(Note: The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various presenters do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and views of The Marriage Education and Resource Center - MERCY)

Singles, Seriously Dating and Engaged Couples:

How to Avoid Marrying a Jerk or Jerkette: In this program, singles can learn how to follow one's heart without losing one's mind. It teaches five basic principles for a successful marriage, based on trust, reliability, commitment, physical involvement and knowing a person's family background. Dr. Van Epp, author of this program, says, "Much, if not all, of what a person will be like in marriage can be clearly predicted during dating. MERCY offers this program periodically. Please check back often for exact times and location.

Engaged Encounter: This is a quality, highly effective marriage preparation weekend retreat. Cost: $195 registration fee. For additional information, call the Archdiocese of Louisville (502) 585-3291 (502) 585-3291 or go to http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://www.engagedencounter.org/

PREPARE/ENRICH Premarital Education- Have more than a beautiful wedding, receive the tools to a beautiful marriage. PREPARE/ENRICH is an inventory for couples who are considering marriage. They are instruments to identify a couple's areas of strengths and growth potential in their relationship, as well as an opportunity to explore practical issues such as family heritage, finances, communication, problem-solving techniques and commitment. To learn more about PREPARE/ENRICH visit:  www.prepare-enrich.com For additional information, please call 502-939-0121 or e-mail pdhud9@aol.com

Marriage Enrichment (Events, Classes, Weekend Programs, and Ongoing Activities

MERCY's) scheduled workshops for 2012 and directions to MERCY's workshops in 2012. See information below.

MERCY'S Saturday Workshops for 2012 - 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.

We will be offering workshops at Baptist Hospital East as well as Baptist Hospital Northeast in LaGrange, KY in 2012. - See Dates and Directions below

• January 7 - "Keeping Your Marriage Healthy and Exciting," John and Emily Stewart- Marriage Facilitators - Baptist Hospital Northeast in LaGrange, KY
• March 2-3, "Marriage Tune Up II"  Jeff and Debbie McElroy - with Forever Families- Crestwood Baptist Church, 6400 Sweetbay Drive, Crestwood, KY 40014
• March 31- "Avoiding Close Calls in Marriage," Sharon Shapanus - Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist - Baptist Hospital East in Louisville, KY
• April 21 - "Stepfamilies," John and Emily Stewart, facilitators for "The Smart Stepfamilies - Seven Steps to a Healthy Family" program - Baptist Hospital East - Louisville, KY
• May 19 - "How Your Family of Origin Impacts Your Marriage," Heather Brooks, LMFT, Baptist Hospital Northeast in LaGrange, KY 
• June 23 - "Expectations in Marriage," David and Penny Hudson - Certified Marriage Educators - Baptist Hospital East - Louisville, KY
• July 14 - "Apology and Forgiveness in Marriage," John and Mary Ann Vanderveer, Marriage Educators - Baptist Hospital Northeast in LaGrange, KY
• August 25- "Dealing with Those Angry Feelings in Marriage," Michael Taylor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with Triune Counseling Services - Baptist Hospital East - Louisville, KY
• September 22 - "Overcoming Judgmental Attitudes in Marriage," Sharon Shapanus, LCSW/LMFT - Baptist Hospital East - Louisville, KY
• October 20 - "SeveralCouples Share How Their Marriages Were Saved/Enhanced" - Baptist Hospital Northeast - LaGrange, KY
• November 17 - "Resolving Conflict Through Healthy Communication," Marc and Barb Gritton, Marriage Ministry Coaches - Baptist Hospital East - Louisville, KY

Directions to MERCY'S Workshops at Baptist Hospital East, 4000 Kresge Way, Louisville, KY (Education Center): Saturday workshops at Baptist Hospital East will be held on the second floor in the room next to the Cafeteria seating area by the clock. Signs will be posted.

From I-64/I-264 Watterson: I-64 to Watterson Expressway/ I-264 West; Exit Breckenridge Lane North - Exit 18B; Proceed North until you get to Kresge Way; the main entrance is on your right.

Come to the entrance marked "Patient Discharge;" Look to the left and follow the signs to the main elevators (coffee shop is on the right); Take the elevator to the 2nd floor; turn right off the elevator; go to the cafeteria seating area; room will be on the right by the clock.

