RSS feed of the California Healthy Marriage Coalition news The announcement last week by Health and Human Services/Administration for Children and Families of its Community-Centered Healthy Marriage and Relationships grants spells good news for Californians, as Healthy Relationships California&nbsp;is one of only four organizations in the country receiving the top award of $2.5 million a year for the next three years.<br /><br />The new grant focuses on low-income populations in nine of California’s largest counties—Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, Sacramento, San Bernardino, Riverside, Alameda, Fresno and Monterey.&nbsp; Services will include a variety of age-appropriate research-based Relationship and Marriage Education courses for couples and individuals, along with job/career-support training and employment services.<br /><br />“We’re very pleased with this new funding as it enables us to provide proven relationship skills programs that will help families handle the stresses of the economic downturn” says Patty Howell, the organization’s vice president and project director for this new grant.&nbsp; http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=126 2013-05-25T14:33:48.8818897Z <br /> <p>There is no better time than on the most romantic day of the year to look at creating the relationship you always wanted with the partner you already have. While candy and cards are traditional on Valentine’s Day, Patty Howell, Vice President of the California Healthy Marriages Coalition (CHMC), says there are simple ways to maximize the impact of Valentine’s Day and create a real transformation in your love relationship.&nbsp; <i>“It really pays to communicate your love in ways that have the most meaning for your partner,” </i>says Howell.&nbsp; <i>“If your partner craves appreciation, quality time, physical touch or acts of service, there is no amount of roses that will do the job; but if your partner’s Love Language is gifts, it makes sense to head for the florist shop.&nbsp; The key is to know what lights your partner’s fire and deliver your love that way.&nbsp; Otherwise, you’re just spinning your wheels.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </i></p> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=125 2013-05-25T14:33:48.8818897Z <br />California Healthy Marriages Coalition (CHMC) released today unprecedented an in-depth study, <i>The State of California’s Unions – In the Pews and the Public Square</i>. This is the <u>first-ever report that looks at Californians’ views on marriage and divorce matters and compares them based on their self-described levels of religious activity</u>.<br /><br /><br />“This report makes it real clear. <b>People need help in their marriages and families, want help with their relationships, and they are looking to churches and houses of worship to provide that help.</b> As a former pastor, I know how hard it is to try to help couples without having the tools and skills to address their needs. <b>At CHMC we have a plethora of resources to help church leaders meet this growing demand</b>,” says K. Jason Krafsky, CHMC Director of Communications and Marketing.&nbsp; http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=124 2013-05-25T14:33:48.8818897Z <br /> <b>Relationships don’t have to be strained and stressful during the holidays,</b> says California Healthy Marriages Coalition (CHMC), a nonprofit organization that has taught relationship skills to more than 65,000 Californians over the past five years.&nbsp; CHMC Vice President Patty Howell says, <i>“Holidays are opportunities for deep and satisfying connections with family if people put a few key relationship skills into play. Relationship Education classes can really pay off during the holidays.” <br /></i><br />But if you have not taken a class recently, you can still avoid the “holiday blues” regardless of the stresses and family complexities you are facing.&nbsp; http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=123 2013-05-25T14:33:48.8818897Z <br />President Barack Obama signed into law this week a combined $150 Million in funding for Relationship and Marriage Education and Responsible Fatherhood. The Claims Resolution Act of 2010 (H.R. 4783) signing was expected after Democrats championed the bill which passed in the House by a vote of 256-152. <p><em><br />“We’re very happy about this Bill passing,”</em> says Dennis Stoica, President of California Healthy Marriages Coalition (CHMC), one of more than 100 organizations in the country that receives such funds and will likely benefit.&nbsp; <em>“We know that marital outcomes have a big impact on many important social factors such as physical health, mental health, kids’ achievement in school, teen pregnancy, crime and poverty.&nbsp; These end up costing taxpayers a great deal of money."&nbsp; </em></p> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=122 2013-05-25T14:33:48.8818897Z <br />While California liberals and conservatives have spent two years on opposing sides of the marriage definition issue, a new analysis released by California Healthy Marriages Coalition (CHMC) reveals that Californians with differing political party affiliations overwhelmingly agree on a number of marriage and divorce-related issues.<br /><br />In an unprecedented in-depth study, <i>The State of California’s Unions</i>, commissioned by CHMC to determine views on marriage, divorce and marriage education across the state, four out of five respondents indicated their political affiliations, which enabled a revealing new analysis across political lines.&nbsp; http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=121 2013-05-25T14:33:48.8818897Z <br />The Inland Empire is seeing a significant expansion of marriage and relationship classes, thanks to an innovative healthy family program provided by the California Healthy Marriages Coalition (CHMC). Partnering with the San Bernardino Diocese, CHMC has received a 3-year grant of $100,000 per year from First 5 San Bernardino to serve thousands of parents of children from newborn to age 5 through their new <b>"Raising Kids Twogether" program ("Formacio'n Para Padres"). </b>This innovative approach for strengthening families offers a Parenting Education program, "1,2,3,4 Parents!" along with a Marriage Education program, "Love's Cradle," that builds closeness between the couple. http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=120 2013-05-25T14:33:48.8818897Z <br /> <p>We hear a lot of talk of bringing new businesses to our area and reviving our downtown area to entice more people to come and enjoy that area of Fresno. Where are the cries from our politicians and community leaders for healthy marriages and families? </p> <p>What good does it do to build infrastructure if we aren't willing to invest in building healthy marriages and families?</p> <p>It's called relationship infrastructure.</p> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=119 2013-05-25T14:33:48.8818897Z <br /> <p>We honor fathers this weekend. And that's a good idea because fathers matter. It was Douglas MacArthur who said, "By profession I am a soldier and take pride in that fact. But I am prouder -- infinitely prouder -- to be a father." How true!<br /><br />As fathers, we love the admiration and respect that comes to us on "our day." The tradition of Father's Day caught on slowly. Mother's Day became an official holiday in 1914; Father's Day, not until 1972.<br /><br />It's not easy to be a dad. I've never seen a job description that includes everything that a dad does or the circumstances that he faces.