HomeMy WebLinkAbout20091024RESOLUTION
RE: APPROVE SEMI-ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT #5 FOR THE BUILDING HEALTHY
MARRIAGES PROJECT AND AUTHORIZE CHAIR TO SIGN
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, pursuant to
Colorado statute and the Weld County Home Rule Charter, is vested with the authority of
administering the affairs of Weld County, Colorado, and
WHEREAS, the Board has been presented with Semi -Annual Progress Report #5 for the
Building Healthy Marriages Project from the County of Weld, State of Colorado, by and through the
Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, on behalf of the Department of Human Services,
to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families,
for a period commencing September 30, 2008, and ending March 31, 2009, with further terms and
conditions being as stated in said report, and
WHEREAS, after review, the Board deems it advisable to approve said report, a copy of
which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Weld
County, Colorado, that Semi -Annual Progress Report #5 for the Building Healthy Marriages Project
from the County of Weld, State of Colorado, by and through the Board of County Commissioners
of Weld County, on behalf of the Department of Human Services, to the U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, be, and hereby is, approved.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Board that the Chair be, and hereby is, authorized to
sign said report.
The above and foregoing Resolution was, on motion duly made and seconded, adopted by
the following vote on the 29th day of April, A.D., 2009.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
WELD COLORADO
ATTEST:
Iliam F. Garcia, Chair
Weld County Clerk to the
BY
APP
Deputy CI : k to the Board
my Attorney
Date of signature -Se
Douglas ademach r, Pro-Tem
c
Sean P. Conway
2
r a Kirkmeyer
4C
David E. Long
2009-1024
HR0080
MEMORANDUM
*4;
DATE: April 27, 2009
11111D TO: William F. Garcia, Chair, Board of County Commissioners �
eO�
FROM: Judy A. Griego, Director, Human Service Depar�rlieI
COLORADO RE: The Weld County Department of Human Services' Building
Healthy Marriages Semi -Annual Report #5
Enclosed for Board Approval is the Department's Building Healthy Marriages Semi -Annual
Report #5. This was presented at the Board's April 27, 2009, Work Session.
Building Healthy Marriage has completed the first half of a 5 year grant. At this point and
time the program looks vastly different than its first conception. Although the focus has
shifted from serving only the financially disadvantaged to the community at large, the
program has been improved and the positive affects on the community can be seen in the
impact stories of those who have participated.
Many of the changes to the program have aimed to decrease cost per participant while
maintaining or improving the quality of the program. The evaluation report shows that word
of mouth (i.e. Referred by Faith -based community, family/friends, former participant and
current participant) made up 37% of the referral base. Therefore, one way of determining if
the quality of the program continues to be of high quality can be demonstrated by comparing
the number of participants in grant years 1 with 2 and then in year 3. In the first year BHM
served 91 couples, and spent $5,959/ individual. In year two as the changes were taking
place, 156 couples and 108 individuals were served at a cost of $2,582/ person. Thus far in
the first 6 months of year 3, 126 couples and 127 individuals have participated in relationship
education classes with a cost/participant being $1,430. This is an increase of 126% in
participation and a decrease in costs of 76%.
If you have any questions, give me a call at extension 6510.
2009-1024
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
ADMINISTRATION FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Semi -Annual Progress Report -Cover Sheet
*This cover sheet must accompany all reports submitted*
Grant Number: 90FE0134
Budget Period September 30, 2008 to September 29, 2009
Project Period September 30, 2006 to September 29, 2011
Grantee Name and Address: Weld County Department of Human Services, 315B
N. 11`" Avenue, PO Box A , Greeley, Colorado 80632
Telephone Number: (970) 304-6578
Project Title: Building Healthy Marriages
Period Covered by Report: Sept. 30, 2008 thru March 31, 2009
(Check One)
First Semi -Annual Progress Report
Second Semi -Annual Progress Report Final Report
Name and Phone Number of Project Director: Ann Bruce, MA Program Supervisor
(970) 304-6578 ext 7905
Author's Name and Telephone Number: Ann Bruce, (970) 304-6578 ext 7905
Date of Report: April 30, 2009
Report Number: (Number sequentially beginning with 1) 5
Name of Federal Project Officer: Michele Walters
Comments, (if any):
APR 2 9 Z009
William Garcia, Chair v ,
Board of County Com iss oners, Wed County, Colorado
Rev. 2/3/04
Date
ADO? -7('& 9
Semi-annual Report #5
OFA Healthy Marriage Demonstration Program
Building Healthy Marriages
I. Grant Information:
• Grantee Organization Name and Grant Number- Weld County Department of Human
Services, Weld County Building Healthy Marriage Initiative (BHM).
• Grantee Type - Government entity
• Priority Area- 2
• Target Population — The target population for Building Healthy Marriages (BHM) includes
non -married expectant couples, individuals and couples of all relationship statuses (i.e.
single, engaged, committed relationships to include common — law and co -habitation, as
well as married persons) and finally couples that meet the TANF requirements (i.e. 200%
of poverty, children under the age of 18, 21 if the child is disabled, legal/documented
residency of Weld county). As the Hispanic communities make up the second largest
ethnic group in Weld County (34%), special efforts have been made to recruit this
demographic. Geographically our grant encompasses all of Weld County.
II. Major Activities and Accomplishments:
As was reported in the last two Semi -Annual reports, Building Healthy Marriages has gone through
some major revisions. Rather than repeat what has already been reported this report will focus on
how the changes have impacted the program and those individuals that are the face of BHM.
When appropriate and feasible this report will also be in their words. BHM targets five allowable
activity areas (MA), including 1,3,4,5, and 7.
AAA#1— Elizabeth Barber, Resource Investment Director, Weld County United Way
United Way of Weld County has been a partner with BHM since its conception and has been
charged with conducting the public advertising campaign on the value of relationships and the
skills needed for a successful healthy relationship.
"We have had a very successful first half of the grant year. We [United Way of Weld County] re-
did all of our marketing materials to reflect the changes in our new inclusive program. We not
only changed the word content of our program from strictly "marriages" to "relationships" and
more, but we also changed the design format to appeal to a diverse audience. We now have
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brochures, program specific data insert sheets, posters, banners, taxi tops, indoor boards, outdoor
billboards, folders and more. We also launched a new radio, newspaper and TV campaign to draw
from a multitude of audiences. All marketing materials have been created in English and Spanish.
We have received rave reviews from the community on our new look. This past weekend as we
manned an informational both at a large community event, we had people seeking us out for
information and commenting on the radio ads and billboards. We have noticed a surge in response
to our website the day after we strategically place ads during targeted Monday night programs.
