Services will be affordable for participants. There may be a small fee charged to instill a sense of investment in the class and commitment to attendance. Any funds acquired in this manner will be directly funneled back into the services being offered.

Most people, rich or poor, male or female, and regardless of cultural background, want fulfilling, lasting marriages. A majority of people will get married in our country at some point. Unfortunately, no relationship is perfect and every couple has strengths and weaknesses. We want to help those who want a healthy marriage reach their goal.

Family Bridges specifically addresses the following areas:

Commitment. This refers to the extent a couple feels a sense of support and security towards a clear future with one another.

Communication: This refers to the extent and skills a couple can learn to better understand one another. Healthy communication skills pave the way for successful conflict resolution, sharing dreams and goals with one another, and fostering friendship within the relationship.

Problem Solving: This refers to the ability and skills a couple can learn to talk about challenges, differences and difficulties they may face, and arrive at compromises or solutions.

Community: This refers to the sense of social support a couple can have from friends, family, peers, church and community that can help them gain a sense of belonging so they do not feel isolated in the midst of celebrations and crisis that arise through the lifespan of their relationship.

Emotional & Physical Safety: This refers to the freedom from physical or emotional harm and intimidation that an individual can enjoy in a healthy relationship.

There is no counseling provided through Family Bridges services. However, the program does offer referrals to qualified counselors in the area. In some cases, this counseling would be available to low income clients at a reduced price.

Yes, events can take place in church buildings. Such an event can be coordinated and carried out by a faith-based sponsor. Any program with religious content must be a separate and distinct program from the federally funded Family Bridges program and the distinction must be clear to the consumer. Thus, a Family Bridges sponsored program must not incorporate any faith-based message or activity. For example, while a church could host an event, they could not lead participants in worship, religious instruction, religious activities, or proselytization. They could not use grant funds to buy Bibles or other faith-related items. If a church wanted to draw Family Bridges participants into church activities, they could announce such activities as an optional resource completely separate from Family Bridges services. Thus, presentations of any programming with religious content must be separated from the presentation of the federally funded Family Bridges program by time or location in such a way that it is clear that the two programs are separate and distinct.

No. Because all family bridges services are funded by the government, no services offered are religious in nature. Services are open to everyone of any faith or persuasion.

We offer two types of educational services:

Individual Tier: For individuals who are not married and those who are divorced or separated. They will learn skills to build and maintain healthy, intimate relationships and how to relate to others in healthy ways and respect interpersonal boundaries. They will also learn healthy communication and conflict resolution strategies.

Couples Tier: For married and unmarried committed couples (committed dating, engaged, planning to engage, cohabiting). The topics include components of healthy intimate commitment, problem solving, negotiation and conflict resolution, assertive communication, and other strategies designed to promote building and maintaining safe and satisfying relationships that promote individual and couple well-being.

Each family retreat will take place over a weekend. In most cases, it will involve an overnight stay. During the retreat, families will participate in workshops that teach relationship skills. There will also be time for fun and relaxation as a family as well as time to connect with other families. Retreats will be fun, engaging, and enriching.

An individual must decide for themselves. However, attending a Family Bridges program, for individuals or couples, may be helpful in making such a decision.

Researchers have found many benefits for children and youth who are raised by parents in healthy marriages, compared to unhealthy marriages.

Individuals must ultimately make their own decisions regarding marriage or divorce.

It is our hope that in addition to supporting and strengthening marriages, education gained through Family Bridges programs may postpone or even cancel pending marriages that have the likelihood of being unhealthy.

The Healthy Marriage project was designed with involvement by domestic violence organizations and educators. Any reports of domestic violence are referred to specialists at the Salvation Army who are able to address issues of domestic violence.