</p> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=117 2013-05-25T14:33:48.8975151Z <br />"The most important thing a father can do for his child is to love their mother," said theologian Theodore M. Hesburgh. With Father's Day at the forefront of everyone's minds, California Healthy Marriages Coalition (CHMC) has released new resources for fathers. <p>The organization's booklet "Healthy Marriage, Responsible Fatherhood"reveals surprising research evidence on the dramatic importance fathers play in the lives of their children and family, which is now seen by some researchers as equal to, and in some instances greater than the importance of mothers. </p> <p>CHMC has also generated a tip sheet on "10 Ideas Guaranteed to Make You a Better Dad in 2010." The includes one unexpected idea "Mark the calendar and block out at least one night a month for a date night with just you and your kids' mom," which underlines the importance of the marital relationship in providing a strong foundation for kids' lives.</p> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=118 2013-05-25T14:33:48.8975151Z <br /> <p><b>“The best thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.”<br /><br /></b></p> <p>This popular statement claims that the health and quality of the relationship between a mom and dad is the secret to achieving greatness as a father.&nbsp; </p> <p><br />On this 100th year of celebrating Father’s Day, <b>what can you do to become a better dad?</b> </p> <p><br />Whether married, divorced or no longer in an intimate relationship with the mother of your children, here are ten ways to become a better dad by boosting your relationship with your kids–and with their mom.&nbsp; </p> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=115 2013-05-25T14:33:48.8975151Z <br />Patty Howell from California Healthy Marriages Coalition talks with Guy and Melissa of Sacramento &amp; Co. about the importance of a father's involvement in a child's live. http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=116 2013-05-25T14:33:48.8975151Z <br />Reflecting on Stoica’s comments that the healthy-marriage funding he worked so hard to pass several years ago was now in jeopardy, Herger remarked <b><i>“The amount of money we spend on these types of preventive programs is such a tiny fraction of the entire TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) budget, so it is amazing to me that some people want to kill the funding for these types of projects – especially when you consider the tremendous impact these programs have on so many people’s lives and the amount of money that these types of programs can end up saving the government”.&nbsp; <br /></i></b><br />Clearly impressed by the evening’s testimonies, Herger stated in his conclusion, <b><i>“Now that I have seen first-hand that this program has had the type of impact I hoped it would have when I sponsored it, you have my assurance that I will do everything in my power to make sure that this funding gets renewed.”&nbsp;&nbsp; </i></b> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=113 2013-05-25T14:33:48.8975151Z http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=114 2013-05-25T14:33:48.8975151Z <br />"California is fortunate to have Congressman Herger's leadership for marriages and families," says California Healthy Marriages Coalition president, Dennis Stoica. "His leadership has been acknowledged by the New York Times, but strangely, it's not so well known in California, so we're delighted to have this opportunity to honor him and raise awareness about the importance of this work in helping thousands of families across California." http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=108 2013-05-25T14:33:48.8975151Z <br /> <p>California Healthy Marriages Coalition and Yuba-Sutter Healthy Marriage Project will honor Congressman Wally Herger on April 1 for his groundbreaking work supporting marriages and families in the state of California.</p> <p>Herger's vision and determination is credited with spearheading funding for the national healthy marriage movement.</p> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=109 2013-05-25T14:33:48.8975151Z http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=111 2013-05-25T14:33:48.8975151Z http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=110 2013-05-25T14:33:48.8975151Z http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=112 2013-05-25T14:33:48.8975151Z <br />The Pew Research Center’s report on the rise in percentage of married women who now earn more than their husbands opens a window onto other gender changes in marriage. California Healthy Marriages Coalition Vice President Patty Howell says: <em>“It is interesting to see the Pew report because along with income and educational shifts, today’s couples also have expectations about their marriage that are very different from previous generations. Women who work outside the home and make substantial contributions to the family income want and expect their husbands to pull more weight around the house and with the children. Today’s women also want a strong emotional connection with their husband. This really ups the ante for men.” </em><br /> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=107 2013-05-25T14:33:48.8975151Z <br /> <p>The widespread release on January 15 by the Associated Press of a piece entitled “Family Finance: Job loss impacts child support” left out the important story of the impact of divorce on taxpayers.&nbsp; California Healthy Marriages Coalition President Dennis Stoica says: <i>“That may be the most important part of this story because divorce and family fragmentation costs American taxpayers an estimated $112 billion dollars a year and has sweeping affects on our children. The bigger story here is how do we prevent couples from going through divorce so we can help our families, children and economy at the same time.”</i></p> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=106 2013-05-25T14:33:48.8975151Z <br /> <i> <strong>“The so-called ‘Marriage Benefit Imbalance’ Elizabeth Gilbert writes about is a distortion of the truth,</strong>” </i>says Patty Howell, Vice President of the California Healthy Marriages Coalition. <i>“There are other significant inaccuracies in Gilbert’s new book ‘Committed: A Skeptic Makes Peace with Marriage,’” </i>said Howell. <i>“I see no evidence of a ‘Marriage Benefit Imbalance’ in which married women are supposedly not as successful in their careers as single women, more depressed, less healthy or more likely to die a violent death than single women. While Gilbert correctly writes about the benefits of healthy marriages for men, she is flawed in her analysis of healthy marriages for women.” </i> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=105 2013-05-25T14:33:48.8975151Z <br />The California Healthy Marriages Coalition (CHMC) is pleased to announce a partnership with world-renowned author Harville Hendrix, Ph.D. as a Public Advocate for Healthy Relationships.&nbsp; Hendrix, once featured on Oprah Winfrey’s “List of Unforgettable Top 20 Shows,” has partnered with CHMC to increase awareness of Marriage Education and Relationship Education in California.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />He and his wife, Helen LaKelly Hunt, Ph.D., co-created Imago Relationship Therapy, a highly respected therapeutic approach for couples, and developed the concept of <i>“conscious partnership.” </i>Their collaboration has resulted in nine books on intimate relationships and parenting that have been published in 57 languages, including the best seller <i>Getting the Love You Want.</i> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=104 2013-05-25T14:33:48.8975151Z <br /> <p>Golf star Tiger Woods' admission of "transgressions" -- and a growing list of infidelities -- may soon land him in a very expensive divorce court. Or, if wife Elin is magnanimous enough to give her husband and father of their two babies another chance, they might land on Oprah's couch, where he can do a full public grovel before an outraged audience.