“The family violence class has done a lot for me in a short period of time.  I have been in the class for thirteen weeks now and it’s getting better as we go.  The main thing that I’ve learned and what Dr. Parks always speaks on is ‘controlling my emotions.’  This is the single most important point of the class in my opinion.  I admit that when I first started I didn’t think it would be beneficial at all.  I thought I would come and learn nothing, just trying to get my time out the way so I can be finished with the classes.  Back to my emotion, if I would have controlled my emotions the morning [of] the incident with me and my wife, I wouldn’t be in this position.  Now my attitude has drastically changed.  I’m not even trying to argue with my wife now.  If something does come up and flares my senses up, I reflect on (1) the classes and what I’ve learned and (2) not wanting to go to jail.  It’s simple now.  Just don’t add fuel to the fire or no oxygen to the flames by leaving.  When everything calms down or we are both talking to each other, we then come together and discuss what it was that took us to that place.  Lot more peaceful now.”
C.G., Family Violence Intervention Program (FVIP) Client

“I wanted to say thank you for the class.  It wasn’t anything like I expected it would be.  I learned quite a bit about myself, and even more about relationships….I honestly wished that I would’ve met and taken Mr. Parks’ course before I decided to jump into marriage.  If I had, my life and my circumstances now would have been a lot more positive. . . . If I had it my way, I believe Mr. Parks’ class should be a requirement in order to get married.  In fact, I think his course should be a mandatory class in high school just like Health and Physical Education.  If adults learned these lessons before getting married, perhaps those [divorce] statistics would change for the better.  There’s one thing that life never teaches us and that is how to be and act while in a relationship.  Anyway, thanks again for the course.  You made it very engaging and enjoyable, even if I felt stupid for not knowing some of the simplest concepts.  I know you said you don’t pass judgment onto others because it blocks any goals or potential that persons may have in your life, but as human beings we can’t help but wonder what other people think of us.  You have been such a positive and uplifting force in my life. . . . I just had to learn to radically accept what God and life had given to me. . . . I don’t plan on getting married (or even getting into a serious relationship) for a long time, but when I do I’ll be sure to apply the concepts and lessons you taught me.”
R.M.