We also launched a new program this past February to celebrate relationships and create program
awareness. It was our "Love Voucher" relationship coupon booklet. We ran the campaign
encouraging a free valentine's gift for partners to celebrate loving relationships. It was a
tremendous success out of 1,000 English coupon books all but 8 went out to the public. We plan
to expand this event even more next year. We are looking forward to our second half of the year.
Goals: As busy as we have been this past six months we are already planning ahead for new and
improved projects during the remainder of 2009. The first is the previous BHM Marriage Project
Coordinator resigned his position in the middle of March and we are currently in the process of
filling his replacement. We are also in the process of implementing marketing/programmatic focus
groups specific to reaching mono -lingual Spanish Speaking participants. We have had some
success but not as much as we would like and know we can improve. We will be completing the
third year of BHM's largest community event the "Fun Run". The planning committee is already
working on ways to improve the event and increase attendance. The last goal is to evaluate the
current marketing materials and see if we need to add new ones. We have been busy in the area
of teen and workplace seminars and as we continue to grow our programmatic options we will
need to keep up with current marketing materials.
Nichole Fenster: Community Resource Expert
My Position for the last three months has been the Community Resource Expert. The majority of
my time, I am finding new resources in the community, promoting the program, looking for grants
in the community to sustain our program, and providing my back up services to the other staff.
I search out resources in the community by participating in community meetings and attending
resource fairs. In the last three months I have began attending the Fatherhood Initiative meetings,
south county meetings, Youth Net meetings, and the Colorado Work Forum meetings. I have also
attended the 365 Health Fair, Weld County Resource Fair, and the Children's Festival. During one
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Fatherhood Initiative Meeting, I met Rick Hartman, who coordinates Bridges of Hope. This event is
held once a month with volunteers from different agencies in the community that get together to
assist families/individuals in overcoming obstacles in their lives. (i.e. Attorneys, Doctors, Food
Bank, Housing, Financial Advisor, etc.). This was a great organization for me to learn about
because not only do I have a chance to network with other agencies, but I also have the
opportunity to promote our program.
Another one of my responsibilities is to assist the Marriage Project Coordinator at United Way in
raising awareness of the Building Healthy Marriages Program in the county. I promote our program
while attending events such as Bridges of Hope, Health Fairs, Childrens's Festivals, the Cinco De
Mayo Festival, Summer Youth Voucher Registrations, and during our Building Healthy Marriages
events. I am on the committee for our annual Fun Run. My responsibility is to coordinate all of the
agencies that will be at our resource fair during the Fun Run. This is another great opportunity for
me to learn about other community agencies and educate them about our program. A positive
aspect about collaborating with other agencies is that if our grant is not renewed the agencies that
we are partnering with may help us sustain the Building Healthy Marriages program.
Along with finding new resources in the community, promoting the program, and looking for
grants in the community, I also serve as a back up to the other members of our team. I have been
trained in the Building a Family, Next Step Coaching, and Relationship Seminars positions;
therefore, if a staff member is absent I am able to fulfill their duties. This includes registering
clients for seminars, providing resources for clients, and qualifying clients into our extended
services.
I have a number of goals that I would like to accomplish in this position. I am determined to
connect with and partner with more agencies in southern Weld County. I would also like to be able
to share my resources with all of the Human Services Department. I believe that if employees had
one contact person for all of their resources, they would be more willing to share these resources
with their clients. A general overall goal of mine is to find a number of ways to sustain our
program after our five-year grant is completed. I believe in our program and I know that if I am
able to share our program with other agencies that our program will flourish more than it already
has.
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AAA #3 — For this target group, BHM has designed a program called Building a Family. A couple
is eligible for this program based on them being unmarried and expecting a child, or that child is
less than 3 months of age. When a couple has been identified they are contacted by the
Community/Family Liaison who then completes a needs assessment with them and registers them
into the next available relationship seminar. Based on that needs assessment, the liaison will also
refer them to any services that will address their need, such as relationship inventory, conflict
management class, financial management class or to a community agency. This liaison will work
with this couple and assist them in navigating any system that they require to ensure success and
self-sufficiency in acquiring the necessary resources for their family.
Kim Ketchum, Community Family Liaison, Building a Family
In my position as Community Family Liaison, I'm providing presentations at the following agencies
about the Building Healthy Marriages program. I have selected these specific programs because
the targeted group they focus on is expectant parents (Sunrise Clinic and the Health Department).
These are agencies where participants receive education on nutrition during pregnancy, as well as
prenatal check-ups. I have also presented at Trademark High School, which is an alternative
school for troubled youth. This program provides services specifically to expectant non -married
couples. The pregnant young ladies attending the classes are at I believe a higher risk of falling
through the cracks.
My responsibility in the program is Building a Family, includes supporting Non Married Expectant
Couples (AA#3) in achieving their goals by completing a needs assessment in order to provide any
community resources that they request or I think would be supportive to them (Employment
Services, Pregnancy Resource Center, Health Department, Weld Food Bank/ Clothing Bank) I also
assist them to navigate through the application process for filing for Medicaid, Food Stamps, and
TANF. The piece of the program that is the most effective is how the program empowers couples
to manage the hard times that some may be experiencing when they enter into our program. I've
witnessed some of the couples that were ready to give up on their relationship, learn that they
could continue with the skills needed to have the confidence to work on their relationship. An
important component of the program is case management, doing follow-up with the families
offering encouragement, meeting with them or making follow up calls to see how they're doing If
they are reaching their goals. This shows them that somebody cares about them and is there to
support and encourage them to be successful in reaching their goals.
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My goal working with the couples is to build trust with them and to give them the confidence to be
self sufficient. Also involve the young men in being in the process of helping to raise the child/
children.
• One of my goals is to continue to build trust and empowerment to the couples.
• Recruit at Wal-Mart and other similar agencies.
• Continue to do the recruiting at Sunrise Clinic, Health Department and the Nutrition classes.
• Recruit the young men who are expectant parents from Trademark High School to be
involved in this process. My goal is to serve 5 men in the next 6 months.
The benefit of a strength based approach is facilitating the empowerment of the families that
access this program. It also helps families to recognize that someone believes in them and their
ability to have a healthy relationship.
To further our efforts in recruitment of couples who fit this demographic the responsibilities of the
Intake Coordinator have been shifted to focusing on out reach to agencies that specifically serve
this population. In her own word:
Mary Jo Vasquez, Family Support Coordinator:
My responsibilities as the Family Support Coordinator have not changed in the last
quarter as it relates to my supervision of the Community/Family Liaisons and the
Community Resource Expert. I continue to meet weekly with them as a team, as well
meeting 1:1 to provide ongoing supervision on an as needed basis. I also continue to
report our numbers as it relates to the allowable activity areas in order to comply with the
grant requirements. I am also point person for the evaluation process and am the liaison
to our evaluation partner's; University of Northern Colorado.
