California Marriage Organization Name Change Reflects Expanded Vision

USA - English

• Latin America - español

LOS ANGELES, June 22, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- California Healthy Marriages Coalition is capitalizing upon its prominence as a national leader in Relationship and Marriage Education in a name change to Healthy Relationships California (HRC). "Since all relationships can benefit from the skills taught in Relationship Education classes," says HRC's president Dennis Stoica, "we hope our new name will inspire all Californians to bring these benefits to their relationships with their spouse, kids, family, friends, colleagues -- everyone in their lives."

"The skills taught in Relationship and Marriage Education courses are transformative," says Stoica.  "They help people get their needs met in relationships, they increase communication and cooperation.  Everyone benefits from these skills, and with the name Healthy Relationships California we are communicating that these skills are for everyone and moving upon our expanded vision about the many social benefits that come from healthy relationships."

While Relationship and Marriage Education are not yet household words, Stoica says society should invest in healthy relationships because there is much to be gained.  The organization conducts an ongoing outcome research study on its programs which shows very positive results.  "Our data show that Relationship Education is a smart, painless and highly cost-effective investment for individuals and couples of all ages and stages.  And we know that healthy relationships bring numerous personal benefits -- to health, work productivity, educational outcomes for kids -- and reduced domestic violence, substance abuse, crime, poverty.  Healthy relationships benefit everyone, in the family, in the workplace, in the community at large, and they even help reduce State and Federal budget deficits."

The organization's work with couples from all ethnicities, income levels, as well as marital and religious status continues through California Healthy Marriages Coalition (CHMC) as HRC's flagship division along with its statewide clearinghouse of Relationship and Marriage Education classes.  The organizational expansion includes the Dads and Kids Initiative, focusing on the important role of a father in the lives of children, and Raising Kids TwoGether, an innovative program developed by HRC that combines the benefits of Relationship Education with Parent Education.

For the past five years, HRC has taught proven relationship-building skills to more than 100,000 Californians in Relationship and Marriage Education classes offered through local partner organizations around the state. Additional information and a statewide class finder can be found on the new HRC website at www.RelationshipsCA.org.

SOURCE Healthy Relationships California