</p> <p><br />For the rest of us, this sad but familiar story opens the door to endless conversations about marriage and monogamy...<br /><br /><br />...Couples who get marriage education stand a better chance of avoiding extramarital attractions.</p> <p><br />For instance, the Woodses are parents of a toddler and a newborn, and research shows that marital satisfaction declines when children arrive. Wise couples anticipate this sea change and take steps to not only become good parents, but protect and nurture their marital bonds.</p> <p><br />"Many couples seem unsure how to overcome their inevitable problems, and we know we can help them," says Dennis Stoica, president of the California Healthy Marriages Coalition, which has taught marriage education to 20,000 people in the last year.</p> <p><br />"We regularly see couples in our marriage-education classes turn their marriage around," Mr. Stoica said. "Couples on the brink of divorce recapture intimacy, trust and caring, and those with an OK marriage can take it up to levels of satisfaction they never experienced before."</p> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=103 2013-05-25T14:33:48.8975151Z <br />“While I feel for Tiger and Elin’s pain,” says (CHMC President, Dennis) Stoica, “I’m hopeful that what they do to help rebuild their relationship will be an inspiration to others.&nbsp; Our families, communities, and especially our kids, are suffering tremendously because of the high rate of divorce. Many couples seem unsure how to overcome their inevitable problems and we know we can help them. <strong>Marriage Education classes available throughout the country teach skills that help couples find satisfying solutions and build lasting bonds,</strong> yet most people don’t know about Marriage Education and their relationships suffer as a result."&nbsp;<br /><br />But for now, the California Healthy Marriages Coalition (CHMC) would like to extend its support to the Woods’s marriage. <i>“I estimate that <b>80% of troubled marriages can be saved through Marriage Education</b>” says Stoica.&nbsp; “We regularly see couples in our Marriage Education classes turn their marriage around.&nbsp; Couples on the brink of divorce recapture intimacy, trust and caring, and those with an okay marriage can take it up to levels of satisfaction they never experienced before.&nbsp; <b>We know Marriage Education works, and there are hundreds of research studies that back this up.</b>”&nbsp;</i> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=102 2013-05-25T14:33:48.8975151Z <br />Patty Howell is the vice president of operations and media relations for the California Healthy Marriage Coalition, a non-profit with the goal of promoting marital health through relationship education. She has written several research booklets on the importance of marriage in society. She received the 2010 Smart Marriages Impact Award from the Coalition for Marriage, Family and Couples Education http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=101 2013-05-25T14:33:48.8975151Z <br />Tracie Donahue had some doubts before the wedding, but she got married, anyway. <p>"I think it happens a lot," says Donahue, 39, a documentary filmmaker who works in public relations in Sacramento. "Once they start down that process of being engaged – even if they are feeling an inkling 'this isn't right' – we all have this fantasy of what marriage is all about. It helps drive people to think love will overcome all this."</p> <p>But it didn't – for her and many others who marry despite lingering doubts. Counselors and those who study dating, marriage and divorce say plenty of couples get married when they shouldn't. And their numbers may be increasing, because more couples are casually living together, which can complicate decisions about whether to marry, says Scott Stanley, co-director of the Center for Marital and Family Studies at the University of Denver.</p> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=100 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9131405Z <br /> <b>California Healthy Marriages Coalition (CHMC) Vice President Patty Howell will receive the 2010 Smart Marriages Impact Award</b>, the most prestigious award in the field of Marriage Education, at the annual Smart Marriages Conference in Orlando, Florida. Ms. Howell is being recognized for her 5-part “<i><b>Healthy Marriages” </b></i>series and its unique value in showing how marital health affects the health of the nation.&nbsp; http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=99 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9131405Z <br />The New York Times Magazine’s latest edition gives readers an inside look into the First Couple’s marriage as one with its share of difficulties. Michelle Obama reveals their strong but imperfect marriage when she observes that “<b><i>The bumps happen to everybody all the time, and they are continuous.” <br /><br /></i></b>California Healthy Marriages Coalition (CHMC) Vice President Patty Howell says: <i>“No one has a flawless marriage and I applaud the Obamas in helping us normalize this. Everyone is flawed, so every relationship has some challenges.&nbsp; It’s refreshing and valuable for the Obamas to give us a glimpse of their healthy and much-cherished relationship and a realistic picture of what’s attainable by others.”&nbsp;</i> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=98 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9131405Z <br />The Hollywood blockbuster <i>“Couples Retreat”</i> written by Jon Favreau and Vince Vaughn gives audiences a large dose of reality in its depiction of marriage. Whether dealing with stresses of everyday life, cheating or a variety of unmet expectations in their marriage, the film depicts couples struggling with real-life situations.&nbsp; But, it doesn’t offer realistic means for mending these imperfect relationships, says California Healthy Marriages Coalition Vice President Patty Howell. <b><i>“Since everyone’s flawed, we all bring imperfections to the relationship.&nbsp; It’s fun to see these depicted in film and I’m happy the filmmakers showed couples staying together through the tough times. What’s sorely missing is seeing a realistic pathway to success. America has a big need for this information.”</i></b> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=97 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9131405Z <br />This year Domestic Violence Awareness month comes at a time when many shelters throughout California are closing due to a difficult and devastating slash in funding from the California Legislature. Most Californians would agree that domestic violence intervention programs are critical for every community. However, fewer Californians realize the importance of Marriage Education as a preventive approach for reducing domestic violence.<b> <br /><br />California Healthy Marriages Coalition (CHMC) Vice President Patty Howell says “Teaching couples how to communicate non-blamefully and the skills for successful conflict resolution are key in creating healthy marriages and healthy families. Furthermore, when parents learn and use skillful communication, their children learn skills that help prevent domestic violence in the next generation.”