Be Strong International (BSI) is honored to announce a transformative two-year grant from the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation, a philanthropic leader dedicated to improving education, health, and community well-being. This extraordinary investment serves as a powerful affirmation of BSI’s mission to strengthen families and empower individuals with the Heart Skills® needed to build healthier relationships.
“This grant represents hope, stability, and possibility for so many families who are yearning for connection,” said Michelle Shirley, CEO and Chief Heart Officer of Be Strong International. “Strengthening relationships strengthens communities. When couples thrive, children thrive, and the entire family system has a better chance to break cycles of stress and instability. We are deeply grateful to the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation for believing in the work we do and the lives we touch every day.”
The DeLuca Foundation’s support will sustain and expand Marriage Matters, one of BSI’s most impactful relationship-strengthening programs. Grounded in compassion, communication, and emotional wellness, Marriage Matters provides a fun and engaging, multisession curriculum for couples seeking greater understanding, harmony, and connection.
The program goes far beyond traditional skills training. It helps couples build healthier communication patterns, strengthen mutual respect and emotional regulation, reconnect with one another after periods of stress or disconnection, and develop long-term habits that support a stable, nurturing home environment. Offered in both English and Spanish, Marriage Matters intentionally serves low to moderate-income families and couples facing significant life stressors. Thanks to this grant, BSI will be able to serve over 200 couples over two years, providing not only workshops but also coaching, partner referrals, and access to wraparound services such as financial coaching and mental health support. to moderate-income families and couples facing significant life stressors. Thanks to this grant, BSI will be able to serve
In addition to supporting the Marriage Matters program, a significant portion of the grant will allow BSI to establish its first Fundraising Department, a long-awaited step toward organizational sustainability. This new department will focus on strengthening donor gifts and increasing donor visibility, ensuring the organization’s long-term sustainability.