I have shifted my direct contact with interested participants to now having contact as it
relates only to disqualifying them because of domestic violence issues or if they require
more intensive support services.
I have been assigned the responsibilities of doing more of the direct outreach to
prospective agencies that would be referring community members to the Building
Healthy Marriages Program. I am more actively involved in promoting our program on a
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consistent basis to ensure that we are building allies in the community. This has been
more concentrated on the program "Building a Family". I was able to secure our program
presenting two times weekly to the pre -natal classes offered by the Weld County Health
Department, we have also been invited to continue to present at one of the local
alternative High Schools, Trademark, these to students are expecting. This is particularly
important because this is one of the target groups we have selected to concentrate on for
this grant.
I have been promoting the Building Healthy Marriages program by attending the Weld
County Healthy Baby Advisory Meetings as a stepping stone for us to collaborate with
the key agencies that provide these selected services to this target group of consumers.
I also attend networking meetings and meet on a monthly basis with the Pregnancy
Resource Center as well as continuing to solidify a partnership with the "Family
Birthing" program through our local hospital. My goal is to actively recruit from these
participants in hopes of involving them in the Building a Family program.
My goals for the next 6 months are to continue to provide the services listed in the first
two paragraphs. I will also secure a direct relationship with staff at Trademark
Alternative High School, in order to actively recruit young expectant fathers to
participate in the Building a Family Program as well as continued collaboration with the
Fatherhood program, BAM (Be A Man). I will also focus on having a viable recruitment
plan for our South County areas as well as being involved in focus groups around how to
provide the best services to the monolingual speaking (Spanish) community. I would like
to secure a more meaningful relationship with this community and the service providers.
AAA #4 and #5 - The Relationship Seminars have several curriculums in which to serve these
populations based on the individuals' or couples needs. The majority of the participants will be
taught the skills via the PREP curriculum as described below.
Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP) The Prevention and Relationship
Enhancement Program (PREP) is an educational program that can help couples have strong and
rewarding relationships. PREP is designed to teach couples effective communication skills, how to
solve problems as a team and deal with conflict, and also aims to enhance the commitment of the
couple (Bowling, et al., 2005). PREP can be presented, with a facilitator, in a group setting or with
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one couple at a time (Renick, Blumberg, Markman, 1992). Delivery of the "PREP" Marriage
Relationship Education Seminars: Couples from the public can participate in a PREP Workshop,
which is provided in several formats (evening sessions or on Saturdays). These seminars focus on
learning and practicing skills that improve marriages. Workshops are facilitated by marriage
educators and coaches. In the beginning of year 1, the workshop consisted of 12 hours of PREP.
Later in Year 1, the workshop was expanded to 14 hours, to include 2 hours of financial
management. In the current program, started May 2008, PREP curriculum was reduced to 8 hours.
The curriculum was shortened to simplify the reporting of how many people were served and to
maximize retention. PREP has responded to the trend by revising the original curricula to fit an 8 -
hour format.
Another similar curriculum that the BHM Educator can use is called Marriage Garden. This
curriculum is most successful when used with couples who have been married for 10 plus years.
"Marriage Garden" Marriage Education This educational program was created at the University of
Arkansas. The Marriage Garden is based on the metaphor of partners in marriage learning the
necessary tools, wisdom, and spirit to work in harmony to cultivate a healthy marriage, as two
people would come together to cultivate a healthy garden (University of Arkansas Cooperative
Extension Service, 2006). The curriculum includes six lessons covering the following topics:
❑ Commit: Make and honor promises, ❑ Grow: Expand your strengths, O Nurture: Do the work
of loving, O Understand: Cultivate compassion for your partner, O Solve: Turn differences into
blessings, O Serve: Give back to your community Delivery of the "Marriage Garden"Marriage
Education Groups: Marriage Garden groups were first offered in July, 2008; however, no Marriage
Garden groups were scheduled during the first 6 months of year 3. Couples participating in the
BHM program may participate in the 8 -hour Marriage Garden Curriculum, when they are offered.
For those individuals who are single or participating with out their partner BHM offers seminars
using the Within My Reach curriculum. Within My Reach (WMR) The Within My Reach program was
created by Stanley, Pearson & Kline (2005) and is based on the PREP marriage education program.
Central to the curriculum is the idea that the decisions an individual makes in their love life will
affect many other areas of life, particularly career and child bearing and raising. The primary
theme of the Within My Reach curriculum is safety in relationships (Pearson, Stanley, & Kline,
2005). The curriculum defines a healthy marriage as involving a high degree of safety. WMR
includes the following goals:
O Enhance and stabilize current partner relationships
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❑ Help people in damaging relationships to leave safely
❑ Help people to choose future partners wisely
Many of the skills taught can benefit an individual at work, in social situations, and with their
children and family. The curriculum takes a number of characteristics of low-income populations
into account, and uses an interactive, experiential curriculum (Pearson, Stanley, & Kline, 2005).
Delivery of Within My Reach (WMR) Relationship Seminars: Within My Reach Li (WMR) seminars,
are delivered to individuals who are single or are attending without his or her partner, were new to
the BHM program in year 3. Within My Reach is an 8 -hour curriculum, which was being taught
during a one -day seminar to participants from the general public.
For those participants who are younger, specifically those who are identified as non -married and
expecting a different approach is necessary. BHM offers the Love U2 curriculum for these
participants. Love U2 The Love U2 program is a relationship education program targeted to teens.
Marline Pearson developed the Love U2 program based on the widely used, empirically supported
PREP curriculum created by Scott Stanley and Howard Markman at the University of Denver
(Stanley, Blumberg & Markman, 1999). The Love U2 program goes beyond traditional, fact -based
sex education programs, and discusses sex within the framework of relationships. The goal of the
Love U2 program is to —help young people acquire practical skills and useful knowledge for
forming emotionally healthy, mutually respectful, and ethically sound relationshipsl] (The Dibble
Institute, 2009, paragraph 1). The program also aims to provide teens with a picture of healthy
relationships to influence their decisions regarding relationships and sex as teens, and into
adulthood. The Love U2 program is based on research demonstrating a connection between family
structure and the well-being of children (The Dibble Institute, 2009). The Love U2 curriculum
teaches teens the personal, economic, and social benefits of healthy relationships and a stable
marriage. The lessons included in the Love U2 program are:
O Destructive Patterns in Relationships — Four Danger Signs
❑ Skills to Counter Negative Patterns — Time -Outs: A Path Back to Your Smart Brain;
Complaints and Gripes —Being Heard, Not Ignored
❑ Filters --I did not say that! Personality Style and Creative Use of Differences
❑ Issues and Events: What Pushes Your Buttons?