</b> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=96 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9131405Z <br />A long list of celebrities has bought into the romanticized version of love and marriage&nbsp;... like Actress Renee Zellweger and Singer Kenny Chesney dated for just 4 months before tying the knot, Actress Shannen Doherty wed boyfriend, Dancing with the Stars contestant, Ashley Hamilton after 2 weeks, Drew Barrymore and beau Jeremy Thomas to said “I do” after six weeks, and&nbsp; Khloe Kardashian recently wed LA Lakers star Lamar Odom after one month of dating. <br /><br />Unfortunately, these fairytales often end in divorce. Experts on love and marriage would agree that marriage after a short-term courtship is not likely to be as successful as couples might hope. <br /><br />The California Healthy Marriages Coalition (CHMC) recommends that couples date at least a year before tying the knot ...CHMC Vice President Patty Howell said, <i>“Couples who marry when they first fall in love are not being romantic; they’re gambling with their eyes closed. It may be fun to think of love and marriage as a fairytale, but the reality is that marriages need compatibility plus a shared commitment to learning and using the skills that contribute to relationship success. <b>When you learn these skills, you build a profound confidence in your relationship</b> and that’s a tremendous advantage.“&nbsp; </i> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=95 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9131405Z <br />The LA Times recently highlighted a study from the <i>California Dropout Research Project </i>which identified an increase of $1.1 billion in costs associated with crime due to higher numbers of juveniles dropping out of school...<br /><br />...(T)he National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, Waves I and II found <i>“20 percent of students in Grades 7-12 who lived with their married, biological parents experienced suspension or expulsion from school, in contrast with rates higher than 50 percent among adolescents who lived with a single, never-married parent.”&nbsp;<br /><br />California Healthy Marriages Coalition (CHMC) President Dennis Stoica believes that Marriage and Relationship Education can reduce these problems.&nbsp; <i><b>“If we want to reduce dropout and delinquency rates, we need to look at broad scale means for teaching parents the skills for creating healthy marriages and families.</b> </i></i> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=94 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9131405Z <br />Patrick Swayze was a well-known 80’s heartthrob with the ability to captivate audiences on the screen, but more importantly he was a dedicated husband behind the scenes.&nbsp;...Dennis Stoica, President of the California Healthy Marriages Coalition (CHMC), said, <b>“It is admirable that Patrick Swayze and his wife Lisa weathered the storms of life together. They remained married and committed to each other for 34 years. The Swayzes seem to be a fantastic role model that attest that love and marriage can last a lifetime.”<br /></b> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=93 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9131405Z <br /> <p>Healthy marriages are good for the community and good for the traditional marriage, said Jim Reyes, a Sanger pastor.</p> <p><br />Studies show that strong marriages help ease divorce costs to city and county governments, reduce pressures on social services, and produce healthier children who are less likely to commit crimes.<br /><br />"If you have the core of a family stabilized, it will create an atmosphere where your children will live in a place that's vibrant and healthy," Reyes said. "The environment in the home also produces what takes place in the community. It trickles down." </p> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=90 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9131405Z http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=91 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9131405Z http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=89 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9131405Z http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=92 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9131405Z <br />CNN’s <i>Black in America </i>features Nisa Muhammad, Executive Director of Wedded Bliss Foundation, and her work to strengthen marriage in the Black community using <i>Basic Training</i>, a Marriage Education program for couples.&nbsp; California Healthy Marriages Coalition (CHMC) offers a wide variety of research-supported Marriage Education programs to help Californians of all ethnicities form and sustain healthy relationships and marriages.&nbsp; http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=88 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9131405Z <br />Dennis Stoica and Patty Howell of California Healthy Marriages Coalition&nbsp;were interviewed on&nbsp;the <em>"Good Day Sacramento" </em>TV show.&nbsp;&nbsp; Here's the footage from the live taping of the show. http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=86 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9131405Z http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=87 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9131405Z <br /> <p>Did you know the federal government has spent $150 million yearly on grants for healthy marriage and responsible fatherhood since October 2006?&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br />If that makes you grumble, consider this: Divorce cost the nation about $33.3 billion in 2003, with the "average" divorce costing state and federal governments $30,000 in direct and indirect costs,&nbsp;<br /><br />In California, home to about 12 percent of the U.S. population, "the related social service impact on state and federal governments of California's broken families conservatively costs taxpayers more than $4.8 billion per year," according to Dennis Stoica, president of the California Healthy Marriages Coalition.</p> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=85 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9131405Z <br />The GM Bankruptcy is causing six dealerships around California to be closed. These closures will create more bad news for California’s economy by increasing the already high unemployment rate of 11 percent, and adding financial stress to the families involved in these cutbacks. Statistics show that financial strain is one of the leading causes of divorce and that divorce itself places additional strains on the economy and on business. This is a distressing cycle for which California’s leading marriage-support organization offers some new reassurance. http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=80 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9131405Z <br />Being a great husband and father isn't easy. It takes some special skills about how to communicate well during the difficult times with your spouse and children in order to create extraordinary relationships together. The California Healthy Marriages Coalition (CHMC) provides Marriage Education and Relationship Skills classes throughout California to teach couples and individuals the skills for being a great father and spouse. http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=79 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9131405Z <br /> <p>A study published in early 2009&nbsp;... confirms the importance of government's role in supporting marriage and relationship-based education. Looking at more than 100 published and unpublished studies dating back to 1975, the study found a significant positive effect on a couple’s communication skills and relationship quality when they attended marriage education courses.</p> <p>"...