Coffin Corner

…We, Government Leaders, invite colleagues and citizens from every political party to engage in renewed

efforts to pursue laws and public policies that promote the well-being of marriages and families…(Excerpt from http://www.hamptonu.edu/ncaamp/proclamation/)

A Guide to Low-Cost Curricula and Resources: Marriage and Relationship, Fatherhood and Parenting,
and Financial Education available at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/healthymarriage/pdf/curricula_resources_guide_121509.pdf

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/healthymarriage/doc/ACF_Curriculum_Assessment_Guide.doc

Why Marriage Matters, 26 Conclusions from the Social Sciences

#1 Marriage increases the likelihood that fathers and mothers have good relationships with their children.

#26 A child who is not living with his or her own two married parents is at greater risk for child abuse.

Guthrie Farm and Corn Maze

For previous editions of HM Links & Clips see http://billcoffin.org

From: First Things First [ftf@firstthings.org]
Sent: Sunday, October 17, 2010 6:10 PM
To: Coffin, Bill (ACF)
Subject: [MARKETING EMAIL]"Bring Your Playbook and Let's Talk" | Dad to Dad September 2010

October 2010 Issue No. 9

Fathering Tip

Happyness Is . . .

Chris Gardner, the inspiration behind the real life story of The Pursuit Of Happyness, was in town recently speaking on the issues of homelessness, fatherhood and success. His remarks to the group were truly inspiring. He encouraged men to be more involved as fathers and to help end the cycle of neglectful fathering. Some of what Gardner said can be seen on this video, and I would recommend visiting his site for more information. His life story is amazing and gives a new perspective on what it truly means to be a father.

ChrisGardnerMedia.com

Poll Question

Tell Us What
You Think What fathering related classes would you like to see us offer?

Tell us what you think about Dad to Dad!

Email your comments and suggestions to Todd Agne at todd@firstthings.org

"Bring Your Playbook and Let's Talk"
by Todd Agne
Fathering Coordinator

In the world of athletics, the phrase "Bring your playbook and let's talk" is code for "You've been cut". As a matter of fact, anytime you hear the phrase "Let's talk" (whether it's uttered by your boss, wife, or your kid's teacher), it usually foreshadows that something of significance is about to happen or needs to be discussed. So it's no wonder that Let's Talk Month in October is not always so inspiring or met with warm embraces.

With that said, let me stress how important it is and what it really means.

Ironically, Let's Talk Month is more about encouraging open dialogue with your kids over time versus a one-time lecture. It's about talking with your kids about sex and healthy relationships and listening to what they have to say about that topic and other things. They have ideas, concerns, and questions that if nurtured correctly, will eventually come out in conversation and hopefully lead to healthy decisions.

If you're the father of a toddler, the best time to start talking is before they can. Dads can be great story tellers and if you're willing to invest 5-10 minutes a night on how you grew up, what you wish for them in the future, where you went on vacation and the things you did way back when, you'll have built a relationship that lends itself to honest communication when it's their time to talk. I often tell new parents that conversations about nothing at all will eventually lead to conversations about everything important.

The Locker Room is a place where Dads can come for practical advice and fatherly support. Dad to Dad, Grandfather to Grandkids or father to child.

This month in the Locker Room:

Fall is here and there are a couple of "climate change traditions" within driving distance from downtown Chattanooga.

These recommendations come from personal experience and have my family's stamp of approval. The first is a visit to Guthrie Pumpkin Farm in nearby Riceville, Tennessee. They offer tractor rides into the fields, the picking of pumpkins and other family-friendly experiences such as animal petting and fall treats to sample. The second tradition is to take a trip to the Mayfield Dairy Farm in Athens. They offer tours of the farm and you and the kids can run through the Corn Maze. These are simple, fun ways to connect with your family during this colorful season and it won't break the bank either.

HM Links & Clips (10/15/10) #126

10) Helping Fragile Families
Brookings Institution
... new Fatherhood, Marriage, and Innovations Fund, by recommending that funds be set aside for establishing and evaluating marriage promotion programs. ...

9) http://www.americanprogress.org/events/2010/10/fatherhood.html (video from yesterday)

And“Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves,” But Could Use Some Help
Center For American Progress
Others include: Do policies that promote responsible fatherhood fail to recognize that women also face significant financial hardships and structural ...

8) California's Democrats and Republicans Surprisingly Agree on Marriage Issues
Kansas City Star
/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- While California liberals and conservatives have spent two years on opposing sides of the marriage definition issue, ...

7) What We Do - Ozarks Marriage Matters
OMM is able to provide these kits at no charge to couples in a 29 county area of Southwest Missouri thanks to Operation Us and the Healthy Marriage Healthy ...

And Agency aims to strengthen marriages | Garden City Telegram Online
Through Marriage for Keeps, they began to see what was missing in their ... them a night away from children that a healthy marriage needs every so often. ...

And Healthy Marriage Project | Cross Talk
By Brian Baker
During The Smart Marriages Conference is the leading professional conference for marriage education, I discovered that communities all over the United States were organizing and reducing their divorce rates by as much as 50%. ...

And Couples sought for "Newlywed Game"
WHIO Radio
The Marriage Resource Center of the Miami Valley is hosting the event as a fundraiser to support healthy marriage in Clark County. ...