❑ Clarifying Expectations — Family, Peers, Girl/Boyfriend
O Problem Solving and Taking Care of Friendship
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Delivery of the Love U2 Student and Teen Relationship Education Seminar Love U2 student and
teen relationship education seminars were new to the BHM program in year 3. Love U2 was
presented to young participants from the community in three possible formats: a one -day, 8 -hour
seminar; a four -day, 2 hour per day format, and an overnight lock -in at an area church, which
taught the complete 8 -hour curriculum in one night.
Finally, BHM has begun to offer Winning the Workplace Challenge to community businesses as a
way to promote ourselves in the community and to also demonstrate how integral healthy
relationships are to everyone. Winning the Workplace Challenge Winning the Workplace Challenge
is a workplace relationship education program based on the principles of healthy relationships
discussed in the PREP curriculum. This program addresses specific barriers and challenges of
building healthy relationships within the workplace. Winning the Workplace Challenge was created
by compiling the research -based knowledge of the PREP curriculum with the experience of
individuals in the corporate world (Smart Marriages, 2009). The objectives of the program are to
provide participants with:
❑ Knowledge of what makes a great workplace
❑ Understanding of the role of Relational Intelligence
❑ Knowledge of the Amygdala Hijack
❑ The ability to recognize Events, Issues, and Hidden Issues
❑ The ability to demonstrate the Speaker/Listener Technique
❑ A description of the role of expectations
❑ The ability to recognize the role of choices in relationships
Several of these concepts such as recognizing events, issues, hidden events, and the role of
expectations are adapted for a workplace environment from the PREP marriage education
curriculum. Others, including the Amygdala Hijack, and the role of Relational Intelligence are
unique concepts created for the Winning the Workplace Challenge program. (PREP, 2008, p. 22).
Relational Intelligence is a term that describes a person's character, —their capacity to inspire
others, their self -management, their ability to get along well with other people, how well they
resolve conflict, or how they handle crises 1 (PREP, 2008, p. 32). By educating employees about
healthy workplace relationships, Winning the Workplace Challenge aims to create happy, healthier,
more productive business environments. Delivery of "Winning the Workplace Challenge" Work
Relationship Education Seminar: Winning The Workplace Challenge was also new to the Building
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Healthy Marriages Initiative in Year 3. Winning the Workplace Challenge was taught in a one -day,
8 -hour format.
The liaison for this segment of the program is
Candi De La Cruz, Community/Family Liaison:
The transition from my previous position to my current position has been smooth due to the fact
that I was already doing everything I'm doing now before in terms of registering clients and
checking the websites and helping with assessments, etc. The only difference is that now my
phone calls and email correspondence with CMP and educators are now more ongoing. I have
found that calling couples once I see their name on the website when they register for events has
improved attendance as we are having more contact with clients. Calling them a week ahead of
time also helps us with better planning and to know ahead of time that sometimes clients have to
switch to a later date because they realize something has come up. My goals for the next 6
months are to continue to stay on top of the numbers for classes and inform all the educators and
staff of updates on an ongoing basis. Alison suggested we have a cut off date for registering
(perhaps a week before the beginning of class), and I think this might be helpful to help us with
planning, with the exception to the Trinity Plaza classes since these are smaller. I would also like
to continue attending different trainings and meetings to learn about the different programs in our
community.
AAA # 7 — Last but not least, BHM offers a program called Next Step Coaching in which low
income couples can participate in either group or individual mentoring. The group mentoring
portion uses the Within Our Reach curriculum during a weekend retreat. Within Our Reach (WOR)
Within Our Reach is a marriage education curriculum designed for low-income couples. The
creators (Stanley, Markman, Jenkins, Ramos, Noll & Rhoades, 2008) of the PREP marriage
education curriculum designed this program. However, there are a number of distinct changes
from the original PREP curriculum. The Within Our Reach curriculum was developed based upon
research involving economically disadvantaged families. This research has guided the curriculum to
include a different range of themes and concepts, to emphasize the needs of this community, and
to revise the teaching style in the curriculum. The curriculum focuses on the strengths of the
couple and the barriers that keep them from their aspirations. Also, participants are in charge of
choosing the content and major themes of the session. The goal of the program is to facilitate a
sense of curriculum being tuned to their issues- (PREPInc, 2009, p. 2). The curriculum includes
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global themes, which are taught in every session, and specific themes that are covered when
applicable, such as racism, depression, or joblessness (PREPInc, 2009). Emphasis is placed on the
personal behavior of the individual and their responsibility for the way in which they think, act, and
respond (PREPInc, 2009). The curriculum is based on the —Safety theory;_ which includes the
following subtopics: PhysicalSafety (freedom from harm and physical aggression or psych abuse)
Emotional Safety and Support • Connected • Support • Conflict under control • Safe to talk
Commitment safety and security • A future • An us Contextua/Safety • Crime • Health •
Economic • Racism • Cultural factors (PREPInc, 2009, p. 4). Delivery of the Within Our Reach
(WOR) Seminar.: The WOR seminars were delivered during Marriage Enrichment Weekends.
Couples can participate in a weekend program that included much of the 12 -hour WOR content in
a weekend format. Marriage educators and coaches facilitate the weekends.
If a couple desires more individual mentoring they may participate in the Relationship Inventories.
PREPARE/ENRICH Relationship Assessment The PREPARE/ENRICH curriculum was originally
developed in the late 1970's to assist couples seeking premarital couple enrichment (Olson &
Olson-Sigg, 1999). The original curriculum was intended to facilitate a discussion between partners
regarding relevant issues for married couples, such as conflict resolution, finances, communication,
and goals of the couple and family. PREPARE/ENRICH begins with the couple taking an
assessment instrument to identify areas of weakness and strength (www.prepare-enrich.com).
Following the assessment the couple meets with an couple who has been trained as educators for
four to eight feedback sessions to discuss their areas of potential growth and their strengths as
individuals and as a couple (http://www.prepare-enrich.com). There are six goals of the
PREPARE/ENRICH Program:
1. To explore Relationship Strengths and Growth Areas
2. To learn Assertiveness and Active Listening Skills
3. To learn how to resolve conflict using the Ten Step Model
4. To help the couple discuss their Family -of -Origin
5. To help the couple with financial planning and budgeting
6. To focus on personal, couple and family goals
(See http://www.prepare-enrich.com/training.cfm?id=33#What_is_PE) Delivery of the
PREPARE/ENRICH Program (Relationship Inventories): The inventories include the opportunity for
the couple to discuss the results with educators who have been trained and certified by Life
Innovations® in as many as six follow-up sessions.
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The liaison that is charged with managing this program is
Rebecca Tapia, Community/Family Liaison- Next Step Coaching:
In my position as one of the Community Family Liaisons, I am in charge of the Next Step Coaching
Program. There are qualify factors for this part of the program such as being 200% below the
Poverty Guidelines and they have to be legal citizens or residents. After the couples have
completed the 8 hour seminar, they can sign up to see if they qualify for other services that Next
Step Coaching offers. These events include the Marriage Enrichment Weekend and the
Relationship Inventories.