(M)arriage and relationship education ... help couples form and sustain healthy, stable marriages and relationships, which is done by strengthening a couple’s relationship skills." The study also showed strong favor for couples that attended moderate-dosage programs—naturally having a higher level of effectiveness and showing better success rates than those of couples who attended less frequently. So the question becomes, where is government help being offered? </p> <p>In the Golden State, The California Healthy Marriages Coalition (CHMC) is delivering marriage and relationship skills classes to California's diverse population by traversing the key demographic dimensions of geography, ethnic and cultural differences.</p> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=75 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9287659Z <br /> <p>The right to marry is the talk of California, if not the nation, right now. But as the gay community fights for marriage access, African Americans have routinely been singled out for not marrying as frequently as other ethnic groups do ... African Americans divorce at higher rates, live in more single-headed family households, and have more out-of-wedlock births than their white, Hispanic and Asian counterparts.</p> <p>This is a trend that Los Angeles-based marriage advocates La Grande and Sonja Mason seek to reverse. The Masons teach marriage education courses via their nonprofit, Helping Angelinos Live Optimistic (H.A.L.O.) and have hosted the annual Black Marriage Day celebration in Los Angeles ...&nbsp;The Masons are now involved in a campaign called “Divorce is Unacceptable,” which aims to keep black families intact.</p> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=74 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9287659Z http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=78 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9287659Z http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=76 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9287659Z http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=77 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9287659Z http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=82 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9287659Z <br /> <p>The marriage went sour at the same time the mortgage went south. So now what? It looks like some troubled couples are toughing it out – if not for the sake of the kids, then for the sake of the house.<br /><br />Divorce filings in Sacramento County slipped during 2008 from the previous year, as they did in the early months of this year compared with the same period last year, according to statistics compiled by the family law court.<br /><br />And some couples are revisiting the decision to divorce. In Roseville, Bayside's Baggett said he's aware of three couples who've reconciled recently.<br /><br />"The counseling numbers are way, way up," he said.&nbsp; He and others hope that people can work it out while they wait out the economy.<br /><br />"I'm telling clients it's cheaper to go to counseling than to a divorce attorney." </p> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=73 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9287659Z http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=71 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9287659Z http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=72 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9287659Z <br />“In a recent statewide survey, we found that over half of divorced Californians named financial problems as a factor in their breakup.&nbsp; It doesn’t have to be this way.&nbsp; Financial problems can stress the relationship, or provide an opportunity to grow even closer together.”&nbsp; <br /><br />How can a couple grow closer through financial hardship?&nbsp; http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=70 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9287659Z <br /> <p>"The white picket fence. The 2.3 kids. The happily ever after ending. It’s the dream of every married couple, right?<br /><br />In the survey, in which over 2,000 adult Californians took part, “the vast majority…affirmed traditional values related to marriage.” With near uniformity, the respondents expressed the belief that marriage is “an institution worth protecting with stricter dissolution laws, increased availability of relationship education, and greater social support.<br /><br />More specifically, 84 percent of survey respondents supported the idea that “couples who marry should make a lifelong commitment to one another, to be broken only under extreme circumstances.” And just that many of the survey’s respondents expressed the believe that “divorce is a serious national problem in the United States."<br /><br />In fact, only 10 percent said that marriage is “an old fashioned, outmoded institution.<br /><br />You can’t teach someone to fall in love. But perhaps they can learn the skills that help them express their love, and work through any conflicts. After all, communication courses are cheaper than divorce."</p> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=68 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9287659Z <br /> <p>"It’s inevitable that California play an essential role in the direction of America–and be the bellweather of our country’s relationship trends.</p> <p>One important reason for this is the fact that approximately one out of every eight Americans – or 37 million, as of 2008 – is a resident of California.<br /><br />The State of California’s Unions reveals that Californians hold a high value for marriage and believe it’s an institution worth protecting with stricter dissolution laws, increased availability of relationship education, and greater social support.”</p> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=67 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9287659Z http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=69 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9287659Z http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=66 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9287659Z http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=84 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9287659Z <br />"<b>The $5 million dollar campaign about Marriage paid for by the Federal government has stirred up a lot of controversy.&nbsp;</b> Some critics say the government shouldn’t promote marriage, while others say the money would be better spent helping people survive the economic downturn.&nbsp; California Healthy Marriages Coalition president Dennis Stoica has mixed feelings about the current advertising campaign.&nbsp; “Research on the benefits of marriage” says Stoica, “makes a clear case about its benefits—including better health, more money, and better sex—plus numerous well-known benefits for children.&nbsp; <b>But it’s also clear that not all marriages get these benefits—it depends upon the quality of the marriage.&nbsp; That’s why I wish the national advertising campaign also talked about the importance of Marriage Education and Relationship Skills classes.”<br /></b> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=65 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9287659Z <br /> <em> <b>"The approach of Valentine’s Day brings the worrisome task of finding something special for your sweetheart. </b>Many rely on the same gifts year after year—roses, chocolates, a romantic dinner.&nbsp; Interestingly, Marriage Educators tell us that gifts may not be the surest way to your partner’s heart! <br /><br /></em> <strong> <em>...For the past three years, the California Healthy Marriages Coalition (CHMC) has helped sweethearts in California discover the best way to love their partner."