Comments from Hispanic Leaders

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  2006 Hispanic Community Research (.pdf, 1 MB)

Baylor FINAL Report on Hispanic Healthy Marriage Education Research findings including outcome information provided by approximately 120 persons of Hispanic communities of seven TX cities

Couples participating voluntarily in this research are from one of the following cities:

*San Antonio * Austin *Brownsville *Corpus Christi *Houston *Dallas *Fort Worth

Facilitators of classes are Hispanic and speak fluent Spanish

Couples speak either English, Spanish or are Bilingual

Text and assessment instruments used are either in English or Spanish, depending upon the need of the participants

More about the...

Hispanic Active Relationships Project

Anecdotal Information from key HARP Site Leaders

Leaders comments in this document 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


1. What I have professionally achieved via HARP:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.