Or, if you prefer to park on the 2nd floor garage, take the pedway to the eduation center; follow the signs to the cafeteria seating area; room will be on the right by the clock.

(Note: If you should get lost, just ask where to find the Cafeteria on the second floor or call MERCY - (502) 939-0121.)

Directions to MERCY's Workshops at Baptist Hospital Northeast: The Saturday workshops at Baptist Hospital Northeast,1025 New Moody Lane in LaGrange, KY, will be held in Conference Room B (second floor)

If you are traveling North on I-71, take the LaGrange exit (exit 22), turn right onto Hwy 53. Turn right onto New Moody Lane, which is at the light. There is a Speedway Service Station on your right. You will pass Walmart and Baptist Hospital in on your left after Walmart. Come in the front doors. Take the elevator or stairs to the second floor, Confernece Suite B. If you are traveling south on Hwy 1-71, take the LaGrange exit 22, turn left onto Hwy 53 and follow the above directions. Phone number of MERCY is (502) 939-0121 (502) 939-0121 .

Winter Weekend Get-away January 20-21:  Pick from two program tracks at this weekend get-away.  The first is "The 8 Habits of a Successful Marriage." This program is based on Steven Covey's #1 best selling book  The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.  It provides a healthy balance of principles, values, and skills that build strong marriage commitment, high trust character, effective communication, and unselfish companionship. The second track is "Mastering the Mysteries of Love."  This program will help you rekindle the romance and uncover the mysteries of love.  Learn the five essential relationship skills - show understanding, express thoughts clearly, discuss solutions respectfully, encourage each other and manage conflict effectively - to bring out the best  in each other.  $100 per couple includes registration fee, a light dinner Friday and Saturday lunch at the Red Geranium at Harmony Inn in Evansville, Indiana  To register, or for additional information, contact:  812-447-2260 or 1-800-443-8594 or www.makeitlast.org  All overnight accommodations must be made directly with the New Harmony Inn at 812-682-4431.  Ask about special CMB (Community Marriage Builders) room rates of $75 plus tax or $85 for a room upgrade.  Continental breakfast included with room.

Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage Video Conference:  Make one of your first goals for the New Year to attend  "Laugh  Your Way to a Better Marriage" video event at Zion Baptist Church in Henderson, KY, Friday, February 3 (7:00 - 10:00 p.m.), and Saturday, February 4 (9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.) Free childcare, reservations required (limited number of spaces available) by calling the church office.  Register for this hilarious conference online at:  http://www.laughyourway.com/events/2012/01/Henderson,KY/ or www.laughyouway.com 

2012 Sweetheart Dinner with Mark Schultz and Meredith Andrews: It's 88.5 WJIE'S Annual Valentine's event.  This year's event is February 14 at the Louisville Marriott Downtown , 280 West Jefferson Street, Louisville, KY.  The evening will feature delicious food, a great atmosphere, and music from Dove Award winners Mark Schultz and Meredith Andrews. We think you and your sweetheart will love it.  Tickets are available at:  http://www.wjie.org/order_landing_2.php

Kentuckiana Marriage Tune-up II - "I Promised What?" Few of us knew what we were promising when we made our vows at the altar.  (Some of us still aren't sure!)  The traditional vows seem to add a touch of romance and validit to the ceremony, but what do they look like lived out in day-to-day marriage?  Using their unique style of dynamic delivery, Jeff and Debby McElroy, the most sought-after couple in the nation in terms of marriage enrichment, will share tools that help a marriage ride out of the altar and into the sunset.  March 2 & 3, 2012.  Held at Crestwood Baptist Church, 6400 Sweet Bay Drive, Crestwood, KY.  For more information, call Bill Ellis at 502-241-8534 or register on line at www.crestwoodbaptist.org.  Early Registration: $60 per couple or $30 per person - ends January 22; Standard Registration $70 per couple or $35 per person - Ends February 6; Late Registration:  $75 per couple/$37.50 per person

Love and Respect - Come and find out the secret that cracks the communication code between man and wife.   *These video conferences are brought to you by The Kentucky Marriage Movement and the Family Foundation.  Visit: www.kentuckymarriage.org to register and learn more.

