Nueces County Community Action Agency

 


 
Nueces County Community Action Agency Healthy Marriage Program
 
Contact:
Mario Guel
HMDP Coordinator
Ph: (361)883-7201 x.30
General Information
To encourage marriage and promote the well-being of children, I have proposed a healthy marriage initiative to help couples develop the skills and knowledge to form and sustain healthy marriages. Research has shown that, on average, children raised in households headed by married parents fare better than children who grow up in other family structures. Through education and counseling programs, faith-based, community, and government organizations promote healthy marriages and a better quality of life for children. By supporting responsible child-rearing and strong families, my Administration is seeking to ensure that every child can grow up in a safe and loving home.”
- President George W. Bush -
Mission Statement
To help couples, who have chosen marriage for themselves, gain greater access to marriage education services, on a voluntary basis, where they can acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to form and sustain a healthy marriage.

What is a “healthy marriage?"

There are at least two characteristics that all healthy marriages have in common. First, they are mutually enriching, and second, both spouses have a deep respect for each other.

It is a mutually satisfying relationship that is beneficial to the husband, wife and children (if present).

It is a relationship that is committed to ongoing growth, the use of effective communication skills and the use of successful conflict management skills.

Goals
  • Increase the percentage of children who are raised by two parents in a healthy marriage.
  • Increase the percentage of married couples who are in healthy marriages.
  • Increase the percentage of premarital couples who are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to form and sustain a healthy marriage.
  • Increase the percentage of youth and young adults who have the skills and knowledge to make informed decisions about healthy relationships including skills that can help them eventually form and sustain a healthy marriage.
  • Increase public awareness about the value of healthy marriages and the skills and knowledge that can help couples form and sustain healthy marriages.
  • Encourage and support research on healthy marriages and healthy marriage education.
  • Increase the percentage of women, men and children in homes that are free of domestic violence.
Benefits of Healthy Marriages
For Children and Youth
Researchers have found many benefits for children and youth who are raised by parents in healthy marriages, compared to unhealthy marriages, including the following:
  • More likely to attend college
  • More likely to succeed academically
  • Physically healthier
  • Emotionally healthier
  • Less likely to attempt or commit suicide
  • Demonstrate less behavioral problems in school
  • Less likely to be a victim of physical or sexual abuse
  • Less likely to abuse drugs or alcohol
  • Less likely to commit delinquent behaviors
  • Have a better relationship with their mothers and fathers
  • Decreases their chances of divorcing when they get married
  • Less likely to become pregnant as a teenager, or impregnate someone.
  • Less likely to be sexually active as teenagers
  • Less likely to contract STD's
  • Less likely to be raised in poverty
For Women
Researchers have found many benefits for women who are in healthy marriages, compared to unhealthy marriages, including the following:
  • More satisfying relationship
  • Emotionally healthier
  • Wealthier
  • Less likely to be victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or other violent crimes
  • Less likely to attempt or commit suicide
  • Decrease risk of drug and alcohol abuse
  • Less likely to contract STD's
  • Less likely to remain or end up in poverty
  • Have better relationships with their children
  • Physically healthier
For Men
Researchers have found many benefits for men who are in healthy marriages, compared to unhealthy marriages, including the following:
  • Live longer
  • Physically healthier
  • Wealthier
  • Increase in the stability of employment
  • Higher wages
  • Emotionally healthier
  • Decrease risk of drug and alcohol abuse
  • Have better relationships with their children
  • More satisfying sexual relationship
  • Less likely to commit violent crimes
  • Less likely to contract STD's
  • Less likely to attempt or commit suicide
For Communities
Researchers have found many benefits for communities when they have a higher percentage of couples in healthy marriages, compared to unhealthy marriages, including the following:
  • Higher rates of physically healthy citizens
  • Higher rates of emotionally healthy citizens
  • Higher rates of educated citizens
  • Lower domestic violence rates
  • Lower crime statistics
  • Lower teen age pregnancy rates
  • Lower rates of juvenile delinquency
  • Higher rates of home ownership
  • Lower rates of migration
  • Higher property values
  • Decreased need for social services
Funding for this project was provided by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Grant: HHS-2006-ACF-OFA-FE-0033. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families.
Nueces County Community Action Agency