First Things First of Greater Richmond

RESOURCES BY SUBJECT l FTF LIBRARY

Marriage Enrichment:

At any one time, most marriages report themselves to be currently satisfied... for the 5% that report unsatisfied, most of them will cycle back to satisfied within a few years... but some will divorce with devastating consequences for everyone. Most marriages will cycle temporarily into the unsatisfied minority at some time. The problem is that while couples are generally satisfied, many won't invest in building relationship skills like attending a couples class. The solution is to regularly invest in strengthening your marriage while you are generally satisfied... it is like changing the oil and plugs in your car... it prevents inefficiency and more serious problems down the road... Take a class today to keep your marriage and family running well! Below are opportunities for enriching your relationship:

NEW Couples class: It Takes Two: Keys to a Rewarding Relationship. A Fun interactive class for Communication and Conflict Resolution Tools that work based on long term University of Denver Research (also faith based version for churches with Biblical foundations). Great for enriching your marriage and learning skills that lower conflict and increase intimacy. We partner with the YMCA and others to bring this to you. For scheduled workshops or to schedule in your organization or church call 288-3431. Link for more info and next workshop. Research on why it works.

Limited time: Free "RESPECT in Marriage" brochure master from the National Healthy Marriage institute: e-mail Aaron Larson [mailto:director@fambooks.com] you can personalize for your organization and where to get more help FREE. Very Nice.

"It Takes Two: Keys to a Rewarding Relationship! (PREP). Also called Fighting for your Marriage. Communication and Conflict Resolution Tools that work based on long term University of Denver Research (also faith based based version for churches with Biblical foundation) Great for marriage preparation or for enrichment: www.PREPinc.com For scheduled workshops or to schedule in your organization or church call 288-3431). Link for more info and next workshop. Research on why it works.
ProSAAM (Program for Strong African American Marriages) is available for loan to FTF Marriage Enrichment coalition member congregations. Developed by the University of Georgia and based heavily on PREP, this program is designed to help African American couples keep their relationships strong and reach the goals they have set for themselves. It builds on cultural and religious foundations commonly found in black congregations/communities. This is a “teach out of the box” program to be used by congregations at no cost and is facilitated by in-house staff or volunteers. Considered an evidence-based “best practice.” call Bob (804) 288-3431 to participate
Marriage Mentors using a Relationship Inventory (REFOCCUS or ENRICH) coupled with a good Marriage Skills Education (A Lasting Promise Workshop (CPREP)) plus God as Third Partner are the basic elements that will make a marriage be full of joy and last a lifetime.
For clergy & mental health professionals: PREPARE/ENRICH relationship inventories from Life Innovations. link for information
A Weekend to Remember by Family Life. Annual Marriage Weekend with Christian perspective at Richmond's Omni Hotel . Also another conference in Williamsburg. Link here for information or call 1-800 FL Today for group rate (save $80/couple) Pastors free . http://www.familylife.com/groups/FTF_StGiles (FTF partner Event). Or use St Giles (Bob Ruthazer Coord) Group discount "FTF_StGiles"
AMFM Resource Guide from Association for Marriage and Family Ministries
www.twoofus.org National resource for couples
LifeBranch Institute International has a web site with an inventory of topics to discuss with a mate and Biblical Resources for enrichment. http://www.gospel.com/ministries/lifebranch-institute-international-inc
Couplehood: a New Way to Love from Harville Hendrix, author of IMAGO and Getting the Love your Want: http://www.couplehoodprograms.com/
Fireproof Movie resources for churches www.FireproofOutreach.com or call for our “Buy 2, Get 1 Free” Summer Special, and get a free Movie Event! call 800.991.6011
Becoming Parents—An innovative approach to expectant/new parent education for relationship enhancement based on PREP approach. www.becomingparents.com
Marriage Encounter Weekend enrichment retreats that help you fall in love again. www.wwme.org
Family Dynamics: Church Based Seminars in eight week format: His Needs Her Needs, Fantastic Families, Becoming One. www.familydynamics.net
The Spark: Igniting the Passion, Mystery, and Romance in Your Marriage (Paperback). Laffoon, Jay (Author) and Laffoon, Laura Seeing sex as a gift from God to be enjoyed as He created us.
Marriage Enrichment Events in local area link to see events page.
www.marriagebuilders.com a good resource for overcoming marital conflict with Dr. Willard F Harley, Jr. Author of best seller His Needs, Her Needs: Building An Affair-proof Marriage. See our Web Links page or Resources pages.
PAIRS (Practical Application of Intimate Relationship Skills) programs, developed by Lori H. Gordon, Ph.D., provide a comprehensive system to enhance self-knowledge and to develop the ability to sustain pleasurable intimate relationships. Gordon's approach integrates a wide range of theories and methods from psychology, education and psychotherapy and presents them in an educational format. PAIRS acts to bridge therapy, marital enrichment, and marriage and family development. http://www.pairs.com/
Growthtrac.com: tools for enriching your marriage www.growthtrac.com
Hispanic Resources
ACME The Association for Couples in Marriage Enrichment No known local groups but a good resource never the less.
"15 Minutes to Build a Stronger Marriage" by Bobbie & Myron Yagel Book presents useful principles for Christian living which reflect both sound secular research and Biblical revelation... any couple who invests just 15 minutes a week using the principles and exercises presented , will develop practical new skills and a deeper level of intimacy, often elusive in today’s busy consumer culture. this is available from Logos Bookstore & St Giles Presbyterian Church: 282-9763 x-13
Marriage Uncensored TV program Self-help : Watch online
Marriage Tip: Hot Coals
Marriage Tips from National healthy marriage Institute link here.
http://www.preventingaffairs.com/ Preventing Affairs e-Book for all couples.
Galatians 6:6 Clergy Couple Retreats FREE Link to web site Download flier08
Choosing a counselor or Coach link here for articles and information to help you chose.
http://www.foryourmarriage.org/ Catholic Marriage Web Site.
Talk it out before you marry, a list of key things to talk out with your future spouse (faith based by Julie Ferwerder) link
Marriage Intensive Workshops http://www.nationalmarriage.com/
Family Life Center international Catholic family resources http://www.familylifecenter.net/

Some recommended reading:

The Marriage Book: How to Build A Lasting Relationship by Nicky & Sila Lee

Marriage Savers by Mike McManus.

Marriage song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kipfslwRWGA

National Healthy Marriage Resource Center launched April 2006 www.healthymarriageinfo.org