And OPINION SHAPER: Couples need to cut divorce rate by investing in premarital ...
SuburbanJournals
Organizations like the St. Louis Healthy Marriage Coalition offers such support through workshops on communication, money issues and raising children for ...

6) Keys to a healthy marriage
Ventura County Star
Unfortunately, the same can be said for many of us — that we went into marriage or partner relationships with the skills we had. ...

And Turbulence Ahead: Marriage and the Economy
By Gerard O'Neill
Though he's decidedly pessimistic about the United State's capacity to restore a healthy marriage culture. But it isn't just about economics. There's also the small matter of freedom. Allan Carlson gets to the heart of the matter: ...

And from UK Weekly Update …Westminster Council puts price on 'typical unruly family'

A "typical unruly family" costs taxpayers almost £275,000 a year, Westminster Council has said reports CYPNow. Costs included those incurred by police, the NHS and the council, as well as welfare benefits and the cost of associated problems like drug abuse and truancy. The annual figure of £273,781 includes a year's foster care at £900 per week, £24,000 to tackle the risk of a young prolific offender and £23,200 to deal with domestic violence in each nuisance family. There are also costs for eviction, temporary accommodation post-eviction and money to tackle substance misuse as well as issuing antisocial behaviour orders.

5) http://www.familyminute.com/article/five-traits-of-a-good-marriage

AndMarital Conflict – Five Tips For Dealing With Marital Conflict
It is about humility and promoting humility within the marriage and on a person level. Do You Have a Healthy Marriage? Do You Have a Healthy Marital ...

4) Meeting the Needs of Veterans & Military Families: A Summit for Health & Human Services Professionals
November 12, 2010
Columbia, MO
This Summit will be addressing two key components: Increasing awareness of behavioral health, health, and family support needs of veterans and military families; and Identifying service integration to improve the deployment cycle, transition, and reintegration of service members and their families. Click here for more information on participating in this event.

3) http://www.milwaukeefatherhood.com/ and http://earlingramjr.com/2010/10/14/video-the-milwaukee-fatherhood-initiative/

2) UT News » Conference to encourage father involvement in children's ...
By Samantha Pixler
He previously was featured in The Blade as a panelist for the Second Annual Lucas County Children Services Fatherhood Summit in downtown Toledo. “Sharing one's story helps someone else who went through the same thing as you find support ...

And http://www.fathersincorporated.com/

1) Marriage Spotlight: Hardwired to Connect - iContact Community
For more information on the Twogether in Texas marriage education program, visit www.twogetherintexas.com and www.luvlasts.com. Hardwired to Connect Part ...

And Tell me what is the foundation for your healthy marriage
I will be writing a book soon and I would like the facts from men and women regarding what it takes to have a healthy, happy marriage that will last. ...

GO Giants!

Bill Coffin

Special Assistant for Marriage Education

ACF/HHS

370 L’Enfant Promenade, SW Washington, DC 20447

(202)260-1550(o);

…We, Government Leaders, invite colleagues and citizens from every political party to engage in renewed

efforts to pursue laws and public policies that promote the well-being of marriages and families…(Excerpt from http://www.hamptonu.edu/ncaamp/proclamation/)

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/healthymarriage/doc/ACF_Curriculum_Assessment_Guide.doc

Why Marriage Matters, 26 Conclusions from the Social Sciences

#1 Marriage increases the likelihood that fathers and mothers have good relationships with their children.

#26 A child who is not living with his or her own two married parents is at greater risk for child abuse.

10) 10 Ways to Make Your Marriage Divorceproof | Real Simple

For previous editions of HM Links & Clips see http://billcoffin.org

Download black_men_revealed_info1.pdf

From: Marriage Resource Center [marketing@mimarriage.org]
Sent: Wednesday, October 13, 2010 1:45 PM
To: Coffin, Bill (ACF)
Subject: [MARKETING EMAIL]Money Habitudes for Couples

Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Red

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here

Money Habitudes for Couples

Target your habits and attitudes about money

Are you one of the many couples who argue about money? If so, this workshop is for you!

Money Habitudes is a fun, nonjudgmental way for couples to talk about money using a game-like tool. Using the cards shows couples how their habits and attitudes -habitudes- related to money affect how, why and when they spend, save, give, invest and go into debt. In addition, the cards help couples better achieve their goals and interact with others.

Have some fun while learning about your money habits & attitudes!

Date/time: Tuesday, October 19 from 6:30-9pm

Location: Marriage Resource Center

23400 Michigan Avenue, Suite P18

Dearborn, MI 48124

Cost: $30/couple

Register by calling the MRC at 313-278-4400 by Friday, October 15 at 5pm.

Forward email

HM Links & Clips (10/8/10) #125

9) No more 'marriage gap' for college-educated women
Washington Post
A new report shows that the marriage gap, though once large, turned around for white women starting with those born in the early 1970s. Now ages 35 to 39, ...

And http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/10/06/Pew.reversal.college.marriage.gap/index.html

And http://pewsocialtrends.org/pubs/767/reversal-of-the-college-marriage-gap

8) OC Marriage » Classes
Marriage Education Classes. Viewing all classes. The following is a list of all upcoming classes. You may perform an advance search or look for classes in a ...

