Program Services from First Things First and community partners:

Relationship Skills Classes and Healthy Marriages
(Based on research-based national programs that get proven results)

• It Takes Two! Keys to a Rewarding Relationship"  also called “Romance, Rice and Reality”  workshop for ALL couples based on PREP approach as seen on Oprah, 20/20 etc.  Hosted by several YMCA and congregations regularly or call us to host in your organization.  Proven outcomes include higher couple satisfaction, improved communication, intimacy, reduced conflict and 33% fewer break-ups. Considered an evidence based  "best practice'  widely used by military and government agencies. This is the most well researched national program and is used successfully in many countries and cultures and by many government, community and faith based agencies.  (also available: Christian-PREP: “A Lasting Promise” teaching the same proven skills from a Biblical and Christian perspective for churches)
• 10 Great Dates™  a DVD based program hosted in over 17 partner congregations in 2009.  You provide free or low cost childcare and show a 15 minute DVD clip and the couple then goes on a date and discusses that non-conflict topic and focuses on having fun together.  Coming soon: Tale of Two Brains from Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage. Contact us at 288-3431 to host 10 Great Dates or Laugh your Way to a Better Marriage.
• Within My Reach ™(PREP for individuals)  a relationship skills program developed by PREP especially targeting low income individuals. go to www.withinmyreach.com/ or  www.PREPinc.com for additional information.  Considered an evidence based  "best practice'
• PAiiRS™ - Psycho-Educational program taking couples deeper into intimate relationships. (scheduled by request of a congregation only). Considered an evidence based  "best practice'
• Lunch & Learn - Healthy Relationships mini workshops for corporations and HR departments    
• For Singles: "Love Thinks™" by PICK a Partner for singles   ... also called "How to Avoid Marrying a Jerk™ (or Jerkette) or How to Avoid Dating a Jerk" program teaches singles dating strategies for healthy relationships:   "how to follow your heart, without losing your mind." Considered an evidence based  "best practice' widely used by military and government agencies.
• ProSAAM (Program for Strong African American Marriages) is available for loan to FTF Marriage Enrichment coalition member congregations.  Developed by the University of Georgia and based heavily on PREP, this program is designed to help African American couples keep their relationships strong and reach the goals they have set for themselves. It builds on cultural and religious foundations commonly found in black congregations/communities.  This is a “teach out of the box” program to be used by congregations at no cost and is facilitated by in-house staff or volunteers.  Considered an evidence-based “best practice.”  call Bob (804) 288-3431 to participate
• Youth see below.
• Marriage Enrichment Coalition: a group of area clergy and marriage ministry working together to strengthen marriages in our community.
  

Youth

• Relationship Smarts™ healthy relationship skills for youth from Dibble fund.  This is a 12 Unit program that can be customized for presentations of any length. used in community centers serving at risk youth like Peter and Paul Development Center and others. Considered an evidence based  "best practice'
• Choose Respect a teen dating violence prevention program that can be included with Relationship Smarts or on its own.  Includes a DVD with clips for youth, or for parents and community leaders to raise awareness and skills for health dating. Training provided by Virginia Department of health. Considered an evidence based  "best practice'
• Connections PLUS™ healthy relationship skills for youth from Dibble fund.  This is a 12 Unit program that can be customized for presentations of any length. Use for any youth and customize units for your group. Available upon request. Considered an evidence based  "best practice'

Training for Professionals, Clergy, and Mentor Couples in Relationship Inventories

• PREPARE/ENRICH  Relationship and personality Inventory for Pre-marital preparation or for Enrichment with Exercises. This is the most well researched and widely used counseling and couple eduction tool used by clergy and counselors in the world.  Considered an evidence based  "best practice'
• FOCCUS/REFOCCUS  Relationship Inventory for Pre-marital preparation or for Enrichment with Exersizes. Often used by Mentor Couples.
• Start a Marriage Mentor Program in your congregation

