About The Hispanic Active Relationships Project (H.A.R.P.)
Hispanic Active Relationships Project (H.A.R.P.) was specifically
created to address the needs of Hispanic singles, couples, and
families in Texas and received a Marriage Education grant by the
United States Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Administration
for Children and Families. H.A.R.P. reaches out to couples to strengthen
existing marriages, prepare those considering marriage, or help
those who are not married and who have children together establish
stable co-parenting relationships for their children. H.A.R.P.
also educates Cameron County youth on important skills for healthy
relationships.
Anecdotal Information from key H.A.R.P. Site Leaders
Leaders comments are contributed by key healthy marriage leadership
of the following Hispanic Healthy Marriage Initiatives and represent
six of seven cities enthusiastically participating in the project:
· Houston – Greater
Houston HMI
· Austin – Alta Vista
· San Antonio – Alta Vista
· Corpus Christi – Greater
Coastal Bend HMI
· Dallas – (ANTHEM) Alliance for North Texas Healthy & Effective
Marriages
· Brownsville – Brownsville Healthy Marriage Initiative
Questions:
1.What I have professionally achieved via H.A.R.P.?
2. My view of the elements, skills, and tools in the Active Relationships
program and their educational value for Hispanic families?
3. Why I think Active Relationships works (including for Hispanic
families)?
4. What are the challenges of recruiting couples and what has worked?
5. What the couples are saying about the Active Communication Seminar
and about my leadership?
6. What was your experience of teaching and what are your future
plans?
1. What I have professionally achieved via
H.A.R.P.:
Houston: I have learned the skills for my self but above all I
have been empowered to share them with many couples in our coalition
and in my line of work.
Austin: This project provides me with tools and skills to use
in making presentations on communication skills for couples.
San Antonio: This project has brought me up to speed with how
to approach marriage issues in this post-modern age. It has equipped
and endorsed me before the people with whom I work.
San Antonio: I have learned some very exciting concepts that definitely
improve communications between couples.
Corpus Christi: Great education, a wealth of information, that
can be utilized to help couples strengthen their relationships/marriages
and develop a great working relationships with other facilitators.
Dallas: Having experienced both the class and the workshop, I
believe in the process. I've witnessed couples break down barriers
in the workshop. Professionally, you can't ask for more reliable
proof that this works.
Brownsville: I feel I have gained a much deeper and thorough understanding
about the concepts of a successful and healthy marriage, not only
on a professional level but on a personal one as well.
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2. My view of the elements, skills, and tools
in the Active Relationships program and their educational value
for Hispanic families:
Houston: The knowledge gained is an eye opening for most couples
and the skills if they use them will help them sustain a marriage.
Austin: Active Relationships equips communication leaders with
skills and tools that are user friendly and practical for any group.
We used the material with Hispanic couples whose primary language
was Spanish, with bilingual couples, and with monolingual Spanish
speaking couples. In all cases the material was applicable and
congruent as a tool to equip Hispanic couples in their communication
skills.
San Antonio: Active Relationships has solid materials and great
exercises to affirm the skills that are introduced.
San Antonio: The skills in the ARC programs transcend cultural
boundaries. These skills presented are just as important for Hispanics
as for non-Hispanics.
Corpus Christi: An extremely valuable resource; I agree with the
remarks from first group of participants that went through the
16 hour training. “This program is a real must for all marriages”.
Dallas: I believe all of the skills are helpful for any couple,
regardless of ethnic origin. I am convinced these skills will have
a tremendous influence on our Hispanic families.
Brownsville: I think the elements and the program as a whole are
SUBERB and easy for anyone to understand. Many of the couples and
individuals I have worked with have found it to be very much enlightening
like a “gem” that has just been discovered. A very
much needed program especially for Hispanic couples.
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3. Why I think Active Relationships works (including for Hispanic
families):
Houston: AR gives concrete knowledge and practical skills. I think
taking the program gives couples hope and builds a positive memory
if they want to do the work.
Austin: Active Relationships works because it is relevant and
addresses common problems of communication among couples, including
Hispanic couples.
San Antonio: Most marital problems are universal. AR targets the
major ones, teaches them in a principle upon principle method and
allows flexibility to apply everything in a cultural/traditional
way.
San Antonio: ARC programs are effective because the skills and
tools presented enable the students to be more open to change and
personal growth.
