Organizations

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Retrouvaille
means “rediscovery” and this well known organization offers couples the structure to rediscover themselves, their partners and their relationship. It is as suitable for those who are bored and drifting apart as well as those facing more specific marital challenges. They stress that it is only for those who are truly willing to put their best efforts into working on their marriages. They focus on forgiveness, healing, and the restoration of trust without counselors, just other married couples. Their Web site is an excellent starting point for couples that are looking for help.
Call 1-800-470-2230, visit: www.retrouvaille.org on the World Wide Web, or write to:
Retrouvaille International, 4301 3 Mile Rd., Bay City, MI 48706 USA

Worldwide Marriage Encounter
is not just for hurting marriages but also “good marriages that want to be made better.” This organization offers couples a weekend experience that provides husbands and wives with an in-depth look at their relationship. It goes hand in hand with an opportunity to renew their feelings, hopes and dreams with each other. The weekends provide distraction free environments where couples learn improved communication techniques. The Web site provides links to programs throughout the U.S. and the world as well links to marriage encounter programs of various faiths.
Call 1-800-795-LOVE, visit: www.wwme.org on the World Wide Web or write to:
Worldwide Marriage Encounter, Inc., 2210 East Highland Avenue, Suite 106, San Bernardino, CA 92404-4666

The Coalition for Marriage, Family and Couples Education
is an independent, non-denominational organization and an excellent resource clearinghouse for couples seeking marital and family information. Its efforts address everyone that may be directly involved in a relationship and include a yearly “Smart Marriage” conference. The organization maintains that family breakdown can be prevented through couple-empowering, preventive, skill-based education. Information on these non-therapy style courses can be found via their Web site, as can books and products, articles from periodicals and an excellent directory that lists extensive marriage resources and organizations.
Call 1-202-362-3332, visit: www.smartmarriages.com on the World Wide Web or write to:
The Coalition for Marriage, Family and Couples Education, 5210 Belt Rd., NW, Washington, DC 20015-1961

Rainbows
is a not-for-profit international organization that helps children and adults who are struggling with emotional issues such as divorce or death. They offer training and curricula that is specifically designed to promote healing the family unit, build self-esteem and direct young people toward healthy resolutions of the changes that have taken place in their personal lives.
Call 1-800-266-3206, Visit www.rainbows.org on the World Wide Web or write to:
Rainbows, 2100 Golf Rd., #370, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008-4231

American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
is the national association of marriage and family therapists. It provides the general public with a brochure entitled “A Consumer’s Guide to Marriage and Family Therapy” and an on-line directory of its clinical members for those who have decided to seek professional help.
Call 1-202-452-0109, visit www.aamft.org on the World Wide Web or write to:
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, 1133 15th Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20005-2710

Recommended Reading

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Marriage Magazine
is an excellent resource for couples at any stage of their relationship. The format includes a wide array of material: personal stories, advice columns, handy how-to’s and resource reviews. Topics deal with various aspects of relationships like fidelity, communication, child rearing and money. The magazine is an entertaining read and is useful as a guide to other resources.
For a free sample copy or to subscribe call 1-800-MARRIAGE or write to:
Marriage Magazine, 955 Lake Drive, St. Paul, MN 55120

The Case Against Divorce
by Diane Medved, Ph.D. is available through Ballantine Books/Random House Publishing for $6.99 plus $5.50 shipping and handling or at major bookstores. The book is an honest look at problems associated with divorce. The author examines what factors motivate people to choose divorce including the possibility of unwillingness to face the challenges of marriage. It serves as a “how to save your marriage” motivation by addressing the destructive aspects of divorce that might go ignored.