Marriage Matters History

Marriage Matters Jackson got its start when the Weatherwax Foundation, a private foundation in Jackson, Michigan, approached the United Way of Jackson County with a request to convene a community planning team to explore the possibility of a healthy marriage initiative in Jackson County. The county has a higher divorce rate than the state of Michigan average.

The Weatherwax Foundation took an interest in funding the initiative because many of the problems crossing their desks were related to family breakdown. If a healthy marriage initiative could address the issue, it could reduce other problems down the road. This philosophy also fit with the United Way’s goal of addressing root causes to prevent problems from occurring in the first place.

After a nine-month planning and exploratory phase, during which a committee explored opportunities to strengthen marriages in Jackson County, by providing education, preparation and enrichment activities in support of marriage, Marriage Matters Jackson was born in 2006. MMJ continues to be funded through the Weatherwax Foundation and additional funding has been secured through a federal grant.

The rapid growth of MMJ has been reflected in the staff additions. MMJ began with 2 employees and, now employs six staff members who work on the healthy marriage initiative. MMJ is supported by Executive and Advisory Committees, as well as working subcommittees comprised of clergy, business and human service professionals, educators, and interested citizens.