Couples Workshop
Marriage is tough, but it is even tougher for couples that are raising a child with special needs. On top of the regular demands of daily life, you have extra stressors and demands from caring for a child with special needs. The marriage often takes a backseat when it really needs to be in the driver's seat. Family Connection cares about your family and your marriage.
The Couple's Workshop offers you and your spouse a get-away weekend to learn very practical skills and to gain a fresh perspective on marriage while raising your child with special needs. With funding from a now expired grant from the United Way Association of South Carolina, Family Connection supported WC and Catherine Hoecke to be trained in the Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (P.R.E.P.)
This nationally recognized curriculum with 30 years of research developed at the University of Colorado is being strongly promoted in marriage initiatives. Although not specifically developed for families of children with special needs, the Hoecke's have incorporated their personal perspectives and story of marriage while parenting their child with special needs. Last year, through generous support from the Lipscomb Family Foundation, Family Connection presented three workshops using the principles of PREP.
Here is what a few of the couples said about their Couple's Workshop:
"Just being with my wife without the kids in my lap and spending undistracted time with her was the thing I liked the most about the workshop. We were able to focus on our relationship, on ourselves for a change."
"Though we have been married a very long time, my husband and I really needed the workshop. I can't tell you how many times I feel that being in that workshop has saved our marriage. I go back to the book often to review what we learned. It has really helped me and I thank God for it."
"Our communication as a couple had virtually stopped, and we were headed down a path toward divorce. We only communicated about the kids. This workshop brought us hope, new perspective, usable communication tools and a fresh start. Thank you."
"I now understand the impact of unmet expectations in our relationship and feel that we can have a discussion without it escalating into an argument."
"We came to this workshop because we wanted to get back to that 'loving feeling'. We just needed a hint of guidance and feel that we really got what we were looking for in this workshop."
"We hope that even more of you, our fellow parents, will join us for an upcoming Couple's Workshop. We'd love to learn with you."
WC and Catherine Hoecke
Do you want to just take some time out for your and your spouse? Are you feeling a little weary in your marriage? If so, please call WC Hoecke at 803-252-0914 to find out when the next Couple's Workshop will be held.
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