Focus on relationships (for): a community-based healthy marriage initiative to strengthen first responder and underserved families in southwest missouri vanguard marriage and family advocates will…

The Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families awarded Vanguard Marriage and Family Advocates a cooperative agreement totaling $1,693,278 on September 30, 2025, under the Healthy Marriage Promotion and Responsible Fatherhood Grants program (CFDA 93.086).

Vanguard Marriage and Family Advocates will implement a community-based healthy marriage initiative serving first responder families and economically vulnerable couples across five counties in southwest Missouri: Barry, Christian, Greene, Jasper, and Lawrence. The project will deliver the 12-hour Adventures in Marriage curriculum through in-person workshops facilitated by trained facilitators and skills coaches. Free childcare, meals, and transportation assistance will support accessibility. Services are delivered in partnership with law enforcement agencies and faith-based organizations. Over the five-year project period ending September 29, 2030, the program will serve 378 couples (756 individuals).

The award is classified as a cooperative agreement and carries a place of performance in Missouri.

Focus on relationships (for): a community-based healthy marriage initiative to strengthen first responder and underserved families in southwest missouri vanguard marriage and family advocates will implement a community-based healthy marriage initiative serving first responder families and economically vulnerable couples across five counties in southwest missouri. The project will deliver the 12-hour adventures in marriage curriculum through in-person workshops supported by trained facilitators and skills coaches, providing free childcare, meals, and transportation assistance to ensure accessibility. Services will be delivered in barry, christian, greene, jasper, and lawrence counties through partnerships with law enforcement agencies and faith-based organizations. Over the five-year project period, the program will serve 378 couples (756 individuals).