Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
Many people today are experiencing a great deal of stress. People experiencing strained relationships and stressful work situations can have their personal energy exhausted to the point they are “burned-out” or just give up. Prior to the June floods in Linn County, several organizations including Linn County Iowa State University Extension and Prairiewoods Spirituality Center, Hiawatha had identified couples as a group of people needing special support to deal with the stress in their lives and to grow in healthy relationships and marriages.

The flood in Cedar Rapids, as well as the current economic conditions in the country, has greatly exacerbated the stress felt by couples. Couples who experienced strained relationships prior to the flooding may be at higher risk for difficulty in their marriage. Professionals in family services, spiritual direction and mental health are noticing an increase in the number of clients who are expressing need to strengthen their significant relationships. (For example, see The Gazette, Oct 6, 2008, page 1A.) They will continue to feel the personal and emotional drain for months as the flood recovery efforts continue month after month.

Response:
In collaboration with Prairiewoods and The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, Iowa State University Extension offered a 4 week program called “The Marriage Garden” for individuals and couples interested in strengthening their marriage relationship. The curriculum, developed by the University of Arkansas, is research based and includes the seven core components of the NERMEM (National Extension Relationship & Marriage Education Model) — choose, know, care, care for self, share, manage, connect. The Arkansas pilot study results indicated a significant increase in the understanding of key relationship issues. This is the first time “The Marriage Garden” curriculum has been offered in Iowa. This eight hour educational series was offered on Thursday evenings, February 5 – March 5, 2009 from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. A light meal was included. Learners participated in discussion, self reflection and skill building activities. In addition to the curriculum, mind body exercises were included in each session for relaxation and stress reduction. A maximum of 30 people (up to 15 couples or individuals) were expected be served in the educational program.

Impact:
Fifteen couples (30 people) enrolled in the Marriage Garden program. Ten participants were experiencing serious stress factors including having flood related property damage, unemployment or chronic illness. Participants learned about the program from National Public Radio, local radio, local newspaper, direct mail, Prairiewoods newsletter and website, friends, and professional/counselor referrals.

Evaluation data indicates that participants received positive results similar to the Arkansas pilot study. As a group, participants showed a significant increase in understanding of these relationship issues: Commitment (making and keeping promises), Growth (expanding and using your strengths), Nurturing (doing the work of loving), Understanding (cultivating compassion for their partner), Solving (turning differences into blessings) and Serving (giving back to their partner/community). In addition, the percentage of Marriage Garden participants who indicated that they agree or strongly agree with the following statements were:

• My knowledge of healthy marriage relationships has increased:                                          100%
• My skills as a spouse/partner are likely to increase:                                                                 100%
• I have a desire to be a better spouse/partner:                                                                            100%
• I will change (improve on) at least one relationship strengthening behavior or practice:  100%
• I think my relationship with spouse/partner is likely to improve:                                                89%
• I would recommend this program to family and friends:                                                             95%
  
  

Additional Team Members or Community Partners:
Prairiewoods Spirituality Center, Hiawatha, Iowa, Helen Elsbernd, Executive Director;
Mary Ellen Dunford, Program Coordinator; Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Contact:
Kristi Cooper
Linn County Extension
3279 7th Ave, Ste 140
Marion, IA 52302
319-377-9839
kcoop@iastate.edu