THIS POST TITLE IS:

CUT it OUT!! — NO MORE!!! Federal HHS Grants to: Evangelical Church Plants, Abuse-Excusers, New Age Gurus, Spiritual Psychologists — ALL of Them! (Publ. Oct. 12, 2012) (case-sensitive short-link ends: “-1aZ”)

I got really irritated on looking a few of these groups pushing marriage curricula, and networking with their out-of-state-buddies (and HHS), and basically so long as the grants come, who cares about the integrity of the subject matter?

I’m a woman. I also am a mother.

The problem is Bipartisan — and neither political party is my friend right now.  Hypocrites!

Have you ever heard of “The RIDGE PROJECT” in Ohio?  I looked them up.  You should too.  there’s a reason it’s the wife’s name as principal grantee (principal investigator on the grant) here, and not the husband’s.  Using that DUNS# to get the total:

Why would a single entity with the same DUNS# in just one (probably small) Ohio town show up on TAGGS under two different county names (Defiance, Henry).  Hmmm.  Just asking (I asked this question during 2022 update when I noticed it.//LGH)

Why should this family receive $13 million of federal grants (not even loans), and my kids forfeit overnight, basically 100% of their child support arrears (about $10,000 at the time) during custody switch, and me – my self-sustaining profession and contact with them — because our Administration has bought the gender-based value system?   Huh?  I committed no crime, neither did my kids.

But this woman’s husband (below) was in jail.  I guess that means he can be used.  Forming this nonprofit, and doing as they were told, helped provide for her family.

Guess what he was in jail for…

To make this narrow, I”m leaving out the “Grantee Name,” all are RIDGE Project, Inc

Four million in one year, two different grant series, if someone will go “fatherhood” as coached to:

(Without going into more detail, this as an unusual case, and I did read a lot about it.  There’s also family strife between Catherine and her family over the matter).  I could be reading it wrong — but if a judge puts a man, a father, in jail at the state level — then why should a federal agency come in and essentially communicate to him, his wife, and his kids — that’s OK, we don’t really consider it legit? and pay off Mom to start this nonprofit promoting fatherhood?  From the Linkedin on C. Tijerina:

**$13 million focused on fathers for ONE nonprofit?

It’s also openly religious and into training, of course.  This is what I mean by “proselyte.”

“The RIDGE Project offers support to other like-minded organizations, and provides training to other family-oriented programs. Additionally, we strive to inform individuals, communities, the media and local and national policy makers of the importance of strong families. Our outreach is founded on Jesus Christ and based upon biblical principles. We focus on reaching people where they are and training them to address the everyday challenges they face”

They’re working on the store/merchandise page (note:  I blogged this earlier, I think.  It had items for sale.  Maybe their income has warranted a website facelift?)

Here’s another federal grantee in Tennessee (First Things First, Baumgardner) also related to NARME (where they help get each other HHS marriage, etc. grants), helping promote other grantee recipients.  I caught two on this page, including Tijerna:

Man on a Mission

Carey Casey, CEO of the National Center for Fathering and author of Championship Fathering: How to Win at Being a Dad, was fortunate to have a very involved father. In his book, Casey recalls how his father would say, “Boys, let’s go for a drive.” Looking back, Casey realized it wasn’t really about the drive, but it was about what his daddy wanted to teach while he had a captive audience. His dad would say things like, “You know, boys, it would break my heart if I ever heard that you hurt a young lady in any way,” or “If it ever got back to me – and you know it would get back to me – that you boys were messing with drugs, we’d have to do some serious business. Know what I mean?”

Keeping the FAITH

After graduating from high school with a full scholarship and plans to become a lawyer, Catherine Tijerina found herself in an unimaginable place. Her husband had just been sentenced to prison for 14-25 years for a crime he did not commit. She sat in her driveway trying to figure out how to explain to her young sons why daddy didn’t come home that day.

No one helped me, a mother, explain to my clients and students — where were my kids, when they were overnight, illegally and permanently based on false allegations, returned to the custody of their father, who later abandoned them.  How do you think that messed with my plans?  This is a direct product of devaluation of mothers and over-valuation of fathers, commonly called “respect of persons,” and it’s common to the Christian faith, if not hallmark of it, nationally and globally.

In 1993, the Tijerinas began a program called Keeping FAITH (Families And Inmates Together in Harmony). Ron mentored imprisoned men while Catherine met with and encouraged their families.  In 2000, while Ron was still incarcerated, they founded the RIDGE Project.  They continued to mentor incarcerated men and work with their families while adding an after-school program to help at-risk or struggling youth.  In September of 2006, Ron was released from prison.  Within two weeks they were awarded a grant to work in prisons

He was in prison for child abuse!

The nonprofit helping support The Ridge Project got $7 million from HHS:

Well lookee here– there’s another one in Virginia:grants in 2004 & 2009 (why the “zero” grant in ’09?)

Here we go – – – again!