</em> <br /> <br /> </strong> <em>Click title to read the entire article.</em> <br /> <br /> <br /> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=64 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9443913Z <br /> <p>Substance abuse, poverty, poor school performance, crime and unwed pregnancy - "all of these are costly problems to fix when they've happened," said Ms. Howell. "But if we can empower couples through marriage education and relationship-skills training, we give them the capacity to prevent these problems."</p> <p><br />"At this time of severe belt-tightening in our country," she added, "it really makes a lot of sense to take this cost-effective, preventive approach that will teach couples how to form and sustain healthy marriages."</p> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=63 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9443913Z http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=62 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9443913Z <br />On Facebook?&nbsp;The CHMC Facebook Group is a great way to&nbsp;be a part of&nbsp;the effort to build strong marriages and families in California!&nbsp; Join today! http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=60 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9443913Z <br />"This domestic situation is also confirmed in a poll by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. The AAML surveyed its members -- all divorce lawyers -- and found that 37% of them have seen a decrease in the number of couples seeking a divorce, while just 19% saw an increase in divorce cases." <br /> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=61 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9443913Z <br /> <p>In 2001, the Bush administration began testing the idea of funding marriage education, especially for low-income families. Authorizing legislation finally was passed, and in 2006, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded an unprecedented $150 million a year to some 216 "healthy marriage" and "responsible fatherhood" projects.</p> <p>All told, about $750 million is slated to be invested in these activities — a formidable first step toward reviving a healthy family culture in America.</p> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=59 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9443913Z <br />Popular wisdom would have it that romance fades over time. But new brain scans of people who say they are still in love after being married for decades are similar to scans of those who have just fallen in love, leading researchers to conclude that long-term relationships can be just as passionate and romantic as new love. http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=58 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9443913Z http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=81 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9443913Z <p>Nearly half of Latino Californians say the high likelihood of divorce makes marriage too risky, perhaps explaining why nearly twice as many Latino adults than other adults never get married, according to a survey of 2,000 California adults. </p> <p><br />The California Healthy Marriages Coalition this week released the results of the survey to coincide with National Hispanic Marriage Day on Sunday.</p> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=56 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9443913Z http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=83 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9443913Z <br /> <p>"Did you and your spouse buy a home in recent years using an adjustable-rate mortgage that started with an affordable "teaser rate"? Are you now facing a whopping increase in your monthly payments due to an upward adjustment in your ARM? Are you even fearful of foreclosure?</p> <p><br />If so, this financial crisis—coupled with the overall economic downturn—could be exerting tremendous stress on your marriage." </p> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=54 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9443913Z http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=57 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9443913Z http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=55 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9443913Z <br />Check out&nbsp;California Healthy&nbsp;Marriages Coalition's&nbsp;half-page&nbsp;<em>"Letter to the Presidential Candidates"</em> ad&nbsp;placed in the Orange County Register and the LA Times - Orange County on Friday, August 15.&nbsp; http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=53 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9443913Z <br />"Eighty percent of divorces are completely avoidable," said Dennis Stoica, the founder and president of the California Healthy Marriages Coalition. "If people are able to access resources, they can restore their marriages." <p><br />Stoica delivered the opening keynote at the conference, where nearly 2,000 marriage enthusiasts gathered at the Hilton Hotel for five days of high-intensity training sessions, with an even split between faith-based and secular groups.</p> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=52 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9443913Z <br /> <p>The recipe for a happier marriage and a healthier heart? <br /><br />"Use empathy, acceptance, and genuineness when you communicate with your partner,” says Patty Howell, a Leucadia, California, marriage educator; author of World Class Marriage; and vice president of the (California) Healthy Marriages Coalition. “Improving your communication skills lets you share your needs, your hopes, your fears, and your upsets freely and openly with each other. It helps your marriage grow.” Howell explains how to make your next heart-to-heart talk more heart healthy. </p> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=51 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9443913Z <br />Make the case for marriage and convey the consequences of family breakdown with this four-color flyer!&nbsp; http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=50 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9443913Z <br />Couples wanting to strengthen their relationships will get to take marriage classes and attend counseling at one of about 120 Orange County churches, after several local pastors vowed to help people improve marriage skills. <p><br />Nearly 100 pastors of several denominations gathered ... to sign a pact asking them to emphasize the importance of marriage education in their congregations.</p> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=46 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9443913Z <br />In a ceremony held at the Eastside Christian Church in Fullerton, pastors representing more than 30 denominations signed a Marriage Education Agreement to strengthen marriages and lower the divorce rate in Orange County. <p>“The goal of the Orange County Marriage Education Agreement is ultimately to have over 300 churches representing all denominations providing Marriage Education and support to couples,” said John Erwin, Project Director for the Orange County Marriage Education Initiative. “And these churches will be equipped to help all marriages in the county, not just those who attend church.”</p> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=47 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9443913Z <br />Hyepin Im, President of KCCD, stated, "We're pleased to be announcing this PSA campaign during May which is not only the Asian American Heritage Month but also Family Month in the Korean American community. As family is so important in all our communities, we thought that May would be timely in raising awareness of marriage education as a tool to strengthen their family and marriage."