Our Mission
Families Forward is the CATALYST generating positive change through STRENGTHENING the family, EMPOWERING each family unit and POSITIONING the family as the MOST IMPORTANT place in every community.
Our Method
One of the key factors of a healthy family is time spent together. Families Forward creates avenues for family members to do just that. Some activities are designed for the entire family and some are for enriching special family relationships, such as father/child, mother/child, siblings and the marriage relationship. Other times we may offer activities that just cater to the needs of one member, but programming will reinforce the importance of the entire family.
Strong Families – The Research Behind What We Do
Through the most extensive family research study conducted over the last two decades, six characteristics surfaced as those present in STRONG FAMILIES…COMMITMENT — Members of strong families are dedicated to providing for each other’s welfare and happiness. They value the unity of their family.APPRECIATION & AFFECTION —Members of strong families show a great deal of appreciation for each other. They can feel how good a family is.POSITIVE COMMUNICATION — Strong families have good communication skills and spend large amounts of time talking with each other.TIME TOGETHER — Strong families spend time together — quality time in generous quantities with each other.SPIRITUAL WELL-BEING — Whether they go to formal religious services or not, strong families have a sense of a greater power in life. That belief gives them strength and purpose.THE ABILITY TO COPE WITH CRISIS —Members of strong families are able to view troubles and stresses as opportunities to grow.
(From Research conducted by Family Dynamics Institute)
OUR ACTIVITIES
Families Forward programming focuses on the entire family, sometimes all together, sometimes in pieces...
Strengthening Families
Building on the components of strong families, our Strengthening Families’ activities focus on creating shared experiences that require families to work together as a team.
FANTASTIC FAMILIES is an eight-week, small group study for the entire family. It allows families to spend time together, grow closer to each other and learn from other families.
FAMILY CHALLENGES pit your family against many others. Does your family have the brains, wit and courage to go head-to-head with other families?FAMILY ADVENTURES are extended family challenges. The location and length of these adventures depend on how “brave” your family is. They could take place in a furnished cabin or in the wild outdoors. Families must work together to meet the challenges of the adventure. Some adventures are for the entire family while others are designed for special relationships—like father/son.FAMILY RETREATS allow families to get away together and enjoy a constructive weekend with each other and our staff. Engaging activities will allow your family to be strengthened and spend valuable quality time together.FAMILY SEMINARS—These seminars are designed for churches and organizations who are serious about connecting their activities with the home. Too often organizations unintentionally compete with the family. This opportunity facilitates the aligning of activities and programs with the home.
Children & Youth
Our children are our most treasured gifts and the influences on their young lives often contradict family values. Families Forward complements the work of the family by creating dynamic opportunities to strengthen your children.LOCK-INS and CAMP OUTS let kids let loose and enjoy the company of other children. All lock-ins and camp outs are supervised by Families Forward staff and are designed with strengthening families in mind, but in a fun, engaging way.CAMPS allow children to participate in a variety of activities ranging from sports to arts and anything in between. Both day and residential camps are offered throughout the year. Camps are held for different age levels at various locations throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley.
Strengthening Marriages
One of the major influences on the well-being of our children and family is the strength of the marriage relationship. Families Forward offers several avenues of support for couples desiring to strengthen their family.DYNAMIC MARRIAGES is an eight-week small group experience that allows couples to grow closer to each other and form valuable relationships with other couples.
COUPLES RETREATS are informal opportunities to get away and just spend time with each other and other couples. Retreat arrangements are tailored by Families Forward to meet the needs of couples.
SMALL GROUPS STUDIES are focused on various topics such as communication, priorities, and commitment, as well as other topics. Groups meet once a week. |