Marriage Rocks - Plan a special date night for you and your spouse. Spend an evening with other couples while experiencing incredible music, lots of laughs, and creative programming - all designed to encourage and empower your marriage. Southeast Christian Church, 920 Blankenbaker Parkway, Louisville, KY - Fellowship Hall 2. Ticket Price $15 per couple. Tickets available in the Atrium and online at www.southeastchristian.org (Note: They accept only cash or checks in Atrium; credit card purchases must be made online.) For questions, call: (502) 253-8925. No childcare.

Marriage Encounter: If you want to show more love to the one you love, you can do that on a Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend. Marriage Encounter is 44 hours where married couples can get away from jobs, kids, chores, and phones, and focus only on each other. If you'd like greater depth, growth, and enrichment in your relationship, you'll like the difference this weekend can make. For additional information for the Louisville, KY, Owensboro, KY areas, please call or e-mail Kathy and Jack Gotting at 502-895-8997 502-895-8997 or kgott@iglou.com for Indianappolis, IN or Evansville, IN areas call Mark and Jill Levine (317) 888-1892 (317) 888-1892 ., or visit: www.wwme.org or call 1-800-795-LOVE 1-800-795-LOVE .

Festivals of Marriage - Escape, connect and spend time alone your spouse. Christ-centered marriage events in locations all over the country. For more information visit http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://www.lifeway.com/events or contact LifeWay Events Registration at 1-800-254-2022 1-800-254-2022 .

Family Dynamics - Family Dynamics offers a variety of seminars, such as "Dynamic Marriage," "Love, Sex and Marriage," "A New Beginning" and "Dynamic Love". These are powerful seminars built on helping couples sustain and build happy, fulfilling relationships. For additional information, and upcoming seminars, visit their web site at: http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://www.familydynamics.net/

e-Harmony Marriage - Couples who are happy and seeking marital enrichment may benefit from a personalized program, endorsed by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott. At e-Harmony Marriage, a couple can take an on-line marriage assessment and receive feedback based on their results. Cost is approximately $150. For additional information, visit: marriage.eharmony.com

Additional Fun and Romanic Opportunities and Get-aways to Enrich Your Marriage:

2012 Play Dates With Your Mate: The Life Adventure Center in Versailles, KY in coordination with Bluegrass Healthy Marriage Initiative, invite you to join them for a line-up of Play Dates With Your Mate. "Play Date With Your Mate" is designed to strengthen communication and to help you grow together as a married couple. Through purposeful interaction and fun activities utilizing a Challenge Course and Environmental Education Programs, participants will have an opportunity to: Improve communication skills, work together as a team; learn how to support one another, meet other married couples in the community, laugh and have fun. You can come for one, two or all of the dates. For additional information or to register go to www.lacbg.com or call Tracey Wright at (859) 873-3271 or email: tracey@lacbg.com

Marriage Impact - A Marriage Retreat That Won't Leave You Stuck in a Classroom - Enjoy together exciting outdoor adventures such as white water rafting, kayaking, canoeing, mountain biking, hiking and more. Return at night to worship and fellowship with other marriaged couples across the nation. Dates normally in May , June, July and August at Ridgecrest, North Carolina. Cost for 2007 were: $279 per couple. This included a $90 program fee, turndown service with amenities each evening, $79 for meals (included dinner Friday night, breakfast Saturday and Sunday morning and a campfire with smores, etc. on Friday night) and on campus recreational activities. Additional cost for some Adventure Options. For additional information or registration: 1-800-588-7222 1-800-588-7222 or visit: http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/mainpage/0%2C1701%2CM%25253D200975%2C00.html

Dance 4 Life Ministries - A new concept in marriage education, through partner dancing is now available in Louisville, KY. Dance 4 Life Ministries believes the fundamental confusion of our roles as husband and wives has led to the deterioration of marriage and family. Therefore, their goal is to educate men and women according to their view of Biblical manhood and womanhood through dance. For additional information, call: (502) 895-1581 (502) 895-1581 (ask for Bryant), e-mail: songofchrist@hotmail or visit: http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://www.godsballroom.com/

Celebrate Your Marriage - Whether you are looking for ways to strengthen your marriage or just need time for a tune up and a great getaway, to great places, you will want to check out this event. More fun, more romance and more Jesus. Several great locations such as : The Grand Hotel in Macinac Island in May and October of Asheville, N.C. , Ft. Wayne, Indiana in and Lansing, MI in March, Phoenix, AZ and a Caribbean cruise in November. For additional information, go to http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://www.celebratenet.com/ for a complete brochure and registration information, or call 1-800-669-4122 1-800-669-4122 .

