Curricula for Committed or Engaged Couples

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Below are healthy marriage-related curricula and products tailored to committed or engaged couples. Some curricula presented are faith-based curricula. If you receive Federal funding, check with your Federal project officer before implementing a faith-based curricula.

Program: 3 Rules that Guarantee Financial Success
Contact Info: Vernon Williams; 410-730-1746; vwilliams64@comcast.net; www.howtocutexpenses.com
Year Developed: 2008
Program Length: 5 hours
Description: The curriculum teaches participants how to: 1) Identify what is really important to them, 2) Direct their spending in order to achieve what is important, and 3) Eliminate or reduce expenses that prevent them from achieving what is important.
Language(s): English

Program: 7 Stages of Marriage
Contact Info: Rita DeMaria, Ph.D.; 215-628-2450; marriagedoctor@aol.com; www.marriagedoctor.com
Year Developed: 2007
Program Length: 12-16 hours
Description: The 7 Stages of Marriage provides a practical timeline for understanding the journey and stages of marriage. Each stage has a set of missions that strengthen communication, passion, and friendship, while addressing differences. Quizzes and Exercises included.
Language(s): English

Program: 10 Great Dates Before you say "I do"
Contact Info: David and Claudia Arp; 703-444-4505; arps@marriagealive.com; www.marriagealive.com
Year Developed: 2003
Program Length: 20-25 hours
Description: Teach-out-of-the-box program; includes book with 10 tear-out duplicate dating exercises for seriously dating and engaged couples. NOTE: DVD is general 10 Great Dates DVD used in basic program with 10 date launches and leader's guide. Ten weekly sessions.
Language(s): English, Korean

Program: 10 Great Dates for Black Couples
Contact Info: David and Claudia Arp; 703-444-4505; arps@marriagealive.com; www.marriagealive.com
Year Developed: 2005
Program Length: 20-25 hours
Description: Teach-out-of-the-box program; includes book with 10 tear-out duplicate dating exercises for seriously dating and engaged couples. NOTE: DVD is general 10 Great Dates DVD used in basic program with 10 date launches and leader's guide. Ten weekly sessions.
Language(s): English, Spanish, Korean and German

Program: 10 Great Dates for Korean Couples
Contact Info: David and Claudia Arp; 703-444-4505; arps@marriagealive.com; www.marriagealive.com
Year Developed: 1997, 2008
Program Length: 20-25 hours
Description: Teach-out-of-the-box program; includes book with 10 tear-out duplicate dating exercises for seriously dating and engaged couples. NOTE: DVD is general 10 Great Dates DVD used in basic program with 10 date launches and leader's guide. Ten weekly sessions.
Language(s): English, Spanish, Korean and German

Program: Adultos Activos
Contact Info: Kelly Simpson; 214-369-5717; ksimpson@activerelationships.com; www.activerelationships.com
Year Developed: 2003
Program Length: 9 hours
Description: For couples. A relationship and marriage education program where couples receive 8 hours plus of curriculum on topics like communication skills, conflict resolution, anger and trigger management, and romance. The program is aimed at increasing relationship satisfaction and marriage quality.
Language(s): English, Spanish

Program:  All About ME
Contact Info:  Joneen Mackenzie, RN; 720-488-8888; joneen@waittraining.org; www.waittraining.org
Year Developed:  2008
Program Length:  8 - 12 hours
Description:  A skills building, interactive, activity based curriculum that teaches the science of healthy relationships.  The content includes: conflict resolution, decision making, partner selection, life planning, stages of intimacy and more.
Language(s):  English

Program: As One
Contact Info: Mark Wojno; 414-755-8704; m.wojno@parentspluswi.org; www.parentspluswi.org
Year Developed: 2007
Program Length: 8 hours
Description: This program provides a tool for couples who want to explore how to create and sustain healthy relationships, prepare for a lasting marriage, and/or work through differences for the sake of their children.
Language(s): English, Spanish

Program: Before "I Do" - Preparing for the Fully Marriage Experience
Contact Info: K. Jason Krafsky; 425-432-8433; t3rg@fullmarriageexperience.com; www.fullmarriageexperience.com
Year Developed: 8-10 hours
Program Length: 2005
Description: An interactive premarital workbook to help couples learn ageless marriage principles, acquire healthy relationship skills, and apply them to their relationship immediately. Eight sessions cover communication, conflict resolution, budgeting, goals, roles, sex, etc. Sets couples up for meaningful dialogue and sets leaders up for an effective premarital program.
Language(s): English