And TMC Offers Twogether in Texas Marriage Courses in Maverick
The state's initiative, called “Twogether in Texas,” promotes free marriage education classes that provide eight hours of training on communication skills, ...
www.docstoc.com/.../TMC-Offers-Twogether-in-Texas-Marria...

7) Single nation: What matters to Korean men
The Korea Herald
“Marriage is one of the most important purposes in life and also a source of happiness. Finding a wife and settling down with her is very important to me. ...

6) http://www.glamour.com/weddings/blogs/save-the-date/2010/09/love-and-marriage-6-qualities.html

5) http://familyscholars.org/2010/10/07/why-is-cohabitation-the-norm/

4) http://www.daveramsey.com/article/4-words-you-should-never-say-to-your-spouse/lifeandmoney_relationshipsandmoney?ectid=bitlyified100720101402

Do Kids Cause Divorce? - Philadelphia Magazine - phillymag.com

2) http://www.dibbleinstitute.org/

1) On the second Friday evening of Oct 1964 I asked Pat to dance at a mixer at Fairfield University. One of the best decisions I ever made.

Bill Coffin

Special Assistant for Marriage Education

ACF/HHS

370 L’Enfant Promenade, SW Washington, DC 20447

(202)260-1550(o);

…We, Government Leaders, invite colleagues and citizens from every political party to engage in renewed

efforts to pursue laws and public policies that promote the well-being of marriages and families…(Excerpt from http://www.hamptonu.edu/ncaamp/proclamation/)

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/healthymarriage/doc/ACF_Curriculum_Assessment_Guide.doc

Why Marriage Matters, 26 Conclusions from the Social Sciences

#1 Marriage increases the likelihood that fathers and mothers have good relationships with their children.

#26 A child who is not living with his or her own two married parents is at greater risk for child abuse.

7) http://www.strongerfamilies.org/restored-and-remarried-vidcast/

For previous editions of HM Links & Clips see http://billcoffin.org

HM Links & Clips (10/7/10) #124

10) If you read only one thing this month let it be What Works in Marriage and Relationship Education? Research Report

9) National Guard and Reserve Families Paying High Price for Lasting ...
The Fatherhood Channel
Scott Stanley, Ph.D., a founder of the PREP marriage education program at the University of Denver that is almost exclusively provided in Strong Bonds ...

8) The loss of an individual to suicide impacts family, friends, co-workers, and the community. SuicideOutreach.org is a comprehensive resource - here you will find ready access to hotlines, treatments, professional resources, and forums and multiple media designed to link you to others. The site supports all Service Branches, the National Guard and the Reserves, and our veterans, families, and providers.

And depression and anxiety screenings take a screening online today

6) A Lifetime to Love--Sharing Unconditional Love: #1 Predictor of ...
By Lyndsay Katauskas, MEd
What I've realized is that marriage education is not limited to already married couples. In fact--the communication skills, conflict resolution, anger management, parenting skills, emotional intelligence, understanding love languagues, ...

And http://www.betterhusbandsandfathers.com/2010/09/what-is-key-to-happy-marriage.html

5) Better Marriages: The Wedding's Over: What Now?
By Priscilla Hunt
We also joined an ongoing small group of couples, all who were committed to developing a strong, healthy, satisfying marriage. As couples, we learned to trust each other and to share openly with each other about our struggles. ...

4) Fatherhood
Many have Fatherhood Initiatives that offer a network of agencies and ... Are there organizations that provide more specific information on Fatherhood? ...
www.friendsnrc.org/cbcap-priority-areas/fatherhood

And Helping Fathers Is a Women's Issue?
Center For American Progress
Initiated under the George W. Bush administration, the Responsible Fatherhood and Healthy Marriage programs received some criticism focused on their ...

3) Does marriage kill a relationship?
Sydney Morning Herald (blog)
Or is it just a cop-out for men who feel they don't need to be married anyway (with marriage no longer being a prerequisite for sex, kids and living ...

And Does 'Living in Sin' Still Lead to Divorce?
Newsweek
Moving in together before marriage used to be associated with a higher risk for divorce. But now, as more unmarried couples than ever before decide to live ...

2) To coincide with Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Welfare Peer Technical Assistance Network will be sponsoring a webinar on the topic, entitled "Overcoming Domestic Violence as a Barrier to Employment through TANF Partnerships" on October 13th, 2010 at 3pm Eastern. Speakers for the event will include Mary Roberto, Colorado Works Section Manager and Ruth Glen, Director of the Colorado Department of Human Services' Domestic Violence Program; Marylouise Kelley, Director of the Family Violence Prevention & Services Program at the Family and Youth Services Bureau; and Anne Menard, Director of the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence.

Click Here to Register for the Webinar.

1) http://www2.archivists.org/initiatives/american-archives-month/2010-american-archives-month

Bill Coffin

Special Assistant for Marriage Education

ACF/HHS

370 L’Enfant Promenade, SW Washington, DC 20447

(202)260-1550(o);

…We, Government Leaders, invite colleagues and citizens from every political party to engage in renewed

efforts to pursue laws and public policies that promote the well-being of marriages and families…(Excerpt from http://www.hamptonu.edu/ncaamp/proclamation/)

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/healthymarriage/doc/ACF_Curriculum_Assessment_Guide.doc

Why Marriage Matters, 26 Conclusions from the Social Sciences

#1 Marriage increases the likelihood that fathers and mothers have good relationships with their children.

