Elevate Your Relationship: Putting Couples’ Connection First
In the hustle of Forsyth County life—navigating the GA-400 commute, managing busy school schedules, and keeping up with the rapid growth of our community—it is easy for the most important part of our lives to drift to the back burner: our relationships.
As a member of the ELEVATE Team at UGA Extension, I often see families treat their cars to regular oil changes and their homes to seasonal maintenance yet frequently wait until a relationship is in “breakdown” mode before seeking support. This year, we are working to change that. On April 27, we successfully kicked off Forsyth County Extension’s very first ELEVATE workshop, and the energy in the virtual room confirmed what we already knew: Georgia couples are ready to prioritize their connection.
Beyond Communication: Practical Tools for Real Life
ELEVATE isn’t just another seminar or a clinical therapy session. It is a community-focused, evidence-based program to take your relationship to the next level. The virtual workshop is designed for committed couples in all stages of life—whether you are dating, engaged, or have been married for decades. My colleagues and I on the ELEVATE Team focus on providing partners with an actionable “tool kit” to handle the everyday stresses of modern life before they become overwhelming.
Rather than focusing on what goes wrong in a home, our curriculum focuses on seven core pillars that keep a partnership resilient. These aren’t just abstract ideas; they are skills that participants put into practice during the workshop series:
- Empower Yourself: Understanding that a healthy relationship starts with managing your own well-being and stress levels.
- Lay the Foundation: Making intentional choices about your future together rather than just “going with the flow.”
- Enlighten: Staying curious about your partner’s changing needs, dreams, and expectations.
- Value: Small, daily acts of appreciation and respect that build emotional “credit” in your relationship.
- Attach: Cultivating a deep friendship that serves as the bedrock of your partnership.
- Tame: Mastering the art of the “fair fight”—learning how to stay respectful even when you disagree.
- Engage: Connecting with friends and community supports that help keep a couple strong.
What ELEVATE brings to Forsyth County
As one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation, Forsyth County presents unique pressures. Financial stress, the “sandwich generation” struggle of caring for children and aging parents simultaneously, and the isolation that can come with moving to a new area can all strain a couple’s bond.
When couples have the tools to manage conflict and support one another, the ripple effect is felt throughout the county—in our schools, our workplaces, and our neighborhoods. A stronger relationship isn’t just about avoiding a breakup; it’s about creating a home environment where both partners—and their children—can truly thrive.
Join Us This August
Due to the incredible interest, summer workshops are already filled. The ELEVATE Team is preparing for our next round of workshops starting this August.
What makes this program particularly special for Forsyth County residents is its accessibility. Since this program is grant-funded, Forsyth County Extension is able to provide these resources at no cost to participants. Because we are committed to strengthening the fabric of Georgia communities, couples who participate in the workshops and follow-up surveys can even earn gift card incentives for their time.
The workshops are designed to be engaging and interactive. You won’t be asked to bare your secrets to a room full of strangers. Instead, you’ll participate in activities that spark private, meaningful conversations between you and your partner, guided by a team that understands the unique rhythm of life.
A Foundation for the Future
Investing a few hours in your relationship can change the trajectory of your family for years to come. In a county that is constantly building for the future, there is no better foundation to lay than the one at home.
The momentum has started, and my team and I are ready to welcome you. Let’s work together to ensure that every family in Forsyth County has the support they need to stay strong, connected, and elevated.
How to Learn More
Forsyth County residents can learn more about ELEVATE and upcoming workshops by going to the website: fcs.uga.edu/elevatecouples.
- Learn more through a video: https://www.fcs.uga.edu/elevatecouples/elevate-program.
- Connect Locally: Reach out to the Forsyth County UGA Extension office and ask me if you have questions.
- Spread the Word: If you know a couple who could benefit from a “tune-up,” tell them to Google “Elevate Couples.”
- Follow us on social media: Follow @elevatecouplesgeorgia on Instagram or Elevate Couples Georgia on Facebook.