Marriage & Relationship Education Center

Home of the Maryland Marriage

Initiative

Why MREC?

MREC (The Marriage and Relationship Education Center) is a champion for strong relationships, marriages, and families across central Maryland and southern PA. From the kitchen table, to the workplace, to the classroom, MREC is committed to helping people build stronger, healthier connections everywhere. Because when you invest in your relationships, you create a ripple effect that strengthens families, communities, and future generations.

Our Services

Couples

Churches

Resource Center

Community

Why Marriage Matters

No one marries expecting divorce. Most couples begin with hope and excitement, but many are unprepared for the real work of marriage. Marriage matters because it provides stability, love, and a foundation for raising the next generation. Strong marriages build strong families—and strong families build thriving communities. That’s why MREC exists: to equip couples with the tools and support they need for lasting, healthy relationships.

MREC’s Impact

Testimonies on the impact of MREC’s new Care & Grow Marriage Mentor Training program: Care & Grow is a wonderful tool that has multiple possible applications that will help any sized church build a marriage support ministry.

Melissa & Corey Borns, Emmitsburg Community Baptist Church

Having a curriculum like "Care and Grow" is a great tool for anyone who wants to help married couples .I so appreciate that this curriculum is Bible-based and can be used by pastors as well as lay persons in the local church.

Paul & Judy Andrews, Faith Family Church

Care and Grow has given us biblical insights and practical tools to support both our own marriage and that of other couples.

Tim & Kim Duvall, Westminster Baptist Church

I want to express my sincere appreciation for your continued partnership and support of health education in our schools. Your collaboration has been instrumental in enhancing the quality and reach of our programming, and I have been truly grateful for the shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of our students and community. Thank you again for your unwavering dedication and support.

Christine Tobias Asistant Supervisor of Health Education K-12, Carroll County Public Schools

Life changing! It shifted both mine and my spouse's way of thinking and communicating. It made me consider ideas that I never had before. I now have some additional tools to make sure I am constantly communicating with my spouse and keeping the lines open It changed the entire trajectory of our marriage - for the better! A key to happiness! The curriculum was incredibly beneficial…. Overall, the experience helped us grow closer as a couple, improved our communication, and gave us effective tools to serve others more confidently. On MREC’s support in starting a new marriage ministry…. “My husband and I launched our marriage ministry in June 2025. While exploring resources online, we came across the Marriage Relationship and Education Center (MREC) and decided to reach out. Amy has equipped us with valuable tools, information, and online training opportunities to help us grow our ministry [in Allegheny County]”

Corey & Lisa Moreland, Alleghany County