My job is to contact couples that are interested in the Next Step Coaching program. Initially I do
an Assessment Eligibility Screening over the phone. This includes their basic information such as
names, phone number, address to make sure they are Weld County residents, income, their legal
status in the country and finding out what kind of support they would like from the Building
Healthy Marriages program. After I do the initial intake over the phone and they qualify, I then set
up a time for them to come in and do an Intake Assessment or if they can't make it to the office,
we are also willing to go to their homes and complete an assessment.
The Intake Assessment usually takes about an hour to an hour and a half; it depends on the
couple and what problems they are having. I and one of the other Community Family Liaisons
then talk to the couples apart from each other so that they feel more comfortable answering
questions and are more likely to be honest. The assessment is basically used to find out what
their needs are and rule out domestic violence and substance/alcohol abuse.
If everything is fine after the assessment then I refer them to the event(s) they are interested in.
We also type up the notes after each assessment and place them in the couple's file.
Another thing I am responsible for is administering the pretest for couples when they come in for
their assessment and contacting couples that have been in our program for a year so they can
complete a post test for program evaluation purposes. The tests are 150 true or false questions
and they are used to keep track of how much of an effect the Building Healthy Marriages has on
these couples throughout a year's time.
12
Table 1: Grant Allowable activities that have been accomplished
Allowable
Activity
Area(s)
Activity/
Accomplishment for
FY 07
Schedule of
Accomplishments for FY 07
Projected Accomplishments
for FY 07
Proposed
completion
date
Date of
completion/
status
Target'
# during
this
reporting
period
served2
# to date
completed
3
1(Public
Advertising)
Running the New
Crossroad Puzzle ad
New ad are being
developed to
incorporate more
information on the
benefits of healthy
relationships
Part of the
2008- 09
television
effort on
special cable
stations
Sept.09
Ads will run
through Sept.
30, 2009.
To run in the
4th year
County
Wide
N/A
N/A
1(Public
Advertising))
Radio Advertising
New ad are being
developed to
incorporate more
information on the
benefits of healthy
relationships
We are
continuing to
utilize the
radio ads we
developed
last year, and
they are
generating
great interest.
October 2008
through
September
2009. Our
radio ads are
done in
Spanish and
English.
County
Wide
I (Public
Advertising)
Developed radio ads
for Valentines
promotion. Just
special ads in
Eng/Spanish for
event promotion.
We
developed
special radio
ads for the
"lover
Vouchers"
with
volunteer
talent.
We ran the
special ads
from mid
January
through
February 13
in English
and Spanish.
Will be an
annual event.
County
Wide
1 (Public
Advertising)
Newspaper ads
New ad are being
developed to
incorporate more
information on the
benefits of healthy
relationships
Running ads
to promote
the education
seminar also
run the ads in
the Spanish
version.
Will run
through
September
30, 2009
To continue
in year 4.
County
Wide
I (Public
Advertising)
Developed all new
printed material
Due to the
change in the
project, we
have
developed,
printed and
implemented
new
brochures,
inserts,
posters. We
Capable of
utilizing
through the
end of grant.
Currently
2000
brochures
in English
and 1000
in Spanish.
13
also
developed
presentation
folders to use
in special
presentations
I (Public
Advertising)
Outdoor Media
Developed
billboards,
indoor
posters and
taxi toppers.
These were
within our
design
concepts and
in English
and Spanish.
Initiated the
campaign in
January, will
run for about
3 months.
Will evaluate
the
effectiveness
to determine
if this will
continue.
1 (Public
Advertising)
Electronic Media
Our Kiosk
has been
placed in the
Dept. of
Human
Services
offices and is
receiving
quite a bit of
attention.
The Website
is reporting
about 350-
500 visits per
week.
These
activities are
ongoing.
3"' Annual Fun Run
Sept. 7,
2009, the 3t°
annual.
Sept. 7,
2009.
Annual Event
350
participants
County Wide
Valentines promotion.
We developed a
"Love Voucher"
booklet for free
distribution in the
county.
January 2009
February 14,
2009
Annual event.
Special Newspaper
Promotion
We ran a
special
newspaper
promotion for
the
Valentines
day booklets.
Had the
respondents
contact our 2-
1-1 number
at partner
member
Mid January
through
February 14.
14
United Way.
County wide
promotion of the
FREE
coupons/vouchers
without the
Valentines Day effort.
January 2009
Sept. 2009
1250
vouchures
were
distributed
Public Presentations
and Community
Booth Presentations
State Farm Insurance
Northern Colorado
Medical Center
Envision
Kiosk to Dept. of
Human Services
Kiwanis meeting,
Greeley
Student Nursing
group
KFKA Radio
Resource Fair
United Way Board of
Directors
Children's Festival
County Benefits Fair
Cinco de Mayo
Fun Run
Oct. 6, 2008
Oct. 8, 2007
Oct. 24, 2008
Jan. 14, 2009
Jan. 15, 2009
Jan. 27, 2009
Feb. 6, 2009
Mar. 5, 2009
Mar. 12,
2009
Mar. 28,
2009
April, 2009
May 2, 2009
Sept. 7, 2009
Oct. 6, 2008
Oct. 8, 2008
Oct. 24, 2008
Jan. 14, 2009
Jan. 15, 2009
Jan. 27, 2009
Feb. 6, 2009
Mar. 5, 2009
Mar. 12,
2009
Mar. 28,
2009
April, 2009
May 2, 2009
Sept. 7, 2009
3(non-
married,
expectant)
Deliver 8hrs of
PREP, WMR, or Love
U 2curriculum to
couples who fit this
demographic
Although we
have had
many classes
we have not
had any non-
married
expectant
cpls
participate.
BHM does
have in place
strategies in
which we feel
will be
successful in
capturing this
demographic.
10
couples
0
0
AA 3
TOTAL
0 eotuples,.