This corporation registered in March, 2003 per Virginia search:
General

Principal Office

Registered Agent/Registered Office

In a presbyterian church, “St. Giles” per the address:

BOB RUTHAZER
Director of Marriage Ministries

the incorporator (shortly before getting the grant) is also church staff and a “Certified Family Life Educator.”  Wonder (not really) where he got that certification from…

BOB RUTHAZER Email Director of Marriage Ministries http://www.stgiles.org/staff.cfm?staffid=2120&detailid=32349

This church is still figuring out what it believes — and is going for “ECO” Evangelical Covenant Order” and “Church Plants….” I’m not sure if this is also a pun (“plant”) or an attempt to bring in some of the progressive green party, i.e., “Eco” as well.  who knows?

They will be “growing and planting flourishing churches that make disciples of Jesus Christ.”

“plant new missional communities” “connect leaders in accountable relationships” (etc…..)

However, they know they’re still about abstinence to marriage, and no same-sex marriage:

Those who follow the changing “flavors” of denominations may have particular questions about our beliefs as they learn that we are in the process of changing denominations.  In October, 2011, we requested that our Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) presbytery dismiss us to a new denomination, the Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians (E.C.O.).  We anticipate that this dialogue with our PC(USA) presbytery will continue for some months, and we pray for a conclusion that will honor our Lord and posture us well for continued ministry.

Belief questions often lead to long discussions, and we’re happy to have those discussions with any inquirers.  Feel free to ask!  But in brief, here’s what we believe:

• We believe that Jesus is who he said he was, that through him God has made himself known as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and that through him alone God works his gracious salvation in the world and in our lives. 
• We believe that the Bible is inspired by the Holy Spirit and teaches the truth in all that it affirms.
• With the whole Church we delight to celebrate the central beliefs of Christianity as we affirm the Apostles and Nicene Creeds in worship.
• With the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) we believe that the best of our Reformed theological tradition has found a faithful form in our Book of Confessions, which will also be the Book of Confessions of the E.C.O.  As we enter the E.C.O., we are pleased to have as well a statement of essential tenets, which all officers must affirm.  
• We believe that issues of sexual morality are not the most important matters in the church’s life, but because they are contested in our culture and in some corners of the larger church, we have found it necessary to be clear that all who lead in our church will do so in fidelity in marriage between a man and a woman or chastity in singleness.  Paired with that standard is our eagerness to partner with all, heterosexual and homosexual, who seek our Lord’s gracious healing and transformation in this area of their lives. 

Yeah, OK . . . .

Get this — first, from Diane Sollee, protesting some South Dakota legislation (her company is in washington, D.C.) actually helping raise funds for domestic violence shelters via marriage licensing fees.  Rather, why not put more money instead into marriage counseling, she says?  (Note:  Money is already being diverted FROM shelters into the coalitions (statewide) “technical assistance/discretionary/shelters” basket — meaning less for shelters, more for indoctrination.  LIke I showed up at Duluth (DAIP), etc.  Here it goes!  The year here is 2000, per the website:

This issue was raised in the Oregon legislation in 1999. Married couples experience lower rates of domestic violence than cohabiting  couples, so it is counter-productive to raise the marriage license fees
to fund domestic violence shelters.**

If anything, we should combat this problem through encouraging marriage with lower licensing fees and, if anything, use any assignment of fees to make marriage/relationship conflict management skills courses free at the county level as is done in Cobb County, GA – for all couples – dating or married.

Legislation like this proposed in SD sends the wrong message -implying that increased numbers of marriages will increase the need for shelters!! – and that it thus makes sense to use marriage license fees to support domestic violence shelters. Better to raise the taxes on beer and alcohol.
-diane sollee

. . .
(and on the same message Mr. Ruthazer here, and yet another coalition he’s part of:

The Honorable Delegate McDonnell,

My name is Robert Ruthazer and I am currently serving as Executive
Director for Marriage Builders Alliance of Richmond a regional Clergy coalition
with the heads of every major denomination on our Advisory Board… a broad
coalition of Clergy and other Leaders in our state. Our purpose is to
share resources to strengthen marriage and to build strong marriages in
our community.

I am pleased with the general concept of HB 1534 on covenant Marriage but
am concerned by the wording for who may provide the counseling.

It is a
well documented fact that couples that have particular types of marriage
preparation have a more likely chance of staying married for life…
… but that preparation is as effective and more effective in many cases
when done as “Mentoring” and performed by lay people within a congregation
under the supervision of clergy… therefore, it is a disadvantage to
require that premarital counseling within churches be performed ‘in
person’ by the clergy. IT SHOULD INCLUDE “OR HIS DESIGNEE” after clergy
licensed to perform marriage.

Additionally there are a variety of Family Life Educators {{like me, in other words}} who should be
allowed to perform the training and mentoring.

Bob Ruthazer

**Oh yeah?  Know how many violent Christian marriages don’t get reported as DV, even when the wives report to the pastors, and to others, and then eventually end up in DV support groups?

The name in red is now “First Things First” per Virginia.  Lots of marriage-mongers in the state, most didn’t stay incorporated:

I guess they got a “DIVORCE” from the secretary of state as a corporation?

(here’s this site promoting his 2003-formed,no DUNS# that got $49,500 (recorded at least) for Compassion Capital — although he’s already Church Staff….Marriage Ministries….

