Active Relationships Center

03/06/2026

More than 650 athletes will gather in Milano-Cortina as the 2026 Winter Paralympics open today. Team USA features 72 athletes including nine with military ties. Here’s a rundown of who to look for during the 50th anniversary of the competition and 14th Winter Paralympiad, which continues through March 15. 🇺🇸

Like the Paralympics, 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬' military programs build resilience and readiness. Visit activerelationships.com/military-strong-bonds-training to learn more about our curricula for service members and veterans.

The 2026 Paralympic Winter Games begin with Friday’s opening ceremony, with competition March 7-15.  As with the Winter Olympics, NBC, Peacock and USA Network will carry coverage of the Paralympic Games.

03/02/2026

"𝐶𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠."

A Florida fourth-grader struggling at school came back to her desk to find a “noteworthy” pick-me-up from her entire class.

“Words are very powerful and something as simple as some positive words on a sticky note have caused such a positive reaction. Kindness spreads kindness.”

Small acts demonstrate appreciation, care and connection and can strengthen all your relationships. 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 programs empower people of all ages to lead happier, more rewarding lives. To learn more, visit activerelationships.com.

A Florida fourth grader was feeling down about her reading skills, so one of her classmates came up with a way to brighten her day. Students wrote inspiring messages on sticky notes, covering her desk and chair with positive messages to inspire confidence. NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Llamas reports.

02/26/2026

Natasha Norie Standard didn’t stop looking for ways to serve others after she retired from the military.

The former paratrooper knew that, during her service, her military-issued combat boots didn’t fit correctly and that the uniform sizing caused discomfort for her and many of her female colleagues in arms.

With a drive to find a better way, after earning a master’s degree in fashion, Natasha studied shoe design in Milan before founding her female-focused shoe company, Eqwal Footing, in 2019. Now sending out about 15,000 boots a quarter, Natasha beams with pride.

“It’s not going to be easy, but once you reach your goals, it builds up a callous saying that you can do this,” she said.

A woman-owned business, 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 proudly serves the military community with programs that focus on resilience, mindfulness and communication. Visit activerelationships.com/military-strong-bonds-training to learn more.

Natasha Norie Standard founded Eqwal Footing and developed the first military-grade combat boot designed specifically for women.SUBSCRIBE to GMA: https://you...

02/22/2026

Moms and dads are heroes, role models and memory-makers for their sons and daughters. There are nine moms representing Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics, and all three men’s dual moguls medalists are fathers of young kids.

ARC’s 𝑨𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝑭𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒔 program builds life and relationship skills through races, art, games, stories and positive experiences for stronger connections. Visit activerelationships.com/training-programs-curricula to learn more!

American moms Elana Meyers Taylor and Kaillie Humphries celebrated with their kids after winning medals in monobob. They are two of nine moms competing for Team USA at the Olympics. Meyers Taylor told NBC News’ Molly Hunter that motherhood is more challenging than winning an Olympic medal.

02/20/2026

A motor transport operator, PFC Spencer Howe hopes to eventually become a military chaplain. The first figure skater in the World Class Athlete Program, he and his partner, Emily Chan, finished seventh in the pairs event.

ARC works with chaplains and readiness personnel to serve military members and families. Our goal is to help service members keep their families close through building strong, healthy and resilient relationships.

Like the Olympics, 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬' military programs build resilience and readiness. Visit activerelationships.com/military-strong-bonds-training to learn more about our curricula for service members and veterans.

02/17/2026

Today, February 17, is National Random of Kindness Day!

Little choices we make throughout the day in our interactions with others such as offering a compliment, being a listening ear or simply smiling and being present create micro connections and give us a mental health boost.

“It just feels good to make somebody else feel good sometimes,” said Matina Fabian, Hegira Health Director of Adults Outpatient Services. “So, it’s really good for our mental health to get that little boost.”

𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 programs empower people to lead happier, more rewarding lives. To learn more, visit activerelationships.com.

Celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Week by spreading positivity and learning how kindness benefits your well-being.

02/14/2026

𝓗𝓪𝓹𝓹𝔂 𝓥𝓪𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓮’𝓼 𝓓𝓪𝔂 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝓐𝓬𝓽𝓲𝓿𝓮 𝓡𝓮𝓵𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷𝓼𝓱𝓲𝓹𝓼! Today isn’t just for couples – it’s a day to nurture all relationships.

Celebrate everyone you love! Whether it’s with frozen yogurt, a hike, a family dinner