UCF Marriage & Family Research Institute

🎉𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐲' 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐬!🎉

A heartfelt congratulations to all the couples who committed to four weeks of learning, growth, and connection in the Project Harmony UNITE track. 💑✨ Your dedication to strengthening your relationship and investing in your future together is something to be proud of.

We hope the skills, insights, and experiences gained throughout the workshop continue to support your relationship long after the program ends. Remember, strong relationships are built one conversation, one act of kindness, and one intentional moment at a time. ❤️

Thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey. We wish you continued growth, connection, and happiness together!

💬 Interested in joining an upcoming workshop? Call us at 407-823-1748 to learn more and reserve your spot.

🎉 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐌𝐅𝐑𝐈! 🎉

We are proud to share that the Project Harmony 2.0 dataset, led by Dr. Sejal Barden and the Marriage and Family Research Institute team at UCF, has been released through the Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR), one of the world's leading social science data archives.

This milestone ensures that the knowledge gained through Project Harmony 2.0 will continue to make an impact long after the project's completion. Researchers around the world can now access the data to further study healthy relationships, relationship education, and family well-being.

What started as a commitment to supporting couples and strengthening relationships will now have the opportunity to inform future research and programs well beyond our local community.

Thank you to every participant, partner, educator, researcher, student, and team member who contributed to this achievement. Your work and commitment helped create a lasting impact.

Congratulations to Dr. Barden and the entire Project Harmony team on this remarkable accomplishment and contribution to the field.

𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐎𝐫𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨
🌴💙 Dating in Orlando | Father’s Day Edition + Summer Fun Guide 💙🌴

From peaceful garden picnics to arcade battles and magical movie nights, here’s your curated lineup of family-friendly and couple-friendly experiences across Orlando + surrounding areas:

🌿 Father’s Day Celebration
📅 Sunday, June 21, 2026 | ⏰ 9:00AM–6:00PM
📍 Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
💡 Relaxing garden picnic experience with scenic views. Dads get in FREE. Admission: $15 adults / $10 children.

🎉 Father’s Day Party
📅 Sunday, June 21, 2026 | ⏰ 12:00PM–4:00PM
📍 Margaritaville Resort Orlando
💡 Outdoor BBQ, inflatable games, lawn activities + prizes. Free entry, food & drinks available for purchase.

💃 Daddy–Daughter Dance
📅 Saturday, June 20, 2026 | ⏰ 5:00PM–8:00PM
📍 YMCA Orlando
💡 A heartfelt night of music, dancing, and memories. Tickets $35–$50 (+$5 per additional child).

🏎️ Mario Kart Arcade Tournament
📅 Friday, June 19, 2026 | ⏰ 5:00PM
📍 Dave & Buster's Orlando
💡 1v1 Mario Kart battles, power-ups, arcade competition. Winner receives $50 Power Card + bragging rights.

🚤 Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour
📅 Daily | ⏰ 10:00AM–4:00PM
📍 Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour
💡 Guided canal cruise through historic lakes + lush scenery. $20 adults / $10 children.

🧚 Fairy Doors in the Garden
📅 June 8 – Sept 7, 2026 | ⏰ 9:00AM–5:00PM
📍 Harry P. Leu Gardens
💡 Whimsical fairy door scavenger-style experience hidden throughout the gardens. Included with admission.

🎬 Summer Movie Express
📅 June 1 – Aug 13, 2026 | ⏰ Mon–Thurs | 11:00AM
📍 Regal Cinemas locations (various theaters)
💡 Family-friendly $1 movies + $3 snack deals all summer long.

✨ Whether you’re planning a date, family day, or intentional time with loved ones, Orlando is full of affordable ways to connect this summer.

💬 Which one are you adding to your calendar first?

𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲: 𝟓 𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝

💗 Caring for your mind isn't selfish—it's an important part of living well and building heal💗 Caring for your mind isn't selfish—it's an important part of living well and building heal relationships.

Sometimes the best thing we can do for ourselves and the people we care about is pause, check in with how we're feeling, and give ourselves the same kindness and compassion we so freely offer to others.

This week's You Tuesday reminder is all about making space for your well-being. Whether it's taking a short walk, reaching out for support, expressing your feelings, practicing gratitude, or simply giving yourself grace after a long day, small acts of self-care can have a meaningful impact on your emotional wellness and your relationships. 🌱

When we take care of ourselves, we're often better able to communicate, connect, and show up for the people who matter most.

✨ Which reminder in this carousel resonated with you the most this week?



A seven-slide Project Harmony carousel in soft pink and cream tones focused on mental wellness and self-care. The slides include reminders such as “5 Simple Ways to Take Care of Your Mind,” “Pause & Check In,” “Take a Reset Moment,” “Say What You Need,” “Choose One Small Support,” and “Give Yourself Grace.” The graphics feature calming illustrations, hands stacked together, emotional check-in emojis, and supportive mental health messaging. The final slide displays the Project Harmony logo on a minimalist pink and cream background.

