A family's heritage and values have profound bearing on the stresses it encounters, and how it handles them. Socio-economic change, natural and man-made disasters and migration are a major influence on the integrity of society. In these times of global crisis, communities around the world are in danger of losing their intrinsic structure and protective factors. Connectedness or attachment to family and culture of origin correlate with reduced risk-taking behaviors and a reduction in family and societal violence, the impact of post-traumatic stress, addiction, sexual risk-taking, and other chronic and/or life-threatening illnesses. Facilitating these family, cultural and community ties and enhancing access to family and community resources can therefore be protective against trauma. This connectedness fosters resilience and reduces the short and long-term effects of stress in families and communities. Studies and clinical vignettes will illustrate the benefits of working with Link Therapists or Community Links (Natural Change Agents) from families and communities to build this positive attachment. Interventions target individuals, families or communities as the object of change, utilizing individual, group, or multiple Community Links. The practical methods of mapping, assessment and intervention to be presented consider all levels of individual, family and community involvement, paying attention to health, spirituality, culture and life cycle stage. Assessment of available resources and vulnerabilities, protective factors and goals encourages and facilitates collaboration across natural and artificial support systems for building resilience, rather than perpetuating vulnerability and long-term problems for individuals, families and the communities in which they live