Stronger Together: How Elevate Couples Georgia is Helping Relationships Thrive
Strong relationships don’t just happen—they take effort, communication, and support. That’s where programs like Elevate Couples Georgia come in. Designed to help couples build healthier, more resilient relationships, Elevate offers essential skills, community connections, and research-backed strategies to strengthen partnerships across the state.
In this interview, Lesleigh Sanders spoke with Ted Futris, Professor and Extension Specialist with the College of Family & Consumer Sciences at the University of Georgia. We spoke about the impact of Elevate, the importance of community support, and how organizations like this can make a real difference in people’s lives. Whether you’re looking for ways to enhance your own relationship or seeking great resources in your community, keep reading to learn more about this transformative program.
Elevate blends practical skills with an understanding of the physiology of human interaction to enhance knowledge and skills that are essential to healthy relationships.
What is Elevate and what is the purpose of this program?
The Elevate Couples GA Initiative is a grant-funded program supported by the Administration for Children & Families and the University of Georgia. Designed to equip couples with essential relationship skills and a supportive and engaging environment where partners can strengthen their bond and build lasting connections.
Utilizing the evidence-based ELEVATE curriculum, the program offers practical tools and mindfulness activities that help couples navigate stress and enhance emotional regulation. While not a counseling program, Elevate is an educational experience that empowers couples to embrace differences, effectively manage conflict, and foster deeper understanding. By participating, couples will learn how to validate each other’s perspectives and work together as a team, creating a foundation for a healthier and more resilient relationship.
“It’s all about managing conflict, oftentimes not resolving it”
A key benefit of the Elevate Couples GA Initiative is the sense of community support it fosters. Couples who participate engage in 12 hours of learning, interaction, and connection alongside others who may share similar experiences or be part of their local community. Through engaging activities and shared discussions, Elevate not only strengthens individual relationships but also creates opportunities for couples to build meaningful connections with one another.
Having a strong support system—whether through family, friends, faith communities, or other resources—plays a vital role in maintaining healthy relationships. Elevate provides a welcoming space where couples can learn, grow, and support each other through life’s challenges, reinforcing the importance of community in sustaining strong, lasting partnerships.
What are some key highlights of the Elevate Program?
Over the past four years, Elevate has served more than 1,200 couples from diverse backgrounds, with an impressive 75% graduation rate. The impact speaks for itself—9 out of 10 couples report feeling happier in their relationship after completing the program.
As an evidence-based program, Elevate includes a research component that helps assess its effectiveness. Couples have the optional opportunity to participate in research by completing surveys before and after the program. These insights allow the research team to evaluate the program’s impact, and so far, the findings are clear—couples who take part in Elevate report meaningful improvements in their relationships.
Did we mention this program is free AND you can receive money upon completing the program? Couples can receive up to $350 for completing the program and participating in the research.
Where do you see this program going moving forward?
As the final year of the grant approaches, the Elevate Couples Georgia team remains committed to strengthening relationships across the state. Currently, the program is offered in-person in seven counties and virtually, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of couples. While in-person workshops will conclude in June, the goal is to continue offering Elevate virtually—and, if possible, in person.
For Cobb County residents, in-person workshops will remain available through the UGA Family & Consumer Sciences Extension Program and community partners who are dedicated to supporting healthy relationships. The overarching mission is to ensure that couples across all areas of Georgia, especially those with limited resources, have access to this valuable program.
How can people sign up and what are some other details they should know?
Couples who are interested in the Elevate program can learn more here, including more information on upcoming workshops. In Cobb County, there is an upcoming in-person workshop starting on May 17th through June 14th. Additionally, there are several options available for virtual workshops through June. It is recommended to register a month in advance to ensure all of the registration steps can be completed prior to the first class.
Elevate can be found on Instagram and Facebook. On those pages, you can find relationship content including tips, statistics, and information on upcoming workshops. We encourage couples to sign up if interested in taking a step in strengthening the relationship!
