Mission Statement: To help couples, who have chosen marriage for themselves, gain greater access to marriage education services, on a voluntary basis, where they can acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to form and sustain a healthy marriage.
Goals:
- Increase the percentage of children who are raised by two parents in a healthy marriage
- Increase the percentage of married couples who are in healthy marriages
- Increase the percentage of premarital couples who are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to form and sustain a healthy marriage
- Increase the percentage of youth and young adults who have the skills and knowledge to make informed decisions about healthy relationships including skills that can help them eventually form and sustain a healthy marriage
- Increase public awareness about the value of healthy marriages and the skills and knowledge that can help couples form and sustain healthy marriages
- Encourage and support research on healthy marriages and healthy marriage education
- Increase the percentage of women, men, and children in homes that are free of domestic violence
What is a “healthy marriage”?
There are at least two characteristics that all healthy marriages have in common. First, they are mutually enriching and second, both spouses have a deep respect for each other.
It is a mutually satisfying relationship that is beneficial to the husband, the wide, and the children (if present).
It is a relationship that is committed to ongoing growth, the use of effective communication skills, and the use of successful conflict management skills.
In October 2007, Hillsborough County received a five year Head Start Healthy Marriages Project grant designed to improve child well-being by strengthening family formation and marriages among Head Start and Early Head Start eligible families. The project, titled “Building Block to Healthy Marriages” offers workshops that provide single parents as well as engaged and married couples with the tools necessary to promote healthy relationships, marriages, and families which results in a healthy community.
Building Blocks to Healthy Relationships uses two curriculums in its workshops. The first curriculum, “Within My Reach” was designed for single parents who are not currently in a relationship. To reach parents who are married as well as couples in a relationship, the “Family Wellness” curriculum is used. Each curriculum is offered in 8 hour blocks. Workshops are interactive and encourage participation among everyone who attends. Free childcare and food are typically offered at most sessions.
Workshops are offered throughout the community throughout the year and new participants are always welcome! Eligibility is based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines as well as the child’s age.
If you’d like more information, please contact Head Start’s Administrative Offices at (813) 272-5140 and ask to speak with Joann Pressey (Healthy Families Supervisor), at ext. 3161. |
