How Are People Responding to the Family Bridges Workshops?       LETTER RECEIVED ON THE WORKSHOP, HOW TO AVOID MARRYING A JERK/JERKETTE Dear Betty, I just wanted you to know how much I enjoyed your class---even more importantly how much our clients enjoyed the class.  Over the years we have tried to get clients to participate in classes/ programming, but have had low turns outs. Our clients live and work throughout the county, and have busy lives that make attending evening events very difficult.  Our staff, including myself, was doubtful about the participation and attendance for the How Not to Marry a Jerk series.  The thought was that we have trouble getting clients to attend a singular event let alone a series of classes.  Well, we were wrong. Our clients were very enthusiastic about the class.  Betty, they really enjoyed your teaching style and the content of the class.  The information taught in the class was very important to our clients, most of whom have been involved in dysfunctional relationships and never have had the chance to examine and discuss the dimensions of a healthy relationship. Most of our clients have been involved with partners who have been drug/alcohol addicted and /or abusive and/or unavailable.     Anecdotal Stories (*names are changed) Linda* came from an abusive relationship.   She loved the class, and enjoyed learning about the content.  She said at first she was afraid to go to the class, but she said Betty’s teaching style made the class non-threatening. Mary* who has a very hectic schedule and was initially attending to appease me really enjoyed the classes and thought the material was presented in a non-threatening, non-judgmental manner.  She missed one class and immediately called me to find out the make-up dates.  Susan* initially thought the class was going to give instruction on how to meet men. I did not expect that she would return to class after the first night, but she enjoyed the classes and has recommended it to other family members. Sharon* said that she felt empowered and wishes that she had this knowledge as a younger woman and wonders what her choices would have been if she had learned more about healthy partnerships.  She said it was helpful to have outlined what is healthy and what one should expect from someone else. LaJuana*, a young client from a troubled home has applied her knowledge from the class to analyze her family’s situation.  She described her mother as having unhealthy relationships. The class helped give her a framework and a vocabulary to heighten her insight and observations. I hope you continue to teach this class and offer it to low income women---the information provided was powerful, important, and well received.  This class may not create change over night, but it introduced the traits of a healthy partnership which I think are important.  It is our hope that this class can be provided again. Sincerely, Case Manager