Program: Better Together for Couples
Contact Info: Krsnanandini Dasi; 216-321-0930; Krsna@dzfi.org; www.dzfi.org
Year Developed: 2000
Program Length: 12-16 hours
Description: Through role plays, coaching, family sculpts, poetry, group activities, and more. Couples learn to communicate respectfully, be skilled parents, identify and live their values, set goals, become team players, manage their finances, and receive tools to resolve conflict.
Language(s): English

Program: Caring Couples, Happy Lives
Contact Info: Elizabeth Sloan; 301-404-8433; elizabeth@caringcouples.com; www.caringcouples.com
Year Developed: 2006
Program Length: 6 hours
Description: Secular program addresses communication and conflict skills, personal traits, emotional habits, goals for lifestyle, career, faith, parenting, money and sex; stages of marriage. Includes 6 private sessions, at home exercises, DVDs, online assessments, and workbook.
Language(s): English

Program: Communication Activa
Contact Info: Kelly Simpson; 214-369-5717; ksimpson@activerelationships.com; www.activerelationships.com
Year Developed: 2003
Program Length: 12-16 hours
Description: For couples. Learn as a team and to re-connect with feelings of love. Build a powerful communication, conflict resolution skills for a great relationship. Learn practical ways to manage emotions, promote teamwork, respect, and joy!
Language(s): English, Spanish

Program: The Complete Resource Kit: Marriage Mentoring
Contact Info: Les Parrott; 206-281-2178; lpiii@spu.edu; www.realrelationships.com
Year Developed: 2005
Program Length: Flexible
Description: Marriage Mentoring occurs when a seasoned couple comes alongside a less experienced couple and allows them to learn from their successes and troubles. This is engaged and newlywed couples, couples in distress, and couples wanting to move from good to great.
Language(s): English, Spanish

Program: Construire la famille
Contact Info: Corneille Kanene; 243898931510; gasitaki@yahoo.fr
Year Developed: 2008
Program Length:
Description: Un cours d'orientation familiale, les couples desireux d'approfondir en amour conjugal. Ce module de formation est destine aux couples pour etudier le mariage et le foyer, les joies et les vicissitudes du mariage, la maniere d'obtenir une vie de couple harmonieuse/A family orientation course, couples wishing to deepen conjugal love. This training module is intended for couples who want to study marriage and home, the joys and vicissitudes of marriage, the way to get a life together harmoniously.
Language(s): French

Program: Couple Checkup
Contact Info: Jennifer Engelhardt; 800-331-1661; jennifere@prepare-enrich.com; www.couplecheckup.com
Year Developed: 2006
Program Length: Determined by couple or facilitator
Description: Geared towards enriching and educating, the Couple Checkup is a couple assessment that explores 20 important relationship areas. The online format allows couples to tailor an assessment that is specific to their relationship stage, and the exercises in the discussion guide stimulate productive dialogue for learning, understanding, and growth.
Language(s): English, Spanish

Program: Debt Stops At The Altar & Money Talk
Contact Info: Dr. Taffy Wilkins Wagner; 303-576-0670; info@DebtAtTheAltar.com; www.DebtAtTheAltar.com
Year Developed: 2008
Program Length: 10 hours
Description: Financial education program consisting of five one-hour audio CDs and dowloadable instruction guide titled Money Talk Before The Commitment Walk. This program teaches couples how to communicate effectively and in a non-threatening manner about money on all levels.
Language(s): English

Program: Decisiones Activas
Contact Info: Kelly Simpson; 214-369-5717; ksimpson@activerelationships.com; www.activerelationships.com
Year Developed: 2007
Program Length: 8-12 hours
Description: For single/premarital. Define qualities for wise choices. Communicate values. Learn about lasting commitment, friendship, effective money management. Decide roles. Includes all ACF required content areas: communication skills and conflict resolution, and more.
Language(s): English, Spanish

Program: Empowering Couples Group Program
Contact Info: Jennifer Engelhardt; 800-331-1661; jennifere@prepare-enrich.com; www.prepare-enrich.com
Year Developed: 2000
Program Length: 12 hours
Description: Based on research with over 20,000 married couples, the Empowering Couples Group Program reviews relevant relationship topics in a flexible format. Each session features a couple quiz, strengths of happy couples, common stumbling blocks, exercises, and DVD illustrations. Together, couples learn how to turn their stumbling blocks into stepping stones.
Language(s): English, Spanish

