Model & Core Program

Detroit Marriage Movement engages in innovative, evidence-based practice to support parents and families.

Core Program

Our Core Program consists of three direct investments into parental partnerships:

1. Cash: The Marriage & Fatherhood Fund

   • Birthing parents who are married at any point prior to the birth of their child receive a $2,500 “nesting fund.”

   • Heads of household also receive a $250 monthly income match for the first 12 months of the infant’s life.

   • These investments address financial and structural barriers to marriage and healthy relationships during pregnancy, stabilize households during a financially vulnerable period, reinforce shared parental responsibility at the start of family formation, and reduce State of Michigan costs and administrative burden on family monitoring and enforcement agencies like Friend of the Court.

2. Coaching: The Relationship Checkup

   • An evidence-based tool developed by the University of Tennessee School of Psychology.

   • Supports pregnant couples and parents of infants in identifying and addressing relationship stressors before they escalate.

3. Community: The Leading Fathers Fellowship & Brunch

   • Community-based workshops that bring couples and parents together to address the challenges of fatherhood.

   • Centers fathers as providers, protectors, and nurturers.

   • Features food, music, speakers, and relationship-strengthening activities to increase participation and reduce stigma.