URBANA, Ill. – Unmitigated, chronic relationship distress can significantly impair the health and well-being of individuals, their families, and the broader community. A University of Illinois Extension program was recently honored for its innovative approach to offer education and coaching for couples. Extension recognized the program’s groundbreaking approach to relationship mending by awarding the 9-member team with the Extension Team Excellence Award during a ceremony held in November in Urbana. The award recognizes professionals who develop, implement, and evaluate a program that addresses a priority issue. Team members include Extension educators Tessa Hobbs-Curley, Robin Ridgley, Cheri Burcham, Michele Crawford, April Littig, Judy Schmidt, Karla Belzer and Melissa Wilson; and Extension specialist Allen Barton. “About one-third of marriages may be distressed, and given current demographic patterns in Illinois, this equates to more than one million Illinois
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