SILOAM SPRINGS, Arkansas (Aug. 28, 2025) – The Center for Healthy Relationships at John Brown University is proud to announce an expansion of its programming through its signature BRAVE Relationships workshops, designed specifically for those serving on the front line.

The BRAVE curriculum equips first responders with tools to cultivate strong personal relationships, with a special focus on romantic and intimate connections.

This new initiative, made possible by a generous gift from Arvest, will focus on relational health among first responders. In partnership with the Siloam Springs Police and Fire Departments, the CHR will deliver the BRAVE Relationships workshops to local first responders.

“We believe everyone deserves access to healthy, thriving relationships,” said Rosemary Flaaten, Ph.D, executive director of the CHR. “We’re honored to partner with our local police and fire departments to bring this transformative program to those who give so much of themselves every day. On every shift, our first responders are brave, and we hope to help them build BRAVE relationships at home, as well.”

For more information about the Center for Healthy Relationships and its BRAVE curriculum, visit chr.jbu.edu.

John Brown University is a leading private Christian university, training students to honor God and serve others since 1919. Arkansas’ top-ranked university (The Wall Street Journal) and top-ranked regional university (U.S. News), JBU enrolls more than 2,200 students from 37 states and 42 countries in its traditional undergraduate, graduate, online and concurrent education programs. JBU offers over 50 undergraduate majors, with top programs including nursing, psychology, business, computer science, construction management, graphic design, family and human services, and engineering. Eighteen graduate degrees are available in business, counseling, cybersecurity, and education.

The Center for Healthy Relationships (CHR) at John Brown University, established in 1998, equips individuals, couples, families and communities with practical, innovative tools to foster flourishing personal and professional relationships. Through initiatives like Relationships@Work, Team Marriages and the CHR on Campus, the Center offers workshops, resources and support rooted in God’s design for connection and commitment. Over the past 26 years, the CHR has hosted more than 1,500 events and reached over 35,000 people — many at low or no cost — to encourage healthier, more relationally effective communities.

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