From stress about health to worries about unemployment, the pandemic is straining many relationships.
That's why ShowMe Healthy Relationships is offering a free online relationship class for couples, Aug. 19 through Sept. 3.
"For couples who've been quarantined this is so helpful," Kellie Pontius, of Central Missouri Community Action, said.
The "7 Principles for Making Relationships Work" class for couples will discuss strategies and skills for building friendship, managing challenges, and strengthening bonds 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday evenings for five weeks.
Training facilitator Kathy Newlon said the classes can offer useful advice to young new couples and people who've been together for decades.
"The youngest (participant) we've had is 18, and the oldest was 84 or 85," she said. "It's never too late to get new information about healthy relationships."
ShowMe Healthy Relationships, in partnership with Central Missouri Community Action, has been offering online relationship classes all summer during the pandemic.
"We've had great feedback about the online classes," Newlon said.
She's heard from people who couldn't participate previously due to a lack of childcare. Now, they can join in from their own computers, with their children safe in the next room.
"This has actually been a good thing, I think, to a degree for us," she said.
This is the last ShowMe Healthy Relationships class before the grant that funds the program runs out, though Newlon hopes to receive a new grant and continue offering classes in October.
To take part, participants must be at least 18 years old and out of high school. Participants will also need a computer with a camera. Both partners will need to attend all five classes.
"We're unique to CMCA in that we don't have any income requirements," Newlon said.
At the end of the final class, each couple will receive a virtual $100 gift card to Walmart or Amazon (their choice).
To sign up or learn more, email [email protected] or [email protected]. or call 573-443-8705 (extension 1022). To stay informed about future classes, follow the "ShowMe Healthy Relationships Program Central Missouri" page on Facebook.
The ShowMe Healthy Relationships program has been providing classes for five years in Audrain, Boone, Callaway, Cole, Cooper, Howard, Moniteau and Osage counties. More than 282 couples, 489 singles and 86 incarcerated persons have participated in the program.