance, allowing them to redirect their lives and become contributing members of our community.

Want to join me in making a difference? Do you want to be a spark that ignites positive change?

Please contribute ANY AMOUNT below. We are raising these funds for It's About Childhood & Family Inc., and the innumerable projects they are involved in which benefit thousands from Syracuse to Santa Rosa.

Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause to which I have dedicated my life.

Michael Gilbert, Psy.D.