Relationship Foundation Update from Chris Beach
Fellow Kiwanians, I am looking forward to the time when virtual schooling is done and I can get back to some meetings! So many members have been kind in asking about how the Relationship Foundation has been doing during the pandemic, and I wanted to give everyone an update.
As of right now, RFVA is thriving. Now more than ever, healthy relationships are needed. Divorce inquiries are on the rise, couples have been together in the house for a long time and people are still having babies. Here are some of the things we have done to meet the needs of the community:
Hired a full time Marriage/Relationship Coach: As marriages and relationships struggle, the need for help has become greater. We are offering coaching at a great value. Many people cannot afford to get marriage coaching, as it can often cost $100-200/session. We are offering the same quality coaching for $25/session as we know Covid has affected a lot of couples. We do coaching for people at ANY stage of their relationships from dating/premarital to married; we want to help couples! Click here and share with couples who may need a little tune up.
Boot Camp for New Dads is now virtual: We have gone virtual as we cannot get back in the hospitals until this crazy time is over – and people are still having babies! It has been great and we get to see the dads in their homes rockin' fatherhood.
24/7 Dad programming in partnership with CARITAS: We are teaching the 24/7 class for dads in the rehab program at CARITAS. Covid has brought about a spike in drug/alcohol usage and we are helping dads who are getting clean be better fathers for their children.
Father Christmas provided funds and presents: We know families were struggling this last holiday so we decided to do even more. More than 70 dads were nominated, and we chose 12 dads. We provided them with the presents for their families and $500 cash to help wherever it was needed. Our goal is 20 dads this Christmas. Check out the video to see fellow Kiwanian Andrew Price make a cash presentation and yours truly as the man in red!
We have added a Community Advisory Board which is a volunteering board that supports our mission. I am excited that Andrew Price is our CAB Chair as he continues to give back to the community and provide the needed leadership for strong families in the community. We also have some great ways to support RFVA, including:
He Shed, She Shed Raffle: We are excited to be raffling off a fully-equipped shed for our fundraiser “He Shed, She Shed.” To help fund the new marriage coach, we are doing this fundraiser. We are only selling 360 tickets. Why 360? A wedding ring is 360 degrees and since all money raised will go to our marriage programming, it just makes sense. People are looking for space, we want to help. Click here to learn more!
11th Annual Ukrop's Father/Child Golf Tournament: If you know or if you would like to take your children/grandchildren out for a day of golf benefitting RFVA and The First Tee, click here. Hope to see some of you out there!
As you can see, we have been busy and are thriving. I just wanted to give the update and thank Kiwanis for helping us make a big difference for families in our community. If you want to catch up, let me buy you a cup of coffee. Being fully vaccinated is great as I can go out again. Hope to see you soon.