History / Mission / Values

Mission

The University of Central Florida Marriage and Family Research Institute (MFRI) empowers couples and families to build strong, healthy, and lasting relationships through innovative research, evidence-based education, and accessible community support. We work to strengthen family well-being, promote resilience, and foster thriving communities.

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Our Commitment

We are committed to conducting and sharing rigorous research that deepens the understanding of relationships and supports meaningful clinical application. We value collaboration with community partners to enhance the well-being of individuals, couples, and families. We strive to ensure our services remain welcoming and accessible to all who seek them. We are also dedicated to the ongoing growth and support of our Institute team, recognizing that passion and compassion begin with us.

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Our Goals

1. Strengthen Families Through Evidence-Based Practice
   Generate pioneering knowledge and practical skills that enhance evidence-based support for individuals, couples, and families, while continuing to share impactful scholarship and foster a strong learning community.
2. Advance Research, Innovation & Scholarship
   Secure external funding to support high-quality research and evaluation that deepens understanding of family dynamics, informs effective, evidence-based interventions, and disseminates impactful scholarship while sustaining a vibrant learning organization.
3. Collaborate with Community Partners
   Build and sustain strong partnerships that expand impact and support the well-being of the greater Orlando community.
4. Promote Education, Training & Continuous Improvement
   Equip current and future practitioners with the skills required to support healthy relationships, while continuously evaluating outcomes to strengthen program quality and effectiveness.
5. Expand Access
   Provide services that are welcoming, reachable, and beneficial to all individuals, couples, and families who seek support.

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Our Values

1. Excellence through Teamwork
   We achieve the highest standards by working collaboratively, supporting one another, and fostering effective teamwork.
2. Empathy & Respect for All
   We honor the dignity, experiences, and voices of every individual and family, creating an environment that embraces varied perspectives.
3. Integrity
   We maintain high ethical standards in research, programming, and outreach, conducting ourselves with honesty and transparency.
4. Driven by Quality Service & Impact
   We are committed to delivering meaningful, evidence-based programs and services that improve lives and produce measurable outcomes.
5. Innovation & Continuous Growth
   We use evidence and academic excellence to continually enhance our work, generate new knowledge, and encourage personal and professional development.