#26 A child who is not living with his or her own two married parents is at greater risk for child abuse.

Connections*
Advance Your Swagger*
Adventures in Dating*

For previous editions of HM Links & Clips see http://billcoffin.org

From: First Things First [ftf@firstthings.org]
Sent: Wednesday, October 06, 2010 1:09 PM
To: Coffin, Bill (ACF)
Subject: [SUSPECTED SPAM] 4 More Great Dates! | FTF eNews

Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Red

First Things First eNewsOctober 2010 Volume 1

FTF Classes

Avoid Marrying a Jerk*
Love's Cradle*

Preparing for Marriage*
Maximize Your Marriage*
Blended Family Bliss*
Great Balancing Act*
Jazz Up Your Marriage*
Passionately Married*
Secrets of Lasting Love*
Boot Camp
FAM U (Family University)

* Funding for this project was provided by the US Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Grant: 90FE0031. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the US Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families.

Save The Dates!

FAMILIES ON THE RUN
Saturday, December 4

FLOWER FEST
January 2011

TIM KIMMEL SEMINAR
ON
"RAISING TRULY
GREAT KIDS"
February 18 & 19 2011

Chick-fil-A Date Nights

4 More Great Dates!!
Chick-fil-A and First Things First invite you and your sweetie to enjoy 4 more Great Dates on Mondays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Couples can visit any of the participating Chick-fil-A stores for a little one on one time to relax and reconnect. Each date night comes with a different menu of activities for you and your date to experience. You'll also have a chance to take The Couple Check-Up to assess your relationship!
For more details, visit firstthings.org

Let's Talk Month

I'm Askable

October is Let's Talk Month, a national campaign that supports parents in their efforts to talk to their children openly and honestly about healthy relationships and sexuality.

It's not always easy to talk about sensitive topics like sex and relationships, but it is always important to start talking. Your family depends on you for information about your beliefs, values and expectations. Also, research shows that young people who feel connected to their family and clearly understand their family's values concerning sexuality are more likely to avoid risky behavior.

What messages do you want to share with the children in your life? Create an open environment to share your thoughts and listen to theirs. Let them know that it's okay to ask you questions. You can find the answers together.
For advice on how to talk to your kids

HM Links & Clips (10/6/10) #123

10) Changes in Marriage Rates - The Director's Blog
By seth@censusstaff
A friend of mine used to tell the joke about a man standing on the corner, clapping his hands continuously. A passer-by asked him why he was clapping his hands – “To keep the elephants away.” The passer-by said, “But there aren't any ...

And http://www.danpink.com/archives/2010/10/when-i-do-becomes-i-dont

9) Frequently Asked Questions
Currently, we receive limited funds from a Healthy Marriage Demonstration Grant awarded to Forest Institute and it's project partners. ...

And http://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/nam/supportingfamilies.cfm and http://familyscholars.org/2010/10/04/things-adopted-kids-wish-their-adoptive-parents-knew/

8) David Cameron to push tax breaks for marriage
Scotsman
By Eddie Barnes and David Maddox DAVID Cameron will today use his first address to a Conservative conference as Prime Minister to insist that marriage will ..

And

Government in the bedroom? - The Vancouver Sun

... that Canada needs a national institution to co-ordinate strategies ... grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, provides relationship skills and marriage education ...

7) What a Couple's Arguing 'Style' May Say About Their Marriage
Voice of America
In nine years of marriage, they have built not just a successful dental practice, but also a family. Rachel and Evan laugh about the last time they argued ...

And http://poweroftwomarriage.com/ and http://foryourmarriage.org/

6) What keeps a 65-year marriage going?
Atlanta Journal Constitution
Marjorie Kone attributes the longevity of the marriage to two key features. “It's a combination of appreciation and communication,” she said. ...

And http://www.deccanherald.com/content/100026/couples-share-sixth-sense.html

5) Dads are the 'Supermen' students need
CNN International
By Roland C. Warren, Special to CNN Editor's note: Roland C. Warren is the president of the National Fatherhood Initiative, a nonprofit organization that ...

And Harbaugh to host Father & Kids Experience
Baltimore Sun (blog)
The All Pro Dad Father & Kids Experience is the football-themed event of All Pro Dad, the fatherhood program of Family First, a national non-profit ...

And Pursuit of 'deadbeats' is paying off
The Augusta Chronicle
Parents feeling bogged down by payments are often referred to community resources, such as the Georgia Fatherhood program, to help them get on track with ...

4) Spanish Outreach CoordinatorMarriage Educator
Identify and train Marriage Education Personnel * Administer subcontractor agreements * Coordinate and oversee subcontractor performance ...
washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/edu/1991721080.html

3) http://www.ruthinstitute.org/reellovechallenge/pages/guidelines.html

And http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/h/blog/-planning-a-wedding--ten-tips-for-a-socially-conscious-celebration

2) Julie Munz Baumgardner Fantastic Great Date Night last night in Chattanooga with more than 2300 in attendance!

