$10,000 Grant will Strengthen Marriage Coalitions

Carolyn Washburn, Washington County Extension agent, and Darlene Christensen, Tooele County Extension agent, received a $10,000 grant from the Utah Department of Workforce Services to strengthen local coalitions that plan and provide marriage education and service for communities.

Both Tooele and Washington counties have active community coalitions consisting of faith leaders, education agencies, domestic violence prevention groups, professionals and community members. These coalitions plan and carry out workshops, seminars and a Marriage Celebration in February in connection with Marriage USA Week.

 

Tooele County offers three events throughout the year — a spring retreat, fall conference and Valentine’s event, held on Feb. 14.

 

The Washington County celebration is Feb. 8 with workshops, dinner to honor the recipients of the hall of fame and a concert with Michael Ballam as a concluding activity. The coalition also offers various marriage enrichment classes throughout the year.

 

“Research has shown that happy couples spend six hours a year in relationship enhancement activities,” Washburn said. “We are pleased to have additional funding that can promote positive marriage and family enrichment activities.”

 

Monies from the grant, funded from temporary assistance to needy families, will also provide newlywed couples with 12 Marriage$ense newsletters containing articles about marriage and money.

 

 

 

Writer: Lisa Woodworth, 435-797-0810
Contact: Darlene Christensen, 435-843-2353
Contact: Carolyn Washburn, 435-652-5814