Program:  The Engaged Couple's Roadmap
Contact Info: Terry Brown; 417-335-4321; tbrown@smalleyonline.com; www.garysmalley.com
Year Developed: 2009
Program Length: 9 hours
Description: A six session instructional DVD series for Engaged Couples taught by Dr. Gary Smalley and Ted Cunningham, along with two interactive study guides and two marriage books. It is very practical and easy to apply the lessons.
Language(s):  English

Program: For Better and For Ever - Christian edition
Contact Info: Robert Ruhnke; 210-534-1129; rruhnke@sbcglobal.net; www.marriagepreparation.com
Year Developed: 2001
Program Length: 15 hours
Description: 21 Chapters facilitate dialogue on family of origin, living together, finances and career planning, communication/dialogue skills/problem solving, sexuality/intimacy, interfaith/interchurch marriage, prayer/spirituality, stepfamilies, parenting, planning the wedding.
Language(s): English

Program: For Better and For Ever - Covenant edition
Contact Info: Robert Ruhnke; 210-534-1129; rruhnke@sbcglobal.net; www.marriagepreparation.com
Year Developed: 2007
Program Length: 15
Description: 13 Chapters facilitate dialogue on family of origin, living together, finances and career planning, communication/dialogue skills/problem solving, sexuality/intimacy, stepfamilies, parenting, planning the wedding.
Language(s): English

Program: For Better and For Ever - Roman Catholic Edition
Contact Info: Robert Ruhnke; 210-534-1129; rruhnke@sbcglobal.net; www.marriagepreparation.com
Year Developed: 1997
Program Length: 15 hours
Description: 21 Chapters facilitate dialogue on family of origin, living together, finances and career planning, communication/dialogue skills/problem solving, sexuality/intimacy, interfaith/interchurch marriage, prayer/spirituality, stepfamilies, parenting, planning the wedding.
Language(s): English, Spanish

Program: Healthy Marriage R.E.C.I.P.E.
Contact Info: Neil Tift; 480-833-5007; aznaffa@aol.com
Year Developed: 2007
Program Length: 24 hours
Description: While originally developed for Native American couples, it is appropriate and beneficial for couples of other cultures as well. Title Healthy Marriage Recipe refers to Respect, Empowerment, Commitment, Integrity, Passion, and Equality.
Language(s): English

Program:  Just Before You Say I Do!
Contact Info:  Pastor Barbara Ratcliff; 205-492-4362; bratclffa@aol.com; www.heart2heartministry.com
Year Developed:  1999-2001
Program Length:  8 weeks as a self-paced module or as a weekend retreat or 2-3 Day event
Description:  Offers Biblical perspective on dating, mate selection, roles of couples, communication.  Workbook examines family history, religion, education, spiritual, and secular goals and values, finance and spending, and child rearing.
Language(s):  English

Program: Lasting Love: Skills for Better Relationships
Contact Info: Chris Gertsen; Gerstenchris@aol.com; www.famli.us
Year Developed: 2007
Program Length: 8 hours
Description: Practical skills to help couples improve communication, recognize and control anger, enhance their sex lives, and set and manage financial goals. Four 2-hour segments.
Language(s): English

Program: Loving Relationships
Contact Info: Rita DeMaria, Ph.D. and Veronica Haggerty, MA; 215-628-2450; MarriageDoctor@aol.com; www.PaMRC.com
Year Developed: 2008
Program Length: 16 hours
Description: Eight lessons 1 1/2 to 2 hours in length. Each lesson has one to three exercises and or handouts for participants to do individually, as a couple or in small groups. All lessons provide for group discussions and has detailed Leader Guide instructions.
Language(s): English

Program:  Loving Couples Loving Children (LCLC)
Contact Info:  Michele Malarney, Ph.D.; 206-388-4578; info@lclconline.org; www.lclconline.org
Year Developed:  2004
Program Length:  24 - 58 Hours
Description:  LCLC is an innovative, powerful couples' curriculum built on the world-renowned, ground-breaking research of Dr. John Gottman. LCLC brings to your organization quality "start-to-finish" curriculum materials, expert training, and customized support.  The curriculum is designed in two-hour modules.
Languages(s):  English; Spanish