First Things First of Greater Richmond, Virginia – Bob Ruthazer

(on their website):

Need a speaker? First Things First can provide experienced speakers to serve many different needs.

First Things First is pleased to provide speakers for many different occasions. 

Bob Ruthazer

Bob is FTF’s Founder and Program Director.  Bob is a Certified Family Life Educator with vast experience in workshop facilitation.  During his career, he has developed a “tell it like he sees it” style which complements his love and care for all.  Bob is eager to share his passion and skills with groups of any size.  If you would like to have Bob equip and motivate your group, please contact the First Things First office at 288-3431.

LeMar Bowers

LeMar is FTF’s primary fatherhood liasion on Richmond.  LeMar has his degree in counseling yet shares his passion for fatherhood initiatives, particularly in the urban community.  A husband, father, counselor, preacher and athlete, LeMar is eager to share his heartfelt message of fatherhood engagement and healthy relationship skills with your group.  If you would to have LeMar challenge and motivate your group, please contact the First Things First office at 288-3431.

Click on “marriages” and find out the curriculum is “Prepare/Enrich”: 

Enrichment: Marriage Mentors available

Meet couple to couple for confidential, fun and individual coaching using PREPARE-ENRICH inventory and exersizes. Contact Bob Ruthazer 

Prepare/Enrich is from Minnesota by a marriage therapist; I’m sure they get royalties when it’s used.  He has been involved with “Smart Marriages” apparently (that’s part of the conference circuit) He also was past president of another HHS grantee (conservative) “National Council on Family Relations”  They have a for-profit and are training facilitators (what else is new!)

The “$1 million” is a little misleading there — because it’s part of a marriage promo program for — I believe — Stepfamilies, which is shared by Utah State, and was 90FM0001 out of this series:

It’s fairly unusual to switch horses midstream like this, and I still wonder why! In fact, the switched states, grantees, and CFDA#s (plus spelled on principal investigator’s name two different ways within one grantee) for this one! X)X)X)

Being Christian/religious, no mention is made of restraint from abuse, in fact look:  one sentence to the man (actually the Bible has much MORE to the husband and less to the wife in Ephesians, an oft-quoted section justifying headship) and placing the responsibility for turning the man’s head on the woman — she is the neck!   So who is responsible when it goes violent then — HER?

Husbands: Love your wives Husbands are called to love their wives as as Christ Loves the Church… choosing her {{them}} above himself {{themselves}} and laying down his life.  {{their lives.  Pay attention!  is the sentence subject plural, or singular?}} ..Marriage Tip: A Wise Woman…[1]Most women are willing to show respect to their husbands, but they want the man to act respectable first. They are willing to show respect, but want their men to be worthy of it. [2]If a woman will learn to risk respecting her man when he is not perfect, he will open his heart to her and will become pliable to change. A man needs respect to feel safe enough to open up. When he feels he is being looked up to as the “head” in a relationship, he will automatically allow his wife to become the neck — she will be able to point her man in the right direction! Women generally have no idea how much sway they have over a man. The ancient Jewish proverb says, “The wise woman builds her house,” but “a disgraceful wife is like decay to his bones.” A wife is either building up or tearing him down her husband. – Mark Gungor.

“Each year thousands of couples attend his Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage® seminars. Mark’s candid and comedic approach uses unforgettable illustrations and the power of laughter to teach proven principles that are guaranteed to strengthen any marriage.”

G & S: PRE-RECORDED INSTRUCTIONAL DVDS AND CD-ROMS IN THE FIELD OF RELATIONSHIPS AND MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT. FIRST USE: 20030700. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 20030700IC 016. US 002 005 022 023 029 037 038 050. G & S: PRINTED INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS FOR USE IN THE FIELD OF MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT. FIRST USE: 20030700. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 20030700

IC 041. US 100 101 107. G & S: CONDUCTING WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS IN MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT. FIRST USE: 20030700. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 20030700

Registration Date	August 14, 2007
Owner	(REGISTRANT) Laugh Your Way America! LLC CORPORATION WISCONSIN 3475 Humboldt Road Green Bay WISCONSIN 54311
Attorney of Record	Arne M. Olson

PROVERBS 14: 1Every wise womanbuilds her house: but the foolish plucks it down with her hands.2He that walks in his uprightness fears the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despises him. 3In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them. 4Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox. 5A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies. 6A scorner seeks wisdom, and finds it not: but knowledge is easy to him that understands. 7Go from the presence of a foolish man, when you perceive not in him the lips of knowledge. 8The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit. 9Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favor. 10The heart knows his own bitterness; and a stranger does not intermeddle with his joy. 11The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.

(etc.) — does that sound like a section coaching women on how to manage their men?

1Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.2A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn. 3A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved. 4A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones. 5The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.

13And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth itwith good will at your hand. 14Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant. 15And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth. 16For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.

(there’s probably more significance to this; I”m just pointing out the selective and sloppy quoting of scripture by this grantee… who copied their name even, from the group in Tennessee to get $49K grant?)