Frequently Asked Questions

If you do not find the questions or the answers you are looking for here, or within this website, please contact us, and we will attempt to assist you.

General

• How did your agency get started?
  
  We were launched in January, 2004 in response to concerns about the high divorce statistics in our county. Our past local Department of Job and Family Services director, Bob Suver, pioneered an ongoing investment in our marriage strengthening efforts. See "About" for the complete story.

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• I have a friend/family member that could really benefit from your services – how would you suggest I approach them?
  
  The best way to get someone to attend is to invite them to go with you to a class – if they see you participating, that reduces the stigma they might otherwise associate with seeking resources. This could be one of our couple’s classes or one of the gender-specific classes – depending on their situation.

History

• Why did you change your name from Marriage Savers of Clark County to Marriage Resource Center of Miami Valley?
  
  We made this name change in early 2006 to position ourselves more accurately. Although Marriage Savers is a successful national franchise led by Mike and Harriet McManus, the name began to connote that we were just for the most desperate of marriages, which was not true. Our continuum of services actually spans relationship education initiatives in middle schools all the way to marriage education and mentoring for couples in existing marriages. In between are programs for women only, men only and couples preparing for marriage.
  
  Another major reason for changing our name reflects the conviction that we don't save marriages. We can help couples create loving, lasting marriages through educating and mentoring; however, the power to save a marriage rests with the choices a couple makes to access and implement healthy marriage resources.

Programs

• Does MRC provide counseling? Is MRC a counseling organization?
  
  MRCMV does not provide counseling but focuses on Relationship and Marriage Education in addition to coordinating a Marriage Mentoring program. The brochure highlights key services offered. However, MRCMV has a close working relationship with CitiLookout (a Christian counseling organization) and can provide professional intakes and assessments as well as referrals to counseling.

• Are MRC programs faith-based?
  
  Although MRC is a faith-based organization, programs funded through government grants (primarily the free programs) are not overtly faith-based. However, the concepts and skills taught are compatible with traditional Judeo-Christian values. Couples and individuals may request faith-based mentoring or other faith-based resources and will be directed to such resources.

• My spouse and I have a heart for marriages and are wondering how we might get involved.
  
  Great! MRC is always looking for couples with a heart and passion to come along side and support younger or struggling couples. You might want to consider getting training to become a marriage mentor. Feel free to call our office at 937.324.3604 for more information.

• Where are classes held?
  
  Most of the classes are held at a variety of locations in Champaign, Clark and Greene counties; our primary class locations are currently at Fellowship* Spring Hill and our training room at 616 N. Limestone St. in Springfield. 

• When are the classes or how do I sign up for a class?
  
  Visit our programs - if you are interested in attending any of the classes we offer, you can register online.

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• I would love to attend a class but my husband/wife would never agree to it.
  
  You might want to try Within My Reach (for women) or On My Shoulders (for men) – these classes will give you tools and resources that can still positively impact your relationship – even if he/she is not a willing participant.

Funding

• Why is the government involved in funding marriage strengthening programs around the country? Isn't that a private or religious responsibility?
  
  Marriage IS personal and private. However, when marriages fail, taxpayers are left with the bill. A landmark study released in April 2008, estimates the annual costs of divorce and unwed parenting at $112 billion dollars. 
  
  "This study documents for the first time, that divorce and unwed child-bearing--besides being bad for children--are costing taxpayers a ton of money," said David Blankenhorn, president of the Institute for American Values. "Even a small improvement in the health of marriage in America would result in enormous savings to taxpayers," he continued. "For example, a 1 percent reduction in rates of family fragmentation would save taxpayers $1.1 billion."
  
  The federal healthy marriage initiative started in February 2002. Guided by the President and Congress the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families directed funding to support research and to provide healthy marriage resources in local communities. This mission of the federal healthy marriage initiative is 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.
  
  Learn more about the Federal Healthy Marriage Initiative here.

• Can MRC provide free services? How is MRC supported? 
  
  Yes and No. MRC can currently provide some services to Clark County residents free through the support of our local Job & Family Services. We also get some support through churches and private individuals. Our federal grant expired 09.29.15 and we now charge a nominal fee for several of our class offerings.

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• What is the cost for MRCMV services (classes or mentoring)?
  
  As of now, RINGS class is $90 per couple for the 8 hour class. If a couple or individual is referred for counseling, the fee would be the counselor’s going rate; CitiLookout charges $50 per hour.

Searching

• Where is that video of the guy talking about men's brains and women's brains?
  
  This is one of the most requested video segments we've hosted. It's a five minute segment of Mark Gungor, founder of Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage, sharing the differences between the male and female brain.
  
  You can access the video on YouTube. Watch it. As of April 2015 it has 2.9 million hits! Enjoy!

• Are any of your staff available for other speaking engagements?
  
  Yes. Several of our staff members have been featured speakers at retreats, dinners, small groups, etc., and can customize their input and fees based on your needs. Typically, a minimum at least 3 months notice is required; requests may be made by filling out our speaker request form.