Love Your Relationship Couples Retreats: Howard Markman/Boulder, Co. Immerse yourself in a weekend devoted to learning how to enhance and protect friendship, fun, love, passion as you enjoy the best of PREP (Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program) combined with a luxurious, romantic getaway. For more information call toll free (866)-601-5683 (866)-601-5683 or e-mail: 866-601-5683 866-601-5683 or visit http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://www.loveyourrelationship.com/

Playful Relationships Cruise - Join Keith (author of Couples and the Art of Playing) and Joan Hackett, originators of Playful Relationships Playshops, has information on their web site on fun activities for couples. For more information visit: http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://www.playfulrelationships.com/ .

Fun Date Ideas: For hundreds of fun date ideas visit the Healthy Marriage Institute at http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://healthymarriage.org/fundates.htm or, for hundreds of stay-at-home date ideas visit: http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://healthymarriage.org/homedates.htm You can also sign up for their free Date Night newsletter. Each week this web site will send you a fun date idea, activity to do on your date to strengthen your relationship and a money-saving coupon if available in your area.

*Please know that some of these events/retreats/get-aways are Christian in nature and others are more secular in nature. Therefore, please review them carefully. We cannot guarantee the content. For additional fun get-aways, visit http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://www.smartmarriages.com/directory_browse.html

Sunday Morning Marriage Classes:

Covenant United Methodist Church, 909 West Jefferson Street, LaGrange, KY 502-222-992; web site: http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://www.covenantumc.org/

Adventure Christian Church - 3321 Ruckriegel Pkwy. in Louisville, KY - is a young, growing fellowship open to all. They offer a number of marriage events throughout the year. Visit their websie at http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://www.adventureky.org/ for details.

Immanuel Baptist Church - 3100 Tates Creek Road in Lexington, KY- This church has a comprehensive marriage ministry. Relationship classes are offered for high schoolers as well as each stage of marriage. To contact them call 895-685-3200 or visit their web site at: http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://www.ibc-lex.org/

Southeast Christian Church - 920 Blakenbaker Parkway in Louisville, KY - Southeast Christian Chruch offers numerous marriage events. Visit their web site at http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://www.southeastchristian.org/ for a complete listing.

Kentucky Baptist Convention Marriage Ministry - The Kentucky Baptist Convention offers a variety of tools - consultations, training events, leader training and a network of leaders, recommended reading and downloadable resources -- all aimed at helping strengthen marriages. For additional information, go to http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://www.kybaptist.org/kbc/welcome.nsf/pages/LeaderOffice then click on the marriage link.

Coupletime Groups - Coupletime Groups are small groups of six to seven couples who meet monthly to address essential issues of marriage that may otherwise get pushed aside during the busy routine of life. Coupletime is a peer ministry. It's a care group, not a cure group. Couples gather to learn about marriage, share experiences, pray for one another and offer support and encouragement. If you, or your church/organization, would be like to know more about how to start Coupletime groups, please e-mail Penny or David Hudson at pdhud9@aol.com or call 502-939-0121 502-939-0121 .

Marriage Education at a Distance - Did you know that you can strengthen your marriage in the comfort of your own home via online, over-the-phone. and/or DVD based programs? For a list of programs at distance, go to http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://www.smartmarriages.com/directory_browse.html#distance

Note: For a wealth of information on marriage topics and other resources we recommend you check out the following websites/organizations:

http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://www.gosmalley.com/

http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://www.smartmarriage.com/

http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://www.lifebranchgospel.com/

http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://www.loveyourrelationship@prepinc.com/

http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://www.growthtrac.com/

http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://www.reconcilinggodsway.com/

http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://www.utahmarriage.org/

http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://www.bettermarriages.org/

American Association of Christian Counselors

Covenant Marriage Movement

FamilyLife Radio/Parent Talk

Life Promotions

Nashville Speaker's Bureau

Amy and Michael Smalley

Dr. John Trent's Strong Families

Turning Point Ministries with Dr. David Jeremiah

Winning at Home with Dan Seaborn

Help for Troubled Marriages:

Retrouvaille - Is Your Marriage Tearing You Apart? Retrouvaille is a lifeline for Troubled Marriages. If there is little or no meaningful communication, if you are considering separation or divorce, if you are experiencing disilllusionment, and anger we believe Retrouvaille can help. Retrouvaille consists of a weekend experience and a series of 12 presentations offered within the three months following the weekend phase. For additional information, visit their website at www.retrouvaille.org or call 1-800-470-2230 1-800-470-2230 . Please note that Retrouvaille is an international program so there are weekend events in many locations.

Marriage 911:First Response - This program has been used for years to help people who are struggling in their marriage learn healthy and productive ways to deal with their difficult circumstances. This Christian-based, 12-week program helps you to place your focus and energy into areas that can first help you remain/become healthy and whole in the midst of a crisis, and commonly becomes the foundational keys to turning around a troubled marriaged. It consists of a workbook that you work along side with a support partner. For more information, contact David or Penny Hudson (502) 939-0121, e-mail: pdhud9@aol.com or visit www.reconcilinggodsway.org

Marriage Help - A Love Path 911: If your relationship is in trouble and you feel like hope is gone, please check out Love Path 911 marriage seminar. The pain of divorce reaches deep into a family and often affects future generations, but this program has helped 3 out of 4 marriages, even if one spouse doesn't want to save the relationship. They have been very successful at rescuing marriages that have been devastated by affairs. In fact, about 60 percent of the couples who come to this seminar are there because of the injury and hopelessness of an affair. For more information visit their web site at: www.marriagehelper.com or call 1-866-903-0990.

Marriage Restored: Marriage Restored is a program for couples who have experienced adultery, addiction, pornography, separation or other marriage-threatening circumstances. This is a work workend; a time for couples to work one-on-one on their issues, in private. Couples will have complete focus on their marriage relationship and their spouse. Cost: $75 (includes lodging and meals) Check their web site for future dates. Questions? Contact Don and Lynn Wynn at kyagme@yahoo.com or(859) 608-0493 or visit: www.marriagerestored.com

National Institute of Marriage Intensive Marriage Counseling and/or Couple's Experience:The National Institute of Marriage (NIM) team consists of a dedicated group of individuals, many of whom formerly worked at the Gary Smalley's Smalley Relationship Center. These individuals have a wide variety of training and experience with one single passion: to make an eternal difference in the lives of couples. With the leadership of Dr. Robert Paul and Mark Pyatt, this group continues to recognize the impact and potential of the Intensive Programs that were designed to help couples in crisis. Each week they see couple's relationships restored through their Marriage Intensive programs and Couples Intensive progarms. Couples from all over the country attend these two and four-day Intensives with two NIM marriage experts at their Branson, Missouri and Rome, Georgia locations. About 70% of these couples are in crisis and very near divorce. Nevertheless, the vast majority of these couples attending the Intensives stay together and are more satisfied. For more information on these programs and NIM, please visit: www.nationalmarriage.com or call (417) 335-5882.

Re-Generation: is a new program for couples in crisis, sponsored by Jeff and Debby McElroy with Forever Families to provide help for marriage in desperation. Jeff and Debby have a heart for marriage like few others, so if you, or someone you know, is struggling, please check out the website at: info@foreverfamilies.com

Save My Marriage - New Beginnings Are you in a troubled marriage? Do you wonder if your marrige can be saved? Are you currently separated or divorced? Are you trying to recover from an affair or other major hurt? Or are you trying to decide whether to even stay together. For help and restoration for marriages in crisis visit, www.savemymarriage.com or call 1-866-262-2729 .

Dr. Jim Talley - For help in Reconciling Differences: Dr. Talley offers many free downloads on his web site at http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://www.drtalley.com/ In addition, he does telephone consulting at the rate of $50 per 30 minute session. You can also take the Taylor-Johnson Temperament Test on his site for a fee of $50. For additional information, e-mail Dr. Talley at drtalley@drtalley.com or visit his web site.