1) http://www.espnmediazone3.com/ and http://www.bintentional.com/2010/09/what-men-need-women-to-know-during-football-season/

and http://whathappenedinmybirthyear.com/ and http://www.openculture.com/smartyoutube

Bill Coffin

Special Assistant for Marriage Education

ACF/HHS

370 L’Enfant Promenade, SW Washington, DC 20447

(202)260-1550(o);

…We, Government Leaders, invite colleagues and citizens from every political party to engage in renewed

efforts to pursue laws and public policies that promote the well-being of marriages and families…(Excerpt from http://www.hamptonu.edu/ncaamp/proclamation/)

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/healthymarriage/doc/ACF_Curriculum_Assessment_Guide.doc

Why Marriage Matters, 26 Conclusions from the Social Sciences

#1 Marriage increases the likelihood that fathers and mothers have good relationships with their children.

#26 A child who is not living with his or her own two married parents is at greater risk for child abuse.

10) http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/columns/Republican-plan-ignores-the-American-family-crisis-1105436-104294993.html

For previous editions of HM Links & Clips see http://billcoffin.org

From: PAIRS Foundation [info@pairs.ccsend.com] on behalf of PAIRS Foundation [info@pairs.com]
Sent: Wednesday, October 06, 2010 6:51 AM
To: Coffin, Bill (ACF)
Subject: [SUSPECTED SPAM] Ten Skills to Bolster Relationships

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here

PAIRS Essentials Webinar for Couples, Singles and Professionals - Begins Monday, October 11th

What Recent Graduates are Saying About PAIRS ...

"The knowledge and skills I learned in PAIRS will have an enormous impact on my life."

"PAIRS tools allow me to teach my veterans how to effectively communicate with their spouses and help teach spouses how to really listen and work together to solve problems."

"I love people and building relationships. PAIRS is a tool that I plan on implementing in every aspect of my life."

"PAIRS training really made me look at myself and how I have been dealing with conflicts or issues in my own personal relationships. I love to learn new and better ways to do things, especially when what I have been doing isn't working very well. I can easily practice these tools with everyone I have a relationship with especially my husband. I look forward to helping our veterans and marriage ministry."

"Wonderful, practical tools everyone can relate to ... express feelings, feel you've been heard and then use tools to resolve conflict or issues in their relationship. Thank you for this memorable life-changing experience!"

"PAIRS will be one of the most amazing and life changing experiences ever."

Dear Bill,

It's not by accident that more than 99 percent of thousands of graduates recommend PAIRS Essentials. From coast to coast, couples and singles from diverse backgrounds and in all stages of relationship have discovered practical, usable skills to enhance love, pleasure, happiness and fulfillment with the people that matter most in our lives.

Last week, I had the privilege of training dozens of Veterans Administration and active duty military Chaplains and other behavioral health specialists in Augusta, Georgia who are helping expand the impact of PAIRS Essentials nationwide. In 2009, our collaboration with the VA won recognition as a national "Best Practice" for helping couples impacted by combat deployment.

Beyond powerful, usable skills for enhancing communication and deepening empathy, PAIRS Essentials has proven effective relieving symptoms and feelings of stress that can develop from each of our unique life experiences.

No matter where you are in your life and relationships, PAIRS Essentials offers a road map for lasting love and intimacy built on powerful communication skills, understanding emotions in ourselves and others, and dealing with interpersonal conflict and differences in ways that promote greater closeness, compassion, health, and healing.

While PAIRS delivers a road map and tools, it's up to each participant to bring good will towards others and a genuine openness to learning, growing and discovering what's possible in the relationships we cherish.

I invite you to join me next week to participate in an online adaptation of PAIRS Essentials that you can enjoy from the privacy of your home or office. The class will be taught over four three-hour webinars beginning Monday, October 11, 6 - 9pm EDT, continuing on Thursday, October 14, Monday, October 18, and completing on Thursday, October 21. For professionals who want to participate in order to be licensed and certified to teach PAIRS Essentials, training will continue through the following two weeks. Tuition for the four webinars is $195, including electronic materials, per connection. Couples, families and friends are invited to participate together. Professionals attending for certification should e-mail info@pairs.com for further information. Continuing Education credits may be available for counselors, social workers and other health care professionals. See information below for a special offer for National Guard, Reserve, Military and Veteran families that have been impacted by a spouse or significant other's deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan.

If you've never participated in PAIRS, this is a unique opportunity to learn essential skills that will meaningfully contribute to your life. If you've previously participated, you're invited to join us to refresh and reinforce your experience. For counselors, clergy and other professionals who work with couples and singles, PAIRS tools will quickly become one of your most valuable resources.

For more information, visit www.pairs.com, e-mail info@pairs.com, or call (954) 703-4533, ext. 80.

I hope you'll join us.

Yours truly,

Seth Eisenberg
President/CEO
PAIRS Foundation

P.S. If you know a National Guard, Reserve, Military or Veteran family that includes a spouse or significant other who has been deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan, please forward this invitation along and let them know that in appreciation for their service and in honor of our sacred trust to their family, they are invited to participate in this valuable program as our guest. Space is limited.

