Local non-profit Shield Bearer is hosting several marriage building activities during National Marriage Week February 7-14, 2018. Shield Bearer has been on the front lines strengthening marriages through counseling, marriage saving intensive experiences, and workshops since 2007. Executive Director Roy Wooten states, “Strengthening marriages is at the core of our mission and National Marriage Week is a great time to focus on the benefits of a strong marriage. We have seen these benefits first hand, from helping couples live longer and happier lives, to increased economic stability, to positive and lifelong impacts on the health and wellbeing of children. We know it takes focus and determination to maintain a strong marriage and are committed to getting resources and support to as many couples as possible.”
Shield Bearer will host a special Life Together Forever Couples Workshop on February 10th from 9AM-3PM at their central counseling office (12340 Jones Rd Suite 290) in Houston. “This workshop is a fun and meaningful way to strengthen your relationship, reconnect with your spouse, and rekindle your romance,” states Clinical Coordinator Allie Scott. “Couples explore topics that affect every marriage including speaking and hearing the truth, having courageous conversations, forgiveness, romance, healthy expectations, and more. It’s a great way for healthy couples to refocus and celebrate what is truly important in their relationship.”
On February 9th from 11:30-1PM, Shield Bearer will present a special Marriage Edition of their Hope After Harvey Workshop. “Since the storm, we have provided Hope After Harvey workshops free of charge to anyone struggling from the trauma of the storm, including being displaced, losing loved ones, losing possessions, jobs, and stability, and then also to the first responders, caregivers, and volunteers helping Harvey survivors rebuild their lives. These workshops focus on the ups and downs of trauma recovery and provide resources for coping and thriving. During National Marriage Week, we will also dive deeper into how marriages are affected by trauma and ways to come together during a crisis.”
Shield Bearer also offers a unique counseling experience for couples that think there is no hope for their marriage. “Shield Bearer’s Marriage Saving Intensive experience is a unique approach to couples counseling. Couples on the brink of divorce spend an entire day with two of our counselors. We are able to accelerate the process of the more traditional, weekly couples sessions and have seen great success. This model has saved hundreds of marriages that would not have endured with a more traditional process,” states Ms. Scott.
Shield Bearer will also provide a free online marriage resource each day of National Marriage Week to followers of their online community page at facebook.com/shieldbearer.counseling. Mr. Wooten adds, “Even just a few minutes focusing on your relationship each day can make a big impact. We encourage all married couples to participate in some type of marriage strengthening activity during National Marriage Week and to remind your friends and family to do the same. Strong marriages create a stronger community for everyone.”
For additional details and registration for National Marriage Week activities, call (281) 894-7222. For more information about Shield Bearer, a Houston based 501c3 nonprofit counseling and community resource center that serves individuals, couples, and families including those recovering from the trauma of human trafficking, domestic violence, crime, abuse, war, and Hurricane Harvey, visit shieldbearer.org or call (281) 894-7222.