A Stander's Affirmation - "Standers" is a ministry for those who are standing alone for the healing of their marriages. This program is offered through "Rejoice Marriage Ministries - A Spiritual Trauma Center for Hurting Marriages." It is for both men and women. If you, or someone you know, is fighting alone for their marriage, please check out their web site at www.rejoiceministries.org

Victims of Infidelity (VOI) Therapy Group: Betrayal! Loss! Hopelessness! Uncertain of whether to stay or go? Fearful of ever trusting again? These are only a few of the feelings that affairs create in the spouse who is cheated on. Join a weekly group where you will find: - Help dealing with the grief and loss; -Education to support decision-making process; - Professionally licensed therapist leading the group and - Individual therapy available for more private concerns. Call for more information at: (502) 387-8802. Sponsored by Triune Counseling Services, PLLC, 2303 Hurstbourne Village Drive, Suite 1100, Louisville, KY 40299. Cost is: $25 per session. Don't let the pain of an affair take over your life.

Beyond Affairs: Prevention and Recovery: "Beyond Affairs Network (BAN)" is for betrayed spouses. BAN is a safe place for those who have been betrayed to share painful emotions that interfere with recovery and a place to gain perspective and understanding. BAN is for the betrayed spouse only; open to people of all faiths or those with no religious affiliation. http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://www.beyondaffairs.com/

Sexual Addications: Internet pornography is a battle that is growing. This battle carries over into marriage and puts extreme burdens on the relationship. Even if you're not currently struggling with sexual lust or addiction, you need to protect yourself from future temptation. Here are some resources that can help one break free from the bondage of pornography and win the battle.

Covenant Eyes - www.covenanteyes.com

Elucida Learning - www.elucidalearning.com

Every Man's Ministries - www.everymanministries.com

Genesis Counseling - www.genesiscounseling.org

Partners for Purity - www.partnersforpurity.com

Pure Life Ministries - www.purelifeministries.org

Pure Online - www.pureonline.com

Safe Eyes - www.safeeyes.com

Support Group for Women Struggling with Sexual Addictions: According to the Kentucky Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, four of every five women who have suffered sexual abuse as children will become addicted to sex as adults. Please know you are not alone. Southeast Christian Church, on Blankenbaker Parkway in Lousiville, KY has a Women's Sexual Addiction Support Group. For day, time and location contact: Christine Heeren (502) 253-8411.

Additional Help: If you are struggling in your marriage, you can also contact David or Penny Hudson at pdhud9@aol.com or 1-502-939-0121 1-502-939-0121 . We may be able to suggest other resources that might help turn your marriage around.

Divorce Care - Divorce Care features videotape seminar sessions with nationally recognized experts on divorce and recovery topics. You will find strength for the journey by becoming part of a small group of people, who are also experiencing separation and divorce. Some locations in the Jefferson County, Oldham County areas are: Crestwood United Methodist Church, 7214 Kavanaugh Road, Crestwood, KY (502) 241-8984 (502) 241-8984 ; Covenant United Methodist Church, 909 W. Jefferson Street, LaGrange, KY 40031 (502) 222-9925; LaGrange Christian Church, 214 N. First Street, LaGrange, KY. St. John's United Methodist Church, 12700 W. U.S. 42, Prospect, KY also offers this program. For information on their schedule, call 228-2897 - Ext. 26 or http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://www.st.johnprospect.com/ For additional information and locations, visit: www.divorcecare.org 

Divorce Recovery Support Group - For men and women. 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. every Sunday. Free, confidential, non-denominational. Free childcare provided by church staff. Crescent Hill Baptist Church, 2800 Frankfort Avenue in Louisville . For more information call 896-4425.

Divorce Care for Kids (DC4K) - This is a 13-week program for children age 5 through 5th grade, who have experienced the divorce of their parents. It is designed to help children heal in a Christ-centered group setting and to give them the tools to develop healthy relationships within their families. Crestwood Baptist Church, 6400 Sweetbay Drive, Crestwood, KY (502) 241-8534 (502) 241-8534 , often has this program in conjuction with Divorce Care for adults. Please call the church to confirm: (502) 241-8534 (502) 241-8534 . This program is also offered at St. John's United Methodist Church, 12700 W. U.S. Hwy. 42, Prospect, KY. For information, call 228-2897, Ext. 26 or visit http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://www.stjohnprospect.com/