Corpus Christi: There was great insight in putting this curriculum
together. The curriculum and workbook is easy to follow, (even
for parents who are not great readers). The topics are relevant
and practical; the couples can take it home and put it to use.
Dallas: The Active Communication workshop is so solid and covers
such a wide array of topics that center in on bridging gaps between
couples. The practices and exercises are easy to follow and Kelly's
techniques give us examples of how to make sure all persons in
the workshop feel included.
Brownsville: Realistically speaking, it gives the individuals
hope for a better relationship/marriage; by both partners being “willing” to
improve on their relationship/marriage through new learned skills
and the facts being presented in a very practical manner.
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4. The challenges of recruiting couples and what has worked are:
Houston: I think the biggest challenge is going to be the cost
of the program. The need is evident. We had no trouble recruiting
for this program but we were not charging. We will need grant money
to spread the program across the city.
Austin: The challenge of recruiting will be finances. Not all
couples feel they can afford to pay for communication skills to
improve their marital relations. The couples who participated were
members of local churches. They heard it during the announcements
time in worship, read it in their worship program or newsletter.
Local churches are a good place to promote and recruit.
San Antonio: The challenges have been few…so far. The group
I’m working with has been church members and attendees that
have cooperated well. I used a brochure and a church calendar to
announce the event.
San Antonio: Working with churches has not been a problem with
recruitment.
Corpus Christi:
A. Most couples work and have young children,
therefore they are hesitant to commit.
B. Some men we have invited
feel uncomfortable and are hesitant.
C. Could use better marketing
tools.
Dallas: I did not have trouble recruiting couples because I went
through the church community in which I work. All of the couples
so far have been so grateful that we would offer something like
this.
Brownsville: The recruiting has been quite challenging due to
deeply imbedded cultural and social norms. However, having the
support of the community and faith-based communities will facilitate
the future successful seminars. The interest of individuals is
evident in the community.
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5. What the couples are saying about the Active Communication
Seminar and about my leadership:
Houston: They have been recommending it to their friends. We have
personally received two letters of men who were very resistant
to participate. They were very glad to have gone through the program.
Austin: The couples who participated in our seminars expressed
appreciation for the program. Some expressed feeling released from
suppressed emotions they had not learned how to express. Others
expressed that the most important part was learning to listen through
the SMART card. They expressed appreciation for my presentation.
San Antonio: They enjoyed the workshop as a whole. They were pleased
to learn terminology and how to read signs of problems and danger.
San Antonio: The participants are excited to be a part of a research
program aimed at improving the quality of life among Hispanics.
They truly appreciate the manner in which I present the material
and afterward give me positive feedback on what they learned from
the workshop.
Corpus Christi: Quotes from couples who went through the program: “Thank
you, we have told our family they need to attend your classes”. “We
wish we had this information before”. “We are celebrating
30 years of marriage and we learned so much; thank you.” “My
wife and I remind each other of the goodwill lesson and use the
Smart Card.”
Dallas: I have been part of several classes, but will teach the
first Dallas area class March 24.
Brownsville: I have had a wonderful response to the program and
my leadership from those that have participated… and yes,
even the men. They have raved about the program, and have expressed
sincere appreciation for making the program with all its educational
value available to the community.
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6. About my experience of teaching and my future plans:
Houston: I have enjoyed teaching the program and hope to become
a trainer of trainers in order to spread this opportunity around
the Nation. I would like to see more professionals having a program
in Spanish they can use to help marriages, especially those experiencing
troubles.
Austin: I enjoy teaching and I hope and trust I can develop my
plans into a service to the community, especially with the Hispanic
population.
San Antonio: I have thoroughly enjoyed learning new techniques
and being challenged to stay current in my training. I plan to
offer this course in my church several times a year to members
and non-members (those in the surrounding community.)
San Antonio: I plan to integrate ARC programs into my ministry.
Corpus Christi: I love to see the couples practice the applications
and get the results they both desired. My goal is to continue to
provide the program; especially in a Christian environment.
Dallas: I enjoy teaching and I love working with the Hispanic
community. I have no doubt I will offer this type of seminar as
often as I am able to do so---time and space provided. My willingness
to do more definitely exists.
Brownsville: I have experienced teaching in English and in Spanish
and have found it to be so impacting for myself every time, as
it has impacted others. I strongly believe in what I am teaching,
so I am very passionate about it! It has been a true privilege
and I look forward to becoming a trainer of trainers, soon! Truly
an enjoyable experience.
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