Program: Making it Work (MIW): Keys to a Healthy Marriage
Contact Info: Thelma Thompson; 305-232-6003; thelmayvette@aol.com; www.recapturingthevision.org
Year Developed: 2008
Program Length: N/A
Description: MIW teaches the key component necessary for a healthy marriage. Participants learn to choose a compatible mate, know their partner, be affectionate, work collectively, and utilize community support. It builds strong character and even stronger marriages.
Language(s): English

Program: Marriage 101 - Premarital
Contact Info: Jewell Powell; 301-743-5654; jewell@marriage101.us; www.marriage101.us
Year Developed: 2008
Program Length: 10 hours
Description: This curriculum is a Christian-based resource that contains biblical references, discussion questions, exercise, and present day examples couples will face in their marriage. It helps them to explore if they are ready for marriage and to build a strong foundation.
Language(s): English

Program: Marriage Centers - Engaged Couples Training
Contact Info: Sal Frasca; 516-909-1200; info@marriagecenters.com; www.marriagecenters.com
Year Developed: 2003
Program Length: 8 hours
Description: Training is for couples preparing for marriage. It provides skills using generally accepted core principles, including a unique understanding of Human Natural Wiring ("Why Men and Women act the way they do").
Language(s): English

Program: Mastering the Mysteries of Love
Contact Info: Mary Ortwein; 502-227-0055; mary@skillswork.org; www.skillswork.org
Year Developed: 2008
Program Length: 12-16 hours
Description: This new presentation of Bernard Guerney's Relationship Enhancement (RE) program teaches love skills in easy and fun-to-learn ways. During the program you will learn the 10 RE skills, solve 3 problems, and identify 10 practices to nurture your marriage every day.
Language(s): English, Spanish and Korean

Program: Matrimonio Activo y Mejores Practicas
Contact Info: Kelly Simpson; 214-369-5717; ksimpson@activerelationships.com; www.activerelationships.com
Year Developed: 2007
Program Length: 8-12 hours
Description: For singles and couples. Evidence-based, promising practices of healthy marriages, communication, emotion regulation, positive attitudes, and conflict resolution. Meets all ACF required criteria for marriage education programming.
Language(s): English, Spanish

Program: Mentoring for Dating Couples
Contact Info: Edward Gray; 901-681-9200; egray@harding.edu; www.12Conversations.com
Year Developed: 2005
Program Length: 12-18 hours
Description: A conversation guide containing healthy marriage principles, questions, and a personality inventory provides structure for couples to build a great foundation for marriage. This proactive program is for seriously dating or engaged couples.
Language(s): English

Program: PAIRS Foundation
Contact Info: Seth Eisenberg; 877-724-7748; info@pairs.com; www.pairs.com
Year Developed: 1977; 2008
Program Length: 9-12 hours
Description: Practical Application of Intimate Relationship Skills (PAIRS) courses include proven lessons for deeper emotional understanding and practical skills for confiding, deepening empathy, listening, dealing with differences, and nurturing successful relationships.
Language(s): English, Spanish, and Hebrew

Program: Personalized Marriage Preparation
Contact Info: Christopher Pino; 716-832-0010; docpino@aol.com; www.therapist-psychologist.com
Year Developed: 1982
Program Length: 8 hours
Description: Published as a book and journal article. It is an 8-session program that keys on a marriage compatibility measure.
Language(s): English

Program: PICK (a Partner)
Contact Info: John VanEpp; 330-321-3527; VanEpp@nojerks.com; www.nojerks.com
Year Developed: 1997
Program Length: 10 hours
Description: Teaches singles and premarital couples to use both of their heads: five key areas to explore that predict marital patterns and satisfaction-and their hearts: a model or relationship bonding (RAM) that provides a map for developing healthy romantic relationships.
Language(s): English, Spanish, Korean, and Mandarin

Program: Playful Relationships Playshop
Contact Info: Joan Hacket; 360-696-1615; Keith@keithhackett.net; www.playfulrelationships.com
Year Developed: 2004
Program Length: 4-20 hours
Description: Couples learn to go back to the basics of creating and sustaining relationships - dating and taking time to play and thus improving communication and intimacy skills. In the playshop, couples relax, play, and have fun and experiential rediscover skills and add new ones.
Language(s): English

Program: Power of Two
Contact Info: Susan Heitler; 303-388-1973; info@po2institute.com; www.po2.com
Year Developed: 1997
Program Length: 8 hours
Description: Power of Two teaches marriage skills. We provide learning tools for couples who want a loving and long-lasting relationship, and for organizations that want to convey these skills to their communities. The curriculum is modular so you can adapt it to your setting.
Language(s): English