Divorce Support Groups - These groups are designed so you can meet with others who understand what you are going through. Most of these Divorce Support Groups are non-denominational even though they are held or sponsored by churches. The Support Groups are open to everyone, and by calling a support group today you may find that it will provide the new beginning you have been searching for. For Divorce Support Groups in Kentucky go to http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://www.divorcesource.com/groups/kentucky.shtml 

Leadership Training:

FOCCUS and PREPARE/ENRICH Pre-Marital Training for Mentor Couples - David and Penny Hudson offer Pre-Marital FOCCUS and PREPARE/ENRICH training for mentor couples. If you have been married a minimum of ten years and would like to be trained in how to provide individualized help and encouragement to engaged couples, please contact David and Penny Hudson at pdhud9@aol.com or by calling 939-0121.

Facilitator Training from Family Dynamics - Family Dynamics train church leaders, counselors and lay couples to lead marriage-enrichment classes. These are powerful seminars that help you help couples sustain and build happy, fulfilling relationships. For additional information, visit their web site at: http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://www.familydyanmics.net/ 

MARRIAGE SAVERS TRAINING Training and Community Marriage Policy signings by Marriage Savers Co‑Chairs Mike & Harriet McManus. Usual format is to train Mentor Couples, clergy and counselors from 6:30 to10pm on Fri and from 8:30 to 5pm on Sat. If there is a signing of a Community Marriage Policy, it typically is at 1 pm on the same Fri as the training. A Marriage Savers training covers proven interventions at five stages of the marital life cycle: Preparation, Enrichment, Restoration, Reconciliation and Stepfamilies. We also meet with pastors who are considering creating a Community Marriage Policy, and we conduct Marriage Enrichment Weekends for couples and Pastor/Spouse Renewal Getaways on a Monday‑Tuesday. Contact us to set up a Community Marriage Policy in your community or for details about the process at http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://www.marriagesavers.org/

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Other Helps for Couples/Individuals:

Boot Camp for New Dads (BCND) is a unique father-to-father, community-based workshop that inspires and equips men of different economic levels, ages and cultures to become confidently engaged with their infants, support their mates and personally navigate their transformation into dads. Boot camp is validated by research and has been named a best practice by many organizations that consider it an exceptional means of supporting dads-to-be and fostering behaviors that greatly benefit children and help prevent a wide range of social ills. Clark Memorial Hospital, 1220 Missouri Avenue, Jeffersonville, Indiana 47130 now offers this program. For additional information about "Book Camp for New Dads," visit: http://web.archive.org/web/20080201055444/http://www.bcnd.org/. Cost: $15. This program is open to dads, whether or not they are married. To register for one of the workshops that will be offered at Clark Memorial Hospital, call (812) 283-2405 (812) 283-2405 .

Celebrate Recovery If you, or someone you know, is struggling with "hurts, habits or hang-ups," we encourage you to take advantage of "Celebrate Recovery," now being offered at Covenant United Methodist Church, 909 W. Jefferson Street, LaGrange, KY.The purpose of Celebrate Recovery is to fellowship and celebrate God's healing power in our lives through the 12-Steps and 8 Recovery Principles. This experience allows us to be changed. If you have any questions, please call Brian Mattson (502) 548-9093 (502) 548-9093 or Pastor Owen at (502) 222-9925 (502) 222-9925 .

COPES (Council on Prevention and Education: Substances Creating Lasting Families) Marriage Enhancement Program (Valued at $750 per couple) - If you are in reentry and/or recovery and interested in: Improving communication skills, increasing marriage stability, strengthening family values, meeting other couples, increasing romance with your spouse and practicing healthy conflict resolution skills, please call (502) 583-6820 (502) 583-6820 to receive additional information. This is a federally-funded program. COPES is located at 845 Barret Avenue, Louisville, KY 40204.

Homosexuality - Love Won Out: Homosexuality is one of the most difficult issues many individuals, families and churches face today. Some say it's simply an alternative way to live. Some say it's genetic and unchangeable. In the midst of the confusion, many are asking questions. Christians want to know how to stand faithfully on biblical teaching about sexuality while also reaching out with compassion to those affected by homosexuality. For additional information, go to www.lovewonout.com or call toll free 1-888-264-0877.