Attention all married couples, whether you've been married for two, 20 or 60+ years! Here is an opportunity to explore and strengthen your marriage further.

Currently offered through the Sunshine Family Relationship Centre, Centacare's African Dads and Kids Community Program is part of Centacare's range of early intervention programs. The African Dads and Kids Community Program address the specific needs of the African community in Melbourne, especially those who have recently arrived as refugees and humanitarian entrants.

Bringing Your Baby Home is a program for couples expecting their first baby or who have a baby under 12 months of age. The program assists couples to build knowledge and  skills to constructively manage the many changes that occur with the birth of a child. The program was developed by Drs John and Julie Gottman and has a very strong research base. Their research found that healthy infant development, good parenting and raising children who are emotionally connected go hand in hand with parents who have a good, satisfied relationship.

These programs are designed as an outreach and networking consultancy to parishes and the families of the Archdiocese. The emphasis is on the formation of local partnerships and service delivery to parish workers and families that support pastoral care within the parish.

The GodStart Program is available to assist parishes in their efforts to keep in touch with families in the early years before their child enters school. The program enables parishes to take an active role in helping parents teach their child about the love of God, remembering them through the GodStart Kit, which includes a series of beautifully illustrated cards and a prayer book.

For more information please contact Karin Kaiser on (03) 9287 5516 or use the following email link: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

• Download the latest issue of Cornerstone Newsletter (PDF)
• Download GodStart brochure (PDF)
  

A relationships program tailored to meet the needs of students in years 11 and 12

Developing Healthy Relationships…that’s what we do; but we are so much more than that! The Centacare Developing Healthy Relationships Team can present a range of sessions to students to assist in building healthy relationships with self, family, others and community. This is done in a dynamic, relevant, interactive and fun way. We pride ourselves on making a connection with the students that is both encouraging and personal.

Many Vietnamese community groups were consulted in the development of Centacare’s Vietnamese Couples Program. The feedback from the Vietnamese community to the Vietnamese workers was used to design and resource a program that would be most relevant to Vietnamese couples in Australia.