15
4 (Pre-
marital)
Deliver 8hrs of
PREP curriculum to
engaged couples,
non -married but
committed couples
and individuals
interested in healthy
relationships
Oct 8
In progress
Target
# during
this
reporting
period
served
# to date
completed
4 (Pre-
marital)
Waypoints
Oct. 8
Oct 29
2 couples
/2
individuals
2 couples
/2
individuals
4 (Pre-
marital)
Templo Baustista
Spanish Only
Oct 18
Oct 18
1 couple /
lindividual
1 couple /
lindividual
4 (Pre-
marital)
Trinity Plaza
Oct 23
Nov 13
1 couple/ 1
individual
1 couple/ 1
individual
4 (Pre-
marital)
Kersey Community
Church
Nov 1
Nov 8
1 couple
1 couple
4 (Pre-
marital)
Waypoints
Nov. 8
Nov. 8
2 couple/ 1
individual
1 couple/ 1
individual
4 (Pre-
marital)
Trinity Plaza
Nov. 12
Dec. 10
2
individuals
2
individuals
4 (Pre-
marital)
Trinity Plaza
Nov. 20
Dec. 18
2 couples
2 couples
4 (Pre-
marital)
Trinity Plaza
Nov. 22
Nov. 22
2 couples
2 couples
4 (Pre-
marital)
Waypoints
Feb 4
Feb 25
4 couples/
2
individuals
4 couples/
2
individuals
4 (Pre-
marital)
Trinity Plaza
Feb 5
Feb 26
2 couples
2 couples
4 (Pre-
marital)
First Methodist
Church
Feb 17
Mar 10
2 couples
2 couples
4 (Pre-
marital)
Christ Community
Church
Feb 21
Feb 21
5 couples
5 couples
4 (Pre-
marital)
University of Northern
Colorado
Feb 21
Feb 21
3 couples/
13
individuals
3 couples/
13
individuals
4 (Pre-
marital)
Eaton Methodist
Church
Feb 21
Feb 28
3 couples
3 couples
4 (Pre-
marital)
Trinity Plaza
Mar 4
Mar 25
3 couples
3 couples
4 (Pre-
marital)
Trinity Plaza
Mar 5
Mar 26
2 couples
2 couples
4 (Pre-
marital)
Greeley Mennonite
Church
Mar 28
Mar 28
2 couples
2 couples
4 (Pre-
marital)
Deliver 8hrs of WMR
curriculum to
individuals interested
in healthy
relationships
Oct 8
In progress
Target
# during
this
reporting
period
served
# to date
completed
4 (Pre-
marital)
Waypoints
Mar 14
Mar 14
12
individuals
12
individuals
16
4 (Pre-
marital)
Deliver 8hrs of
Winning the Work
place Challenge
curriculum to
individuals interested
in healthy
relationships
Oct 8
In progress
Target
# during
this
reporting
period
served
# to date
completed
4 (Pre-
marital)
Greeley City Hall
Jan 13
Jan 13
22
individuals
22
individuals
4 (Pre-
marital)
Greeley Recreation
Center
Mar 24
Mar 24
28
individuals
28
individuals
4 (Pre-
marital)
Deliver 8hrs of Love
U2 curriculum to
individuals interested
in healthy
relationships
Oct 8
In progress
Target
# during
this
reporting
period
served
# to date
completed
4 (Pre-
marital)
Frontier Academy
Jan 5
Jan 8
12
individuals
12
individuals
4 (Pre-
marital)
Waypoints
Feb 6
Feb 7
16
individuals
16
individuals
4 (Pre-
marital)
Tower 21
Mar 7
Mar 7
10
individuals
10
individuals
4 (Pre-
`marital)
Deliver 8hrs of ' '
PREP, WMR, or
Love U 2curriculum
:to engaged couples,
non -married but
committed couples
and individuals
interested in
healthy
relationships
Oct 8
In progress
75 z
individual .:121
s
37 cptes/
* t.
indrvlttiia
IS 3
37 cples/
126
int�ividUB
5 (Married
Couples/indiv
iduals)
Waypoints
Oct. 8
Oct 29
5 cples/ 1
individual
5 cples/ 1
individual
5 (Married
Couples/indiv
iduals)
Trinity Plaza
Oct 15
Nov 5
2 couples
2 couples
5 (Married
Couples/indiv
iduals)
Templo Baustista
Spanish Only
Oct 18
Oct 18
8 couples
8 couples
5 (Married
Couples/indiv
iduals)
Trinity Plaza
Oct 23
Nov 13
2 couples
2 couples
5 (Married
Couples/indiv
iduals)
Rodgers
Oct.25
Nov 7
4 couples
4 couples
5 (Married
Couples/indiv
iduals)
Kersey Community
Church
Nov 1
Nov 8
1 cple/ 1
ind.
1 cple/ 1
ind.
5 (Married
Coupleshndiv
iduals)
Waypoints Satalite
Nov. 3
Nov. 24
3 cples/ 1
individual
3 cples/ 1
individual
5 (Married
Couples/indiv
iduals)
Waypoints
Nov. 8
Nov. 8
8 couples
8 couples
17
5 (Married
Coupleshndiv
iduals)
Trinity Plaza
Nov. 12
Dec. 10
4 couples
4 couples
5 (Married
Couples/indiv
iduals)
Trinity Plaza
Nov. 20
Dec. 18
2 couples
2 couples
5 (Married
Couples/indiv
iduals)
Trinity Plaza
Nov. 22
Nov. 22
3 couples
3 couples
5 (Married
Couples/indiv
iduals)
Waypoints
Nov. 22
Dec. 14
5 couples
5 couples
5 (Married
Coupleshndiv
iduals)
Trinity Plaza
Jan 8
Jan 29
2 couples
2 couples
5 (Married
Couples/ndiv
iduals)
Waypoints
Feb 4
Feb 25
3 couples
3 couples
5 (Married
Couples/indiv
iduals)
Trinity Plaza
Feb 5
Feb 26
4 couples
4 couples
5 (Married
Couples/indiv
iduals)
Greeley Mennonite
Church
Feb 5
Feb 26
6 couples/
1 individual
6 couples/
1 individual
5 (Married
Couples/indiv
iduals)
First Methodist
Church
Feb 17
Mar 10
4 couples
4 couples
5 (Married
Couples/ndiv
iduals)
Christ Community
Church
Feb 21
Feb 21
9 couples
9 couples
5 (Married
Coupleshndiv
iduals)
University of Northern
Colorado
Feb 21
Feb 21
2 couples/
1 individual
2 couples/
1 individual
5 (Married
Coupleshndiv
iduals)
Eaton Methodist
Church
Feb 21
Feb 28
3 couples
3 couples
5 (Married
Coupleshndiv
iduals)
Trinity Plaza
Spanish Only
Feb 23
Mar 16
3 couples
3 couples
5 (Married
Couplesnndiv
iduals)
Trinity Plaza
Mar 4
Mar 25
1 couple
1 couple
5 (Married
Couples/indiv
iduals)
Greeley Mennonite
Church
Mar 28
Mar 28
3 couples
3 couples
5 (Married
Coupleshndiv
iduals)
Johnstown
Community Center
Spanish only
Mar 28
Mar 29
6 cples/2
individuals
6 cples/2
individuals
5 (Married
Coo les/indi
viduals)
Deliver 8hrs of
PREP curriculum to
married couples
Oct 8
In progress
100;
couples
78 cples/
"f
Individual.