<br /> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=49 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9600167Z Diann Dawson of Washington, D.C. Operation Director of U.S. Dept. Health &amp; Human Services/ Administration for Children &amp; Families (ACF) will make a presentation&nbsp;to introduce&nbsp;the Healthy Marriage Initiative&nbsp;in the Los Angeles African American Community and the share importance of the collaborative efforts that have been in place in other Communities around the Nation.<br /> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=44 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9600167Z <br /> <p>How much does divorce really cost Fresno County? Some say the cost is much more than just a number. Some say divorce also leads to more kids joining gangs. </p> <p>The Fresno-Madera Healthy Marriage Coalition met Tuesday in Fresno. They say there is a link between divorce and gangs. </p> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=48 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9600167Z <br />The number of divorce filings in Fresno County is the lowest it's been in five years. That's according to Fresno County Family Court Services. One reason may be the county's efforts over the last 18 months to keep marriages healthy through the Fresno County Healthy Marriage Coalition. http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=43 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9600167Z <br />Read the actual letter from California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in support of Black Marriage Day 2008, and his commendation for the work of strengthening marriages! http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=42 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9600167Z <br />More than 300 marriage activists across the nation responded to the call for Black Marriage Day 2008 sponsors.&nbsp; Representing 37 states and some 200 cities, Black Marriage Day 2008 sponsors are planning a diverse series of events celebrating marriage in the Black community for Sunday, March 30, 2008.&nbsp;<br /><br />“This year the passion for celebrating Black marriages is bigger and better than ever,” Muhammad said. “From Savannah, Georgia, to Sacramento, California, marriage activists are committed to changing our community.&nbsp; Marriage matters to the&nbsp;Black community, and we want everyone to know.”&nbsp; http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=41 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9600167Z <br />The divorce rate in the armed forces held steady last year at 3.3 percent, a surprising finding given the stress that marriages are under during persistent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. <p><br />Some veterans questioned whether the figure, reported by the Pentagon, presents an accurate picture. But defense officials credited efforts in recent years to support couples enduring uncommonly long separations and other hardships because of those wars.</p> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=40 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9600167Z <br /> <p>That seven-year itch can creep up long before the seventh anniversary or many years later. How can you keep your marriage in tiptop shape and ensure its longevity? <br /></p> <p><br />Patty Howell, with the California Healthy Marriages Coalition, says communication skills are extremely important, and learning them prepares couples for the inevitable troubles they will face. <br /></p> <p><br />"They learn the ways to talk about difficult subjects, so that they can do it without damaging their relationships," Howell says. </p> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=38 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9600167Z <br />Is there any other part of our lives where our expectations veer so wildly from reality? <p><br />According to the California Marriage Baseline Survey, 99 percent of Orange County spouses say they expect to be married for life. </p> <p><br />And yet, the California Healthy Marriages Coalition notes, the national divorce rate is about 49 percent. </p> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=33 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9600167Z Love is in the air:The Korean Churches for Community Development is continuing its work to promote healthy marriages. http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=36 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9600167Z Ron McLain, the founder of Fresno County Healthy Marriages Coalition, says the more resources couples can get their hands on the healthier their families will be. <br /><br />Ron McLain: "We're just at the place at the tipping point where we believe there's going to be a huge impact in Fresno County through couples using healthy marriage skills." <br /><br />McLain says he isn't sure if its love and respect, marriage education as a whole or something else but the number of divorces in Fresno County dropped last year from 3700 to 3000. http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=35 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9600167Z KCCD President Hyepin Im said, "We are excited about participating in the statewide 10,000 Signs Campaign in partnership with CHMC to celebrate Marriage Week 2008 with other coalitions. We want to raise awareness that investing in one's marriage through ME or Marriage Education can bring many benefits! There are numerous studies that show that couples with ME training experience a significantly higher level of marital and sexual satisfaction than couples without ME. We hope that all communities will take advantage of ME that is being offered by our agency and other agencies throughout California." http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=32 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9600167Z To measure by the fields of roses and tons of chocolates given each Valentine's Day in the United States, all seems rosy for love and marriage in this country. <br /><br />But the landscape of marriage is shifting, and researchers are debating whether it's for better or worse. http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=34 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9600167Z <br />In a day and age when half of all marriages end in divorce, Jim Steward of Ceres is hoping to improve the odds of success. He is executive director of the Stanislaus County Healthy Marriage Coalition, a local group working with a number of churches and community agencies to strengthen marriages and family relationships. <p>"The Coalition has a number of different methods that we use to build up marriages and build up families," said Steward, a marriage educator for 15 years. "We offer relationship skills training from everything to teens to empty-nesters through classes. We also do that through training of leaders."</p> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=39 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9600167Z <br />After 10 weeks, the couples again took tests to gauge the quality of their relationships. Those who had undertaken the “exciting” date nights showed a significantly greater increase in marital satisfaction than the “pleasant” date night group. http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=31 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9600167Z http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=27 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9600167Z <br />At any one time in Fresno County, there are hundreds of couples who have divorce papers in hand, just waiting for the day when the gavel comes down, "Divorce granted!" <br /><br />In fact, 2007 saw 3,754 couples experience the dissolution of their marriages in Fresno County.