Program: PreCana
Contact Info: Valentin Araya; 312-751-8240; varaya@archchicago.org; www.familyministries.org
Year Developed: 1995
Program Length: 8 hours
Description: A marriage preparation curriculum that addresses the needs of Hispanic couples in the USA that are looking for marriage preparation. A 150-page manual explains the different areas of marriage life from a religious point of view.
Language(s): Spanish

Program: PREP
Contact Info: 800-366-0166; info@prepinc.com; www.prepinc.com
Year Developed: 1980
Program Length: 12 hours
Description: PREP (Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program) is one of the most comprehensive and well respected marriage enhancing programs available. PREP is a skills based and principles-building curriculum designed to help partners increase their positive connections.
Language(s): English, Spanish

Program: PREPARE/ENRICH
Contact Info: Jennifer Engelhardt; 800-331-1661; jennifere@prepare-enrich.com; www.preparetolast.com
Year Developed: 1980
Program Length: 12 hours
Description: PREPARE/ENRICH helps couples examine major relationship issues through assessment and feedback. The inventory is administered by a trained facilitator and the results are addressed in a series of couple feedback sessions. Facilitators work with couples to encourage communication, conflict resolution, and exploration of their relationship strengths and areas for growth.
Language(s): English, Spanish, Korean and Chinese

Program: PREPARE to Last
Contact Info: Jennifer Engelhardt; 800-331-1661; jennifere@prepare-enrich.com; www.preparetolast.com
Year Developed: 2006
Program Length: 8-10 hours
Description: PREPARE to Last is a group program for seriously dating, engaged, and newlywed couples. It is designed to equip couples with the knowledge and skills to prepare for a healthy lasting marriage. Ideal for groups and retreats, the program incorporates DVD-based teaching, workbook exercises, and an online assessment.
Language(s): English

Program: Relationship Enhancement for Refugees and Immigrants
Contact Info: Goli Amin; 502-227-0055; gamin@uscridc.org; www.refugees.org
Year Developed: 2008
Program Length: 24 hours
Description: This presentation of Bernard Guerney's Relationship Enhancement Program (RE) teaches the 10 RE skills and financial education to refugees and immigrants in 3 eight hour modules
Language(s): English

Program: Relationship Enhancement Program
Contact Info: Rob Scuka; 301-986-1479; robscuka@earthlink.net; www.nire.org
Year Developed: 2005
Program Length: 12-14 hours
Description: This presentation of Bernard Guerney's Relationship Enhancement Program (RE) teaches the 10 RE skills through demonstrations and couple dialogues. It is especially suited to the needs of troubled couples on a week-end format.
Language(s): English, Spanish, French, Korean, and Chinese

Program: Relationship Rhythm How to be a H.O.T. Partner
Contact Info: Michael Williams; 813-784-5387; admin@i-kwip.com; www.relationshiprhythm.com
Year Developed: 2008
Program Length: 2-8 hours
Description: Relationship Rhythm is a cool fusion of Latin Dance and Relationship Education. It's a fun, exciting, and interactive way to enhance your relationship skills and learn Latin Dance at the same time!
Language(s): English

Program: Romance Activo y Intimidad
Contact Info: Kelly Simpson; 214-369-5717; ksimpson@activerelationships.com; www.activerelationships.com
Year Developed: 2003
Program Length: 12-16 hours
Description: For couples. Bust myths. Increase romantic understanding. Learn essential information and develop ways to build emotional closeness and well-being. Topics presented do not encourage at-risk behaviors and engender respect for self.
Language(s): Spanish

Program: Saving Your Marriage Before it Starts - Revised
Contact Info: Les Parrott; 206-281-2178; lpiii@spu.edu; www.realrelationships.com
Year Developed: 2006
Program Length: 14 hours
Description: Relationship experts Les & Leslie Parrott share seven key questions to help couples identify and overcome stumbling blocks to building a healthy, lifelong marriage. Includes book, his/her workbooks, online assessment, and DVD series.
Language(s): English, Spanish

Program: Within Our Reach (WOR)
Contact Info: 800-366-0166; info@prepinc.com; www.prepinc.com
Year Developed: 2006
Program Length: 30/8 hrs
Description: WOR is designed to help low-income couples achieve their goals in marriage, family and relationships. The curriculum builds on the existing strengths of couples and adds critical life and relationship skills to help them achieve their goals.
Language(s): English, Spanish