Is
78 cples/
a4
indiVldua
Is
7 (mentoring)
Hampton Inn
Feb 13
Feb 15th
11 couples
.11 couples
7 =„
(mentoring)
( 9)couples
Deliver 12 hrs of
Within Our Reach
curriculum to at risk
couples
Feb 13
In progress
35
""�
11',.. „ •
'
11
couples
18
III. Compliances and Assurances
• Domestic Violence - A local shelter for women (A Woman's Place) was contacted and
presented a two day training workshop in August of 2008. At that time, the partners felt
that domestic violence was too important an issue to leave to a stagnant protocol.
Therefore, determined a course of action that included working one on one with A
Woman's Place to develop and maintain the protocol to ensure current legislature and
issues are being addressed. To address this the Family Support Coordinator continues to
work with our local Domestic Violence Program, A Woman's Place on insuring that the
current domestic violence screening instrument is effective in insuring we are screening for
domestic violence indicators. This process was completed by looking at our current
assessment and protocol tool used for screening domestic violence situations. The Building
Healthy Marriages program has continued to successfully disqualify potential participants
who have either disclosed domestic violence or have been assessed to have ongoing
domestic violence issues. The Family Support Coordinator continues to be the point person
to make contact with the couple to talk about other services in the community that are
available to them to get more support for the domestic violence issues. This is done to
insure that each of the participants is getting the same amount of support. Considering all
safety issues and if applicable the Family Support Coordinator also provides the victim a
safety plan as well as the contact information for our local Domestic Violence program, A
Woman's Place.
The family Support Coordinator and A Woman's Place Outreach Coordinator have met
quarterly to discuss any barriers to participants accessing support from A Woman's Place as
well as on going education to the Family Support Coordinator on any new legislation as it
relates to Domestic Violence laws.
We continue to work on building effective partnerships with treatment providers, in order
to have a referral list of qualified domestic violence treatment providers for the offenders
that have disclosed domestic violence.
A Woman's Place has approved our current domestic violence screening instrument that we
use in our assessments. We are now looking at the protocol for responding to domestic
19
violence discloser during a seminar and or 1:1 contact with a coach and how to effectively
and safely respond to it. We will work with A Woman's Place to guide us in this process and
when completed we will have the staff of A Woman's Place conduct a training for all of the
staff of the Building Healthy Marriages Program.
The Family Support Coordinator will also be the point person for securing our annual
Domestic Violence Training.
• Faith Based Regulations — This protocol is complete and in use.
• Voluntary Participation — This protocol is complete and in use.
IV. Data Collection - Provide numbers of participants served during the project period.
Numbers must reflect your total project numbers for each allowable activity area. For those
grantees serving Allowable Activity One, Public Advertising Campaigns, you need not report units
served.
Table 2 captures the total participants per AAA for the first half of FY 08 and for all grant
years:
Allowable Activity
Area
Unit
Number of units per FY 08
(Oct 08 — March 09)
Number of units since
Award date (Sept. 06)
Target
# to Date
completed
# to Date completed
3 (Non -married
expectant couples)
Coup/es
5 couples
0 couples
7 couples
4 (Pre -Marital
Education)
Individuals
75
individuals
37 cples/
121
individuals
48 couples/ 202
individuals
5 (Marriage
Enhancement)
Couples/
Married
individuals
100 couples
78 couples
/6individuals
255 coup/es/ 32
married individuals
7 (Marriage
Mentoring)
Couples
35 couples
11 couples
73 couples
1 individual
V. Evaluation
This mid -year report summarizes the data collected from October 1, 2008 through March 31, 2009.
This includes information from all participants who initiated involvement with the Building Healthy
Marriages Program in year 3 (October 1, 2008 -March 31, 2009). In addition, this report includes
data from participants who completed a post-test during this period, but initiated involvement with
20
the BHM program during the first half of year 2. The final report for year 3 will include a discussion
of the findings from prior years.
Demographic Background Four hundred and seventy-six participants participated in the
program in the first 6 months of year 3 (October 1, 2008 -March 31, 2009) or completed during this
timeframe. Of the 476 participants, 60% were White (n = 278), followed by 29% (135
participants) who identified themselves as Hispanic. The other 6.5 % of the participants were
Asian, Black, Native American, or other'.
Thirty-four percent of the participants were under the age of 29. This is significant due to the
recent research that indicates that nationally this age group has developed a belief that marriage is
optional in starting a family (Wilcox, Doherty, Glenn, & Waite, 2005). This may not be the case in
Weld County due to the high percentage of individuals from the Latino culture where marriage is
held in very high regard.
The results indicate that 31% of the participants were unemployed. Of the participants who
participated together in a seminar, 17 couples (10%) specified that neither partner was employed.
One hundred and thirty couples (76%) indicated that both were employed full-time or at least one
partner worked full-time, 6 couples (4%) indicated that both partners were employed part-time,
and 11 couples (6%) indicated that only one partner was employed part-time.
Referral Source The most effective referral source has been the Faith Based Community; which
referred 24% of the participants. The second major referral source is educators of the Community
Mediation Project (16%). This suggests that the recruitment efforts from educators are a
significant advertisement for the program. The Radio advertisement was third (13%) and the City
of Greeley came in fourth with 12% of the participant pool.
Brief Summary of Results Marital Satisfaction Inventory — Revised (MSI-R) pre-test results
Over 60% of the couples in the sample reported experiencing significant problems as measured by
the Problem Solving Communication Scale (PSC), a measure of overt discord in the relationship
and about 50 % of the couples reported problems as measured by the Global Distress Scale
(GDS), a global measure of relationship distress. One third of the participants who completed the
MSI-R indicated that they are having unresolved problems in the following areas: dissatisfaction
with amount of affection, dissatisfaction with aggression by partner, dissatisfaction with time spent
together, and dissatisfaction and conflict over raising children (see Figure 7). Interestingly, the
largest differences on the Marital Satisfaction Inventory- Revised were found in the areas of
Financial Conflict and perceptions of Family -of -Origin relationships. Males were more dissatisfied
with the family's financial situation than females, and females showed more concern than males
21
regarding family -of -origin relationships. Of least concern to participating couples were sexual
dissatisfaction and dissatisfaction with children.
Impact of program: First six months of Year 2 Statistical tests were conducted comparing
the pre and post-test scores of the MSI-R to examine the impact of the program 1 year after the
pre-test took place. The results show that both men and women who participated in the Building
Healthy Marriages Program reported higher levels of marital satisfaction. A significant improvement
in satisfaction was found in the area of 'Time spent together' (MSI subscale), indicating that the
couples who took advantage of the BHM classes were more satisfied with the time they spent with
their partner. There was also a positive change between the pre and post test scores on the MSI
subscale 'Problem Solving', indicating that participants were more satisfied with their problem
solving skills than prior to entering the BHM program.
