FORT JACKSON, S.C. (Oct. 23, 2014) -- More than 30 Fort Jackson couples took the opportunity to go on a date night and improve their relationship skills during the Family Advocacy Program's Healthy Relationship Bingo event Tuesday at the Joe E. Mann Center.
Col. Michael Graese, Fort Jackson garrison commander, said he was happy to see so many couples participate.
"It's just good that you're here tonight," Graese said. "It shows the commitment that each of you has to strengthen your relationship."
Kamala Henley, a victim advocate with the Family Advocacy Program, said the organization wanted to emphasize prevention during this year's Domestic Violence Awareness Month main event.
"In the past, we've had survivors come and speak about their experiences being in abusive relationships," Henley explained. "This year, we want to highlight the positive aspects of relationships, show people what a healthy relationship looks like."
Henley said the idea is to engage couples in a playful manner to set the stage for continued relationship development.
"The purpose for this event is for couples to appreciate each other, find out what a healthy relationship is and how to maintain it once they have it, and how to avoid some of the red flags or the pitfalls we fall into sometimes," she said. "When you're in the beginning of a relationship, you always want to please the other person, and you sometimes fall away from that as you go along. ...We have to be reminded sometimes to appreciate each other and love each other and not take each other for granted."
The game used bingo cards with different categories instead of numbers. The categories included "Things to look for in a relationship," "Red flags," "Obstacles to a healthy relationship," "Green flags," and "Skill to build a healthy relationship."
Winners were awarded prizes, and all participants were treated to free dinner.
Henley said she hoped the games would stimulate couples to schedule regular date nights.
Family Advocacy Program victim advocates were also available to answer questions by participants, said Shenitha Shiver, an advocate with the program.
"Based on what (the couples) share we can make an assessment and (offer) different resources we have to assist them," Shiver said.
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