There’s a quiet power in the way we move through our days. Not in grand gestures, but in the small, often unnoticed choices we make when no one is watching.

“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” — William James

This is a reminder that meaning isn’t reserved for the extraordinary moments. It’s built in the consistent ones. The way we show up in conversation. The patience we offer when it would be easier not to. The care we extend even when we are tired. The effort we make even when we are unsure if it will matter.

So often, we underestimate the ripple effect of our presence. A single moment of kindness can shift someone’s entire day. A single act of integrity can reshape trust. A single choice to keep going can change the direction of a life, sometimes our own included.

You may not always see the impact right away. But impact is not always immediate, and it is never insignificant.

Keep showing up. Keep choosing intention over autopilot. Keep acting as if it matters, because it does.



A text-based inspirational quote graphic featuring the words “Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” attributed to William James, set in a calm, minimal design meant to evoke reflection and mindfulness.

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤: 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞, 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.

🌱 Strong relationships are rarely built through one grand gesture alone.

More often, they grow through the everyday moments — checking in after a long day, offering support during stressful times, sharing a laugh, expressing gratitude, and making time to connect even when life feels busy. 💜

These small acts of care may seem simple, but they help build trust, strengthen emotional connection, and remind our partners that they are valued, appreciated, and loved.

Healthy relationships are nurtured through consistency, appreciation, and intentional effort. Over time, those everyday moments become the foundation of a stronger, more connected partnership.

✨ What's one small thing your partner does that makes you feel appreciated, supported, or connected? Tag them or share below. 💭💕



A six-slide Project Harmony carousel with vibrant pink, purple, and orange retro-inspired graphics focused on relationship connection and appreciation. The slides share messages about how strong relationships grow through consistent love, support, and connection, emphasizing that not every act of love is loud and that small moments of appreciation strengthen relationships. One slide asks viewers what their partner does that makes them feel appreciated, while another encourages sharing appreciation with a partner. The final slide features the Project Harmony logo on a colorful striped background with heart graphics throughout the carousel.

𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰? 𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫.

💙 Father figures play an important role in helping families thrive.

Their impact is not always found in grand gestures. More often, it is built through everyday moments, showing up, offering encouragement, sharing laughter, listening with care, teaching life lessons, and creating a sense of stability, support, and belonging.

Research continues to show that positive and involved father figures can contribute to children's confidence, emotional well-being, healthy relationships, and overall development. 🌱

The time spent together, the conversations shared, and the consistent presence along the way can leave a lasting impact that extends far beyond childhood.

At Project Harmony, we celebrate the fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, mentors, and father figures who help strengthen families through connection, support, and love.

Because presence matters.
Encouragement matters.
Connection matters. 🤍

Strong families are built one relationship at a time.



A bright pink informational graphic titled “Relationship Fun Facts: Did You Know?” featuring the message “Father Figures Matter!” The graphic explains how positive and involved father figures can support children’s emotional well-being, confidence, social development, learning, and family connections. On the right side, an African American father lovingly holds a young child while looking at them with care and attention. The Project Harmony logo appears at the bottom.

𝐀𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞𝐧

💙 In recognition of Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, we're reminded that strength is not about carrying everything alone.

For many men, messages about being "strong" can make it difficult to talk about stress, anxiety, fear, or emotional struggles. But true strength is found in self-awareness, growth, and having the courage to reach out when support is needed.

These affirmations are a reminder that your mental and emotional well-being matter. Prioritizing your mental health, expressing your feelings, setting healthy boundaries, and asking for help are not signs of weakness, they are signs of resilience.

The way you speak to yourself shapes how you show up for your relationships, your goals, and your everyday life. Give yourself permission to practice self-compassion, embrace growth, and recognize your worth.

This month, let's continue breaking the stigma and creating space for honest conversations about men's mental health. 💭✨

Which affirmation resonates with you most today? Share below. ⬇️




A bright pink graphic titled “Affirmations for Men” featuring eight square photos arranged in two rows. Each image shows individuals in everyday moments such as embracing a friend, sitting in meditation, exercising, or standing outdoors. Beneath each image are affirmations including: “My mental health matters, and I commit to caring for it,” “Asking for help is a sign of wisdom, not weakness,” “I face challenges with confidence and calm,” “I embrace my emotions and express them with courage,” “Taking care of my health is a priority and a strength,” “Every day, I grow into a better version of myself,” “I am strong, capable, and resilient,” and “I am worthy of respect and kindness from myself and others.” The Project Harmony logo appears at the bottom.

𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐎𝐫𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨: 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐬 𝐄𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Looking for fun ways to connect this month? ❤️ Whether you're planning a date night, making family memories, or simply trying something new together, the Orlando area has plenty of affordable events and experiences to explore. Sometimes the best moments happen through shared laughter, new experiences, and quality time together.

Which event are you adding to your calendar? 👇✨