For males, there was also a positive change between the pre and post test scores on the Sexual
Dissatisfaction Scale and Financial Disagreement Scale, indicating that males were more satisfied
with their sexual relationship and affection during couple's interactions and had less discord in
their relationship over finances than before they entered into the BHM program. These last two
differences were not found among the female participants. No differences were found on the other
sub scales (Global Distress, Affective Communication, Aggression, Role Orientation, Family of
Origin History, Dissatisfaction with children, and Conflict over Child Rearing).
VI. Stories of Impact —Provide any significant stories or insights during this reporting period
concerning the impact of your program to provide Healthy Marriage education services.
Lynn and Patricia
Lynn is an ordained minister who was separated from Patricia, his wife of more than 40 years.
Relinquishing to her persistent requests, he finally joined her in a relationship seminar. She then
asked if they could attend a marriage enrichment weekend, to which he consented after initially
refusing. He had argued the hypocrisy of it since he had attended and even conducted scores of
marriage events during his ministerial career that had not, in his words, done them any good. At
the end of their weekend, they effusively shared how Building Healthy Marriages had changed
everything. They said their previous training focused on what they should do and why they should
do it. This was the first time they had been taught how to utilize and given time to practice
communication and conflict resolution skills, which they agreed to continue. They have since
reconciled and are rebuilding the intimacy of their relationship.
22
Tracy and Greg
Tracey was leaving Greg, her husband of 11 years, unless he joined her in a relationship seminar.
They attended and learned some communication and conflict resolution skills, but were not
utilizing them. Raised voices, put downs, intimidation, threats and withdrawal still characterized
their difficult conversations. They decided to do a relationship inventory with the subsequent
coaching sessions. The inventory revealed specific issues that needed attention, which they
addressed using their new skills under the guidance of their coaches. They shared what was really
on their hearts and minds, for the first time really hearing and understanding each other. They
agreed to have a weekly family night with their two young sons, one of whom stated after one of
their evenings, "this has been the best night of my entire life." Recently their elder son said how
much he liked their new relationship and asked if it would ever go back to the way it was — they
assured him it would not! What had been the evening of their weekly coaching, they have
continued as their "date night." He will soon graduate from a vocational internship; they will
celebrate with a family vacation.
Kirby and Carolyn
Kirby and Carolyn have been married for more than 20 years and have a great relationship. They
heard about Building Healthy Marriages at our 2008 annual fun run. Interested in helping other
marriages succeed, they decided to check us out to consider getting involved. After attending a
relationship seminar, they shared how much they appreciated learning some new skills to utilize in
their own family. They attended subsequent seminars to observe various educators and to help
with coaching. After attending a marriage educator training session, they applied to be official
marriage educators. They will conduct their first seminar in April 2009!
VII. Implementation Issues and Concerns
Different strategy to deliver MSI-R: A concern encountered during the beginning of year two
was the small percentage of returned MSI-R's. While couples were asked to complete the MSI-R at
home and to return it to their advocates and/or the assessment technicians, most did not return it.
Therefore, the program evaluation team recommended that the MSI-R be administered during the
same day that the intake interview occurs. It is very important that the MSI-R be given to each
partner of the couple separately so that responses are not discussed as that may influence how
each partner responds.
23
Response rate concerns regarding post-test for the KSS and the MSI-R: Earlier in the
project we planned to conduct post-tests with the MSI-R six months after beginning the program.
However this was not feasible as some couples had not yet participated in events, and some
couples were in the midst of events. Due to the change in program delivery in year 3, a greater
number of couples are being encouraged to participate in the relationship inventories, which can
take up to 8 months to complete. Therefore the shorter post-test timing was not implemented.
Currently, each member of the couple is contacted twelve months after the completion of the
intake assessment and requested to take the MSI-R post-test. The post-test data will yield valuable
information regarding the potential effectiveness of the educational programs. Due to the fact that
some of the couples have moved and have not left a forwarding address, it is impossible to
administer the post-test package.
Changes in Program Delivery: Several changes have been made to the program since its
inception in January 2007. Some of these changes make it difficult to compare accurately the pre -
and post-test MSI results/statistics from year to year. In the examples described below couples
were sensitized to the subject matter of the BHM programs prior to taking the pre-test. Thus the
education they received prior to taking the pre-test will likely influence the scores on the MSI pre-
test. For some of the programs couples took the pre-test before being exposed to BHM program
materials. Thus these samples will need to be evaluated separately, thus reducing the overall
number in the total sample that can be compared together. During the first 19 months of this
project, couples received a MSI-pre-test before they participated in the BHM events. However, the
delivery of the program was changed during the last five months of year 2, from an intensive
service model to a community saturation model. Therefore, the majority of couples who
participated in the BHM Mentoring Model received 8 hours of education prior to the administration
of the MSI pre-test. Another change in program delivery occurred at the beginning of year 3. The
majority of couples that will and are participating in the Building a Family Program and Next Step
Coaching- (programs delivered in year 3) are also receiving or received 8 hours of marriage
education before taking the MSI-R pre-test. In addition, it will be a challenge to compare different
subgroups within our sample, because couples have considerable flexibility in program
participation. Couples may participate in a number of different events that they qualify for; there is
no set sequence of events that couples must participate in. This creates many subgroups. In
addition, the sequence can be quite different and the time lapse between events varies
enormously. Therefore, it will be difficult to draw any conclusions regarding which sequence and
combination of events is most effective.
24
VIII. Financial Status— SF 269 (Long Form): You are required to submit this standard form
to report the financial status of your project to the ACF Office of Grants Management. Click here
to access a blank SF 269 Long Form, or it can also be accessed here:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/grants resources.html
Glossary for terminology in these instructions:
' Target - A numerical objective indicating a project's desired level of achievement during the
budget period (i.e. FY 2007). Refer to your approved grant application when possible.
2 # during this reporting period served — Identify the number of participants that have
received a minimum of eight hours of marriage education.
3 # to date completed — Identify the number of participants that have completed your marriage
education program. If class is more than eight hours, completed can be counted as receiving at
least 75% of the curriculum.
Reports are to be submitted by October 30,2007.
Please submit two hard copies of your final report to your assigned Grants Management Specialist:
To send by U.S. Postal Service:
Ms. Carla Stuckey
Grants Management Specialist
Office of Grants Management
370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW
6th Floor East
Washington, DC 20447
Phone: (202) 401-4965
As a courtesy to the Office of Grants Management, please do not send binders, as there
is limited storage space.
Please provide an electronic copy to your assigned program specialist at the OFA Office:
Ms. Michele Walters
Federal Project Officer
Office of Family Assistance
370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW
5th Floor East
Washington, DC 20447
Phone: (202) 401-5726
Email: michele.walters@acf.hhs.gov
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