Training for Fathers

• "BOOT CAMP FOR NEW DADS™",  a highly acclaimed program for new and expecting dads. Unique in that "Rookies" (expectant dads) learn from "Veterans" (Dads who bring their infant child to class) and a "Coach" (trained facilitator and experienced Dad)   Link here for information.
• 24/7 Dad™ is a unique, comprehensive set of fatherhood programs developed by a team of nationally and internationally recognized fathering and parenting experts and with input from fatherhood practitioners. The full basic program includes 12 units though we often combine and abbreviate into 4-5 sessions. At the end of each program, fathers and mothers come together to discuss the developments the father has gone through and how it has affected their relationship and family life. Each program includes pre and post-assessment evaluation tools. Organizations can use the assessment tools to help a father determine in which program his needs can be best met or can use a simplified post training survey customized for their setting. Considered an evidence based  "best practice'
• Understanding Domestic Violence Curriculum Module from NFI.  This curriculum is to help understand and prevent Domestic Violence.
• Incarcerated and jail: InsideOut Dad ™ includes 12 core sessions, 26 optional sessions, and an optional “Reentry: Life on the Outside” module.  We also have Long Distance Dads curriculum so programs can be customized for the audience and setting. Considered an evidence based  "best practice'
• Man Up! The New Cool.  First Things First has helped initiate a City Fatherhood and male Responsibility Initiative in partnership with the Richmond City health district director and a core leadership team involving a number of agencies. Fatherhood forum and area collaborative training efforts underway.
• Celebrate Fatherhood a new annual event including a reunion of Boot Camp For New Dads and multiple media events promoting involved fatherhood.
• National Fatherhood Initiative Fatherhood Resource Center Kiosk can be hosted by your organization. call 288-3431.

Special Urban Focus

• Man Up!  The New Cool.  First Things First has helped initiate a City Fatherhood and male Responsibility Initiative in partnership with the Richmond City health district director and a core leadership team involving a number of agencies. Fatherhood forum and area collaborative training efforts underway.
• Within My Reach (PREP for individuals)  a relationship skills program developed by PREP especially targeting low income individuals. go to www.withinmyreach.com/ or  www.PREPinc.com for additional information.  Considered an evidence based  "best practice'
• Relationship Smarts™ healthy relationship skills for youth from Dibble fund.  This is a 12 Unit program that can be customized for presentations of any length. used in community centers serving at risk youth like Peter and Paul Development Center and others. Considered an evidence based  "best practice'
• ProSAAM (Program for Strong African American Marriages) is available for loan to FTF Marriage Enrichment coalition member congregations.  Developed by the University of Georgia and based heavily on PREP, this program is designed to help African American couples keep their relationships strong and reach the goals they have set for themselves. It builds on cultural and religious foundations commonly found in black congregations/communities.  This is a “teach out of the box” program to be used by congregations at no cost and is facilitated by in-house staff or volunteers.  Considered an evidence-based “best practice.”  call Bob (804) 288-3431 to participate
• Choose Respect a teen dating violence prevention program that can be included with Relationship Smarts or on its own.  Includes a DVD with clips for youth, or for parents and community leaders to raise awareness and skills for health dating. Training provided by Virginia Department of health. Considered an evidence based  "best practice'
• 24/7 Dad™ above. Considered an evidence based  "best practice'
• Incarcerated and jail: InsideOut Dad ™  or Long Distance Dads: above. Considered an evidence based  "best practice'  from National Fatherhood Initiative.
• Celebrate Fatherhood a new annual event including a reunion of Boot Camp For New Dads and multiple media events promoting involved fatherhood.
• Relationship education for Richmond's most underserved communities through social services and private/public grants.

Annual Event: Celebrate Marriage Week  a series of training and awareness events throughout the region.

• To celebrate and promote healthy marriages in our community. February 7-14 (Valentines Day Week)
  

Public Awareness

• Speakers Bureau
• Brochures including:
• National Fatherhood Initiative Fatherhood Resource Center Kiosk can be hosted by your organization. call 288-3431.
• “10 Things to Consider Before Walking Down the Aisle”
• “What You Need to Know About Living Together”
• “10 Ways to be a Dynamite Dad”
• “Questions Kids Ask About Sex...and How Parents Can Respond” TV spots highlighting the importance of marriage
• TV PSA "Marriage, it matters more than you know"  with COMCAST as media sponsor
• TV PSA "Committment" 4 spots with COMCAST as media sponsor
• *Community Marriage Policy^TM - a document signed by many of the region’s clergy and community leaders affirming the importance of healthy marriage and commitment to helping couples prepare and enrich their relationships          * Trademark property of MarriageSavers.com

These programs/information have received financial support from the Anthem, Community Foundation, Dominion foundation, Equity Concepts, Ukrop's Supermarkets, First Market Bank, HCA Henrico doctor's Hospital, HCA Chippenham-Johnston Willis Hospital, USA-Baby, and many congregations including:  Trinity United Methodist Church, Crestwood, Third and St Giles Presbyterian Church, First Baptist Endowement, Episcopal Diocese of Va, Catholic Diocese of Richmond, First Shiloh Baptist Church, Mt. Gilead Full Gospel Church and other businesses, congregations, and individuals.