Spring represents not just a season, but a chance for renewal and growth. The Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood (HMRF) grants provide individuals, couples, and youth with vital education and tools designed to build readiness, resilience, and success. At the heart of our achievements lies one undeniable truth: community matters, and healthy relationships are the cornerstone of lasting success.
Reflecting on Our Journey
I vividly recall the excitement that filled the air when the first request for proposals was announced. It was a time of optimism and the promise of making a profound impact. Today, as new opportunities to serve arise, we are proud to address several critical areas through the HMRF Program. This year, we are tackling these HMRF projects:
- FRAMEWorks – Family, Relationship, and Marriage Education Works for adults and couples (18+);
- FatherhoodFIRE – Fatherhood Family-focused, Interconnected, Resilient, and Essential for adult fathers, and
- READY4Life – Relationships, Education, Advancement, and Development for Youth for Life for youth (14-24).
Crafting a Proposal That Stands Out
When faced with the challenge of writing a proposal that achieves lasting change, I asked myself: How can we design services that truly make a difference? How do we structure a proposal to not only compete with many but to shine among them? Our approach included several key strategies:
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Building a Robust Referral Network:
We established strong partnerships with both faith-based organizations and secular service providers. By training pastors, chaplains, and community leaders to become course facilitators, we created a network that remains effective across multiple program areas, including FRAMEWorks, Fatherhood FIRE and READY4Life.
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Implementing a Unified Curriculum Framework:
All courses were built on common educational foundations while being tailored to specific audiences. Our curricula included specialized courses such as:
- Active Choices: For premarital couples and healthy decision-making.
- Active Marriage and Best Practices: Emphasizing best practices for couples.
- Active Money Personalities, Active Romance & Intimacy: Designed for couples.
- Active Adults: Focused on responsible fatherhood and adult individual development.
- Active Relationships for Young Adults: Tailored for individuals aged 14-24.
[Insert links to curricula]
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Engaging Marketing and Incentive Strategies:
We communicated clear benefits by answering the question, “What’s in it for me/us?” Even when courses were offered at low or no cost, we highlighted opportunities for personal growth, legacy building, and additional incentives. For instance, couples who completed two courses—such as “Active Communication” and “Active Money Personalities”—were invited to attend the “Active Romance & Intimacy” session at a local hotel, which proved to be immensely popular.
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Data-Driven Impact Measurement:
Recognizing the importance of accountability, we incorporated a robust research and data gathering plan. In collaboration with Baylor University, we tracked outcomes across all program areas and evaluated the efficacy of each curriculum.
Our Success and Commitment to Your Journey
Our approach led to a $2.5 million grant over five years and recognition by DHHS/ACF as one of their top 12 grantees in the “Promising Practices” publication. As you prepare your proposals, remember that innovative ideas combined with solid research and community engagement are the keys to success.
If you have any questions or need guidance, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our programs serve diverse populations—including HMRE participants, the US Military, schools, and incarcerated individuals—demonstrating our commitment to making a real difference.
Together, we can elevate community well-being and create lasting change.
Warm regards, Karen Anzak, Master Trainer, Active Relationships