College of Human Sciences earns $6.25 million grant further expanding Alabama Healthy Marriage and Relationship Education (AHMRE) project

A multi-million dollar grant from the Office of Family Assistance, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services has been awarded to the College of Human Sciences Alabama Healthy Marriage and Relationship Education (AHMRE) project that will continue to provide much needed marriage and relationship education for adults 19 and older to promote healthy, stable relationships, marriages and stronger families throughout Alabama.

Evaluation studies of the AHMRE project, including a randomized control trial, revealed significant benefits for adult couples in Alabama, including stronger relationships, greater stability and improved mental health and household harmony. Building on this success, the program will enroll 1,700 couples over the five-year project period through 2030 after being awarded annual funding of $1.25 million.

Since 2002, AHMRE has benefitted thousands of program participants and their families and is one of the longest-running applied research projects on Auburn’s campus.

“The work conducted at Auburn University through the AHMRE Project can help move the needle in regards to well-being indicators,” said U.S. Sen. Katie Britt. “I am confident that funding this proposal ensures that more couples and families in Alabama will be healthier, more educated, empowered and strengthened.”

Steve Taylor, senior vice president for research and economic development, noted that the project benefited from the support of U.S. Senator Katie Britt. 

“We thank Senator Britt for her continued support of projects and research at Auburn University that benefit the citizens of our state,” said Taylor. “Initiatives like this one will continue to greatly benefit Auburn and our surrounding communities.”

The AHMRE project is a longstanding partnership led by Auburn University with four Family Resource Center partners in Talladega, Mobile, Chambers and Etowah counties. Marriage and relationship education, supplemental supports and family strengthening resources will be delivered in Auburn, as well as in partner counties. Trained co-facilitators will lead in-person classes throughout the year. In addition, facilitated virtual programs enhance access to all communities in Alabama.

“With this grant, the Alabama Healthy Marriage and Relationship Education project will continue advancing the College of Human Sciences’ mission to create a better future through the science of quality of life,” said College of Human Sciences Dean Susan Hubbard. “For more than two decades, Dr. Adler-Baeder’s vision, integrity and tireless work ethic have shaped one of Auburn’s most impactful and enduring applied research efforts. Her leadership has not only strengthened families across Alabama but also exemplified the power of research and education to transform lives.”

Focusing on three main objectives, the AHMRE project will increase access to marriage and relationship education, equip adults with skills to strengthen relationships and co-parenting and support healthy marriages and stronger family structures.