<br /><br />Someone has said, "Marriage is our one best, last chance to grow up," and that is true. Marriage brings out the best in us (usually during the engagement and honeymoon period), but it can also bring out the worst in us. http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=28 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9600167Z A movement is growing in Sacramento and Placer counties to tackle divorce in the community with a new program titled "Ten Great Dates" for couples 18 and older.<br /><br />The program is a proven method of helping recharge marriages and enhance relationships with fun and conversation.<br /><br />The concept, piloted by the California Healthy Marriages Coalition, combines marriage-education skills and recreation in 10 weekly meetings. http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=26 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9600167Z You've probably seen those dramatic popup ads on fresnobee.com saying things like "We kiss more often . . . because of ME" and "Our relationship rocks . . . because of ME." It's a great little ad campaign and I could not resist calling to find out about them. http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=29 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9600167Z <a href="http://www.camarriage.com/classes/index.ashx?nv=5" target="_blank">To find a class near you, <strong>click here.</strong></a> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=25 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9600167Z A lengthy study of Midwestern couples finds that those who felt free to express their feelings lived longer than the perennially resentful. The couples with the most unexpressed anger died the earliest. http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=30 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9756421Z KCCD's "10 Great Dates" Instructors' Training was attended by 160 pastors and community leaders with an interest in providing marriage education for the community.&nbsp; All participants received a free "10 Great Dates" book and DVD. http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=24 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9756421Z http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=3 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9756421Z <strong>New Survey Shows California Concern about Issue Candidates Aren’t Addressing</strong> <br /><br />January 28, 2008—With California’s Presidential primary only one week away, new information released today by the <em><strong>California Healthy Marriages Coalition</strong> </em>shows that <u>81 percent of Californians believe that divorce is a serious national problem in the United States</u>.&nbsp;<br /><br />Read&nbsp;more&nbsp;about the bipartisan agreement from the&nbsp;<em>California Marriage Baseline Survey.</em> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=23 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9756421Z The California Marriage Baseline Survey reveals widespread concern about the health of America’s marriages, resonating among 90.7 percent of Republicans, 76.1 percent of Democrats and 78.9 percent of Independents, yet marital breakdown isn’t being addressed by any of the leading Presidential candidates. http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=37 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9756421Z Don't miss the nation's biggest conference&nbsp;for marriage educators, clergy, counselors, legislators, and more!!! http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=7 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9756421Z http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=21 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9756421Z http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=22 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9756421Z CaMarriage.com is now live!&nbsp; Please check back frequently as the Class Locator gets populated! http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=2 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9756421Z <p>BLACK MARRIAGE DAY is March 30, 2008!&nbsp; Churches and community groups everywhere, mobilize couples to demonstrate their support for marriage by renewing their marriage vows in a national celebration of marriage as a key building block of family, community and our nation. </p> <p>The theme: Getting Married is Good; Staying Married is Better; a Healthy Marriage is Best.</p> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=5 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9756421Z After 14 years of steady decline, the rate of teen births rose 3% last year, according to a federal study released Wednesday. http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=17 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9756421Z Divorce can be bad for the environment. In countries around the world divorce rates have been rising, and each time a family dissolves the result is two new households. http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=9 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9756421Z Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Pellentesque tristique vehicula nulla. Quisque sed lorem ac nunc imperdiet mattis. Sed lacinia arcu vitae mauris. http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=8 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9756421Z http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=12 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9756421Z http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=20 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9756421Z by Patty Howell EdM, AGC&nbsp;- featured in the Mar/Apr 2007 edition of The Therapist. http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=6 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9756421Z <p align="center"> <b>as seen in Fresno</b> <b>Bee</b> <b>: For Valley Voices –– February 19, 2007</b> </p> <p align="center"><b>What’s The Big Deal About Healthy Marriages?</b></p> <p align="center">Fresno County celebrates “Marriage Week” February 11-17</p> <p align="center"><i>By Ron McLain, M.A., </i>Founder and Executive Director, Fresno County Healthy Marriage Coalition</p> http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=10 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9756421Z We're launching a new website. But you already know that because you're on it! http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=1 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9756421Z http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=11 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9756421Z Vivamus sapien. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Maecenas justo massa, posuere non, vulputate eu, euismod at, nunc. http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=15 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9912675Z http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=16 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9912675Z http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=19 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9912675Z Korean Churches for Community Development (KCCD) is organizing the 1st National Korean/Asian American Marriage Day to be held June 5 in Los Angeles. http://camarriage.com/news/detail.ashx?nid=18 2013-05-25T14:33:48.9912675Z 5/25/2013 7:33:48 AM http://camarriage.com/feeds/rss/news.aspx 5/25/2013 7:33:48 AM