Active Relationships Center

09/03/2026

Brotherly love and baseball.

A home run and a high-five said it all during the College World Series when older brother Kolby’s team, University of Georgia, played Kyle’s team, The University of Oklahoma, in the semifinals of the College World Series that Oklahoma would go on to win. Kolby blasted a home run in his final college at-bat and Kyle high-fived him on his trip around the bases. A dream come true and an unforgettable memory for a family that has always supported each other.

“We’ve just always loved each other so much,” Kyle said. “It was always that that mattered the most.”

Not long after, Kolby was drafted by his hometown Texas Rangers. Sports encourage teamwork, unity, character-building, sportsmanship, leadership and good competition.

For more about building strong relationships and close families, visit activerelationships.com.

Two North Texas brothers could be on the verge of making a family l...

08/30/2026

A celebration of a job well done.

To go along with the joy, sadness, pride, relief, guilt and anticipation that accompanies going to college comes a recent trend, empty nester parties. It’s a time to reflect and be grateful for all parents have done to get their children to this life transition.

“She celebrates a lot of milestones for us, and I wanted to be able to give her some of that back,” Avery Engleman said of her mom.

But even with all the happiness and triumph, the shift can be difficult for both parents and their kids.

On our blog, Master Trainer Karen Anzak writes about the emotions of transitioning from a busy, energetic house to an empty nest.

After the kids are not living at home full time, your purpose will be redefined. Take time to rediscover it. If married, nurture your relationship. Think about how you can emotionally, physically and spiritually support your spouse.

Young adults need you in a different way. They need you to support and believe in them as they learn to manage on their own.

Keeping an open mind, listening and communicating honestly will make for a smooth transition. 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 programs can help parents and couples communicate with compassion and maintain closeness in this new phase. Visit tinyurl.com/ARCblogEN for the full blog post.

A new trend has kids flipping the script on their parents before th...

08/27/2026

Kindness is powerful.

It spreads quickly and brings communities together with one mission. For an Alabama neighborhood, that meant helping the family of Alabama Air National Guard Captain Thomas Awtrey while he was away on deployment. Whether it was meals, notes or assistance with everyday tasks, small acts demonstrate appreciation, care and connection and can strengthen all your relationships.

“Our boys got to see this is what it looks like to be a part of a tribe, a village, a group of people that are going to take care of each other,” said Awtrey’s wife, Rachel.

𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 programs help build strong relationships, close families and resilient communities. To find out more, visit activerelationships.com.

https://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/neighborhood-celebrates-homecoming-of-national-guardsman-after-deployment-267549765873

An Alabama neighborhood turned out to celebrate the homecoming of Alabama Air National Guard Captain Thomas Awtrey. His wife, Rachel, says friends, family, and neighbors stepped up to help their family while he was deployed overseas. NBC News’ Tom Llamas reports.

08/22/2026

A Spokane teen pianist brought music’s healing power to life for his community recovering from recent wildfires.

𝑨𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒈 𝑨𝒅𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒔 (ARYA) introduces and nurtures valuable life skills that enable youth to improve their relationships and psychological health. For more about how ARC’s programs are used in schools, visit activerelationships.com/schools-youth-community.

Gavin Stroup and his family were forced to evacuate during the Upriver Fire earlier this summer.

08/20/2026

Service dogs bring confidence, freedom, promise and independence.

Canine Companions recently graduated 10 new service dogs during a leash-passing ceremony that marked a new beginning.

“A dog is a helper but also a friend and a family member,” one recipient said.

During Active Relationships’ 𝑨𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝑴𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝑭𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒔 program, a dog walks participants through the program, which utilizes art, games and stories to start building meaningful relationships between young children and adults. Visit activerelationships.com/military-strong-bonds-training to learn more about our military curricula.

Canine Companions welcomed its newest class of service dogs and for...

08/16/2026

Following devastating wildfires in Spokane, Washington, a community came together to celebrate its strong spirit, show appreciation for first responders and begin healing.

𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 programs help build strong relationships, close families and resilient communities. We also have a program geared toward first responders becoming their best selves. To find out more, visit activerelationships.com/training-programs-curricula.

08/13/2026

One Idaho father and son now have a daily ritual: playing catch. Earlier this month, Reed and Colby McCashland reached the milestone of having these moments of connection every day for a year.

“Life gets busy; schedules get crazy,” Reed McCashland said. “But we set aside those five to 10 to 15 minutes every single day to spend time with each other, it just gives us a chance to connect, it gives me a chance to get to know my kids beyond the surface-level things and it gives me a chance to really build some memories with them.”

ARC’s 𝑨𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝑭𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒔 program builds life and relationship skills through races, art, games, stories and positive experiences for stronger connections. Visit activerelationships.com/training-programs-curricula to learn more!

Like so many fathers and sons, Reed McCashland and his 10-year-old son Colby love to play catch. Last summer, they set out to throw a ball together every day for a year. NBC News’ Tom Llamas caught up with them right after they hit their goal.

08/08/2026

Grateful beyond words.

On Purple Heart Day, we honor the men and women wounded or lost in defense of our freedom.

Today, a grateful nation gives thanks and assures that their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

08/04/2026

Happy 236th Birthday to the U.S. Coast Guard! Thank you for the honor, respect, devotion and dedication you give every day.

07/30/2026

The transition to college is different for everyone. Some teens need more support, while others are ready for independence. As we approach “drop-off” season, one mom reflects on the roller coaster of emotions that is senior year and offers some tips to streamline getting the dorm room set up.

Young adults need their parents in a different way. They need you to support and believe in them as they learn to manage on their own. ARC Master Trainer Karen Anzak provides some insight on what this means for parents on this journey. tinyurl.com/ARCblogEN

Author and mom Christina Geist (Before You Fly Away: Life Lessons From Home) has advice for college drop off, especially for first time college parents.