The PAIRS Foundation, Inc.

1675 Market Street, Suite 207

Weston, Florida 33326

(877) PAIRS-4U

Forward email

This email was sent to bcoffin@acf.hhs.gov by info@pairs.com.

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HM Links & Clips (10/5/10) #122

And Marriage is antidote to poverty BizTimes
Consider marriage's economic power Marriage drops the poverty rate in America by about 80 percent among families with the same education level In Wisconsin ...

And Marriage shows the way out of poverty
Sacramento Bee
But does she know that having a baby outside marriage will put her and her child at serious risk of living in poverty? Last year, poverty in America grew ...

9) Marriages in Cecil could benefit from federal grant
Cecil Whig
CECIL WHIG PHOTO BY ADELMA GREGORY-BUNNELL One of several billboards designed by county students to promote the Cecil County Healthy Marriage Initiative is ...

8) Leading Change: A Plan for SAMHSA's Roles and Actions 2011 – 2014

and http://www.healthcare.gov/ and http://www.appsforhealthykids.com/

7) Relationship Help: Why Patience is a Marital Virtue ...
By Richard
Patience is essential to a healthy marriage/relationship. This article gives you specific skills to help make patience a regular part of your relationship.

6) Have you seen the marriagetweets daily? http://t.co/7YyW9uN ...it changes daily

5) Marriage and Domestic Violence

4) http://www.healthymarriageinfo.org/recursos-en-espa-ol1

3) http://familyscholars.org/2010/10/04/on-divorce-and-the-mission/

HM Links & Clips (10/4/10) #121

10) Smart Marriages®: Slideshow / Searching - 10/1/10
By Diane
You can download the Healthy Marriage Slideshow by going to http://www.camarriage.com/research/index.ashx?nv=8&pg=30 It is set up on the download so the Slideshow will advance automatically through all the different topics--Healthy ...

California Healthy Marriages Coalition - Research - Healthy ...
Is marriage a bad idea for women? Healthy Marriages, Healthy Women and Girls shows the research that women in a healthy marriage and girls raised in a ...

And California Healthy Marriages Coalition - Research - Healthy ...
And it's all featured in Healthy Marriages, Healthy Children. Healthy Marriages, Healthy Children is available in print (as booklets), digital (PowerPoint, ...

And California Healthy Marriages Coalition - Research - Healthy ...
Research shows that a healthy marriage benefits kids, adults, communities, and society as a whole. And the profound benefits are physical, emotional, ...

9) Goal Setting
Are marriage education classes right for us and how will our relationship ... However, VOW's marriage education classes will provide you both with knowledge ...

And Indiana Healthy Marriage and Family Coalition » Classes
(c) 2010 Indiana Healthy Marriage and Family Coalition, Indianapolis , Indiana. All rights reserved. 317.927.9558 ph | 317.927.9557 fax | info@ihmfc.org ...

And Relationship Education
So the Air Force had The Granato Group create and administer a “train the trainer” program in marriage education called FIT Relationships. ...

And Center for Relationship Education - Couples Marriage
The Colorado Healthy Marriage Project (CHMP) is a 5-year Federal grant project, administered through the US Department of Health and Human Services, ...

8) Make it Last: Challenge is to be best spouse you can
Evansville Courier & Press
Taking time every year to learn new things about your relationship is essential to a healthy marriage. Many times women tell me that they would love to ...

And Operation Us | Do Shoes Really Make the Player?
Finally, preliminary research shows that marriage education workshops can make a real difference in helping married couples stay together and in encouraging ...

And A Guide to Promoting Resilience in Children: Strengthening the Human Spirit

http://www.leedsinitiative.org/uploadedFiles/Children_Leeds/Content/Standard_Pages/Levels_of_Need/Resiliance_new.pdf

7) New group helps men pay child support
Burlington Times News
To help men meet these obligations, the nonprofit Men's Empowering Resource Center has introduced a Responsible Fatherhood Program, which will begin its ...

And Most Parents Will Pay More Under New Child Support Guidelines

And Birmingham Fatherhood Initiative gains funding for 2011
UAB News
The Birmingham Fatherhood Initiative, an outreach program of the University of Alabama at Birmingham Treatment Alternatives for Safer Communities (TASC), ...

6) Job loss doesn't have to ruin a marriage
The Star-Ledger - NJ.com
What seems to be adding a lot more stress to marriage and ultimately to the family, since stress "filters down" to the children, is the fact that in this ...

AndMarriage and divorce disparities on the rise
Huffington Post
Social scientists have been talking about a "retreat from marriage" for at least 20 years. The overall pattern is a decline in marriage and rise in ...

And It's the Marriage Rate, Stupid
Mona Charen, Real Clear Politics, 10/1/10

And POSTEROUS_MORE

-2971">http://familyscholars.org/2010/10/01/love-and-economics-does-the-recession-de...

HM Links & Clips (9/30/10) #120

10) NEW HOW-TO GUIDE - How To Form a Healthy Marriage and Relationship Coalition http://www.healthymarriageinfo.org/

Also see http://www.healthymarriageinfo.org/whats-new-in-the-field

9) In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, an open access database of breast cancer publications. http://site.ebrary.com/lib/breastcancer

8) http://www.jenniferdefrancisco.com/blog/marriage/eight-things-to-do-if-you-want-to-stay-married/

HM Links & Clips (9/29/10) #119

10) Predicting divorce: U-M study shows how fight styles affect marriage
HealthCanal.com
"This pattern seems to have a damaging effect on the longevity of marriage," said UM researcher Kira Birditt, first author of a study on marital conflict ...

Test your marital fight style and compare it to study participants

9) Saying No to 'I Do,' Economy in Mind
New York Times
A long-term decline in marriage accelerated during the severe recession, according to new data from the Census Bureau, with more couples postponing marriage ...
See all stories on this topic »

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703882404575519871444705214.html?KEYWORDS=marriage

8) Fatherhood and Innovation: Act Now! – The Washington Insider
By Vanessa Leon
Community organizations have two opportunities to receive funding for programs that encourage responsible fatherhood. The first is through a $500 million Fatherhood, Marriage and Families Innovation Fund that President Obama proposed ...

7) ONLINE PARENTING COACH: The Importance Fathers
By OPS, LLC
The National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse (a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) doesn't leave much room for interpretation when weighing in on the many benefits of effective fatherhood. ...

6) Quality time with CES dads
Fort Worth Star Telegram
There's a National All Pro Dad group that sends e-mails that include positive daily advice on families and fatherhood. Dungy is a national spokesman for the ...

5) Are Dads the Key to Get Boys to Read? A new report from publisher Scholastic affirms what many parents and teachers already know viscerally: As kids grow, they read less and spend more time going online and texting.

4) Helping a Loved One Fight Depression

3) How Millennial Are You?

Take our quiz and we'll tell you how "Millennial" you are, on a scale from 0 to 100, by comparing your answers with those of respondents to a scientific nationwide survey.

2) http://www.divorcebusting.com/blog/10-steps-to-avoiding-divorce/

1) http://finance.yahoo.com/news/For-National-Coffee-Day-prnews-1807564993.html

Bill Coffin

Special Assistant for Marriage Education

ACF/HHS

370 L’Enfant Promenade, SW Washington, DC 20447

(202)260-1550(o);

…We, Government Leaders, invite colleagues and citizens from every political party to engage in renewed

efforts to pursue laws and public policies that promote the well-being of marriages and families…(Excerpt from http://www.hamptonu.edu/ncaamp/proclamation/)

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/healthymarriage/doc/ACF_Curriculum_Assessment_Guide.doc

Why Marriage Matters, 26 Conclusions from the Social Sciences

#1 Marriage increases the likelihood that fathers and mothers have good relationships with their children.

#26 A child who is not living with his or her own two married parents is at greater risk for child abuse.

*Father Facts Fifth Edition

From: NHMRC Webinar [info@healthymarriageinfo.org]
Sent: Wednesday, September 29, 2010 5:00 AM
To: Coffin, Bill (ACF)
Subject: [MARKETING EMAIL]JOIN US TODAY! September 29th Webinar: State Legislative Efforts to Combat Divorce

Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Red

National Healthy Marriage Resource Center

Dear Bill:

Join Us Today!

The National Healthy Marriage Resource Center (NHMRC) will host a webinar entitled, "State Legislative Efforts to Combat Divorce" on Wednesday, September 29, 2010, from 1:00 2:30pm (Eastern Daylight Time).

Minnesota is among the states leading the pack in efforts to discourage divorce. On May 21, 2010, Gov. Tim Pawlenty signed into law the "Couples on the Brink" project, which will offer a range of reconciliation services, at state expense, to couples considering, or who have already begun the process of filing for, divorce. After short-term counseling if a couple decides that they want to rebuild their marriage, the project will develop a reconciliation plan for them. Speakers at this webinar spearheaded this legislation and will discuss the portion of troubled couples in the state whom they believe could benefit from this initiative, the family court perspective on reconciliation services, services offered through this initiative as well as how it will be implemented.

Judge Bruce Peterson, Family Court Judge, Hennepin County, , will describe the impetus for the legislation, and his view, from the perspective of a family court judge, of its potential for success. Judge Peterson has served as a judge since 1999, including six years on the family court in Hennepin County, MN., where he has provided leadership for innovation in the divorce process and in ways to serve the special needs of non-married parents seeking help from the court. Along with William Doherty, he developed the Minnesota Couples on the Brink Project.
William Doherty, Ph.D., Director, Marriage and Family Program, University of Minnesota, will describe the services available through the Couples on the Brink project, as well as the role that lawyers, clergy, and other parties will play in helping to implement it. Professor Doherty is also Director of the Citizen Professional Center at the University of Minnesota. He has been a researcher, teacher, and practitioner of family studies and therapy for over 30 years, and in recent years has developed the Families and Democracy Project to engage communities in solving social problems. He currently directs the Minnesota Couples on the Brink Project at the University of Minnesota. He is past President of the National Council on Family Relations, the oldest interdisciplinary family studies organization in the United States.
Rich Batten, Program Manager, National Healthy Marriage Resource Center (NHMRC), will moderate this session. Mr. Batten has more than 20 years of experience as a collaborative and strategic leader committed to improving the well being of marriages, families and communities. Most recently, he served as a Family and Fatherhood Specialist with the Colorado Department of Human Services. In this role, he developed collaborative relationships between healthy marriage programs, domestic violence programs, fatherhood programs, child welfare, child support enforcement, and the Department of Corrections. Batten has been a Certified Family Life Educator since 1998 and is an experienced instructor of numerous marriage and parenting curriculums. He earned a Master of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary, and a Master of Education from Loyola University in Chicago.

Participating in the Webinar
Check Your Browser Compatibility
Upon receipt of this notice, you will need to click on this link to check your system to make sure your computer is compatible with Microsoft Office Live Meeting. Please take the time to complete this step even if you have joined our webinars in the past. Also note that this is only the browser check link and not the link to the actual event.
If you encounter problems during the browser check, please talk to your IT department.
To Join the Webinar:
Joining is a two step process. First, come back to this e-mail and log your computer onto the Live Meeting program.
1. Use this link: Click Here to Join Live Meeting
2. Once you have signed onto the computer, call the Toll-Free number 1 (888) 455-2265 and provide this passcode 6663934
Please Note: You will need to provide the passcode to access the call. This phone number changes each month and is active 10 minutes prior to the Webinar start time.
You will be greeted by an operator who will ask you a few questions. Once you provide the appropriate information you will be placed into the conference call portion of this session. We recommend that you sign on 5-10 minutes in advance of the Webinar. (Please note that grantees will be asked to provide their Grant Number.)
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If you still cannot enter the meeting, contact technical support.
Questions?
Please address any questions about logistics to Jill Scollan at jscollan@icfi.com or 866-916-4672.

From: aahmi@lyris.acf.hhs.gov
Sent: Wednesday, September 29, 2010 10:15 AM
To: aahmi@lyris.acf.hhs.gov
Subject: "Make It Last Forever" Fall Ball

Dear Fellow African American Couples,

*As many of you may know African American couples are less likely to get married and more likely to get divorced if they do get married.

*Also children who come from homes where fathers are absent are more likely to be violent and commit violent crimes.

As a result the First A.M.E. Fatherhood Program along with Our Black Fathers has joined together to bring the 2010 "Make It Last Forever" Fall Ball on the evening of October 16, 2010 in support of African American Healthy Marriages and Responsible Fatherhood.

What we give light to grows. So p lease help us give light/promote African American Healthy Marriages and Responsible Fatherhood by spreading the word of this event for married and/or seriously dating couples, and if you are married or seriously dating we hope to see you there!

We are not selling tickets, and asked you kindly consider a donation of $50/person. Please contact Marcee Jones (email: info@ourblackfathers.com or (206) 851-8644) or Terrence Lewis ( terrence.lewis@comcast.net or (206) 892-8889).

Terrence Lewis

HM Links & Clips (9/28/10) #118

10) http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/sep/27/wetzstein-poverty-studys-flip-side-is-telling/

9) Yearly releases of American Community Survey data can be found on American FactFinder, the Census Bureau's data website.

2009 released Sept. 28 http://www.census.gov/acs/www/ and Census data: Marriages in 2009 at record low level - Yahoo! News

and Household income plunged in 2009

8) http://www.myrelationshipcenter.org/

7) http://familyscholars.org/2010/09/26/strong-fathers-strong-daughters/ and

http://familyscholars.org/2010/09/24/roger-and-nancy-on-the-meaning-of-marriage/

6) Children of divorce vow to break cycle, create enduring marriages
CNN International
But coming from a family that suffered marital discord can present challenges to the relationships of adult children of divorce, marriage experts say. ...

5) Relationship coaching is vital, says Fatherhood Institute
Children & Young People Now
The Fatherhood Institute is urging the government to provide couples with better relationship and parenting coaching before starting a ...

And http://thirtymag.com/30-things/30-things-the-new-dad-needs-to-know/

4) HHS announces the launch of HealthCare.gov on Facebook and Social Media: Staying Connected

SAMHSA’s Facebook and Twitter pages offer ongoing updates to the oil spill response.

3) The Fall 2010 issue of The Child Indicator

2) Dear California Relationship and Marriage Education supporter,

CHMC has developed a wide range of valuable and highly-touted resources to support your work with individuals and couples and these are available through our website. Check the link below to check out what's available and to bring their power to your work.

http://www.camarriage.com/research/index.ashx?nv=8&pg=30

1) http://achmi.wordpress.com/2010/09/24/a-house-divided/

Bill Coffin

Special Assistant for Marriage Education

ACF/HHS

370 L’Enfant Promenade, SW Washington, DC 20447

(202)260-1550(o);

…We, Government Leaders, invite colleagues and citizens from every political party to engage in renewed

efforts to pursue laws and public policies that promote the well-being of marriages and families…(Excerpt from http://www.hamptonu.edu/ncaamp/proclamation/)

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/healthymarriage/doc/ACF_Curriculum_Assessment_Guide.doc

Why Marriage Matters, 26 Conclusions from the Social Sciences

#1 Marriage increases the likelihood that fathers and mothers have good relationships with their children.

#26 A child who is not living with his or her own two married parents is at greater risk for child abuse.