Mission of Marriage: Saving and Strengthening

Problems:

• About 1,700 divorces are filed each year in Dayton, with a total of 61,000 total divorces.

• Healthy marriage is difficult and there are some, but limited resources and supports for the 100,000 married couples in Greater Dayton.

Solution:

• Increase the number and awareness of local supports for healthy relationships; dating, pre-marital, early years, crisis, empty-nesters, etc.

Strategy:

• Start a Community Marriage Initiative (CMI)

• Asset-map all marriage champions in Greater Dayton

  • If you are interested in Marriage Work in Greater Dayton, Please Fill Out This Form.

• Gather in large in small groups by role, region, and population focus.

• Align Activities

• Empower and equip others to fill gaps with locally driven-resources.

• Fill up marriage event calendar with marriage support gatherings.

Evidence and Impact:

• San Antonio Marriage Initiative:

  • Aligned 400 "Marriage Champions"

  • 300/365 days a year there is a gathering in San Antonio to support marriages.

  • Over 14 years, decreased the divorce rate by 24%!

  • Saved 3,000 marriages

  • Average financial cost of divorce is $38,000 per family

    • Emotional cost for parents and children is incalculable

  • Saved the city $114 Million

  • Now helping 7 other cities do the same. Dayton could be one.

12 minutes of What a Community Marriage Initiative Is

Carl Caton & 2 Dayton Marriage Champions: Carl starts at 18:13

Again, if you are interested in Marriage Work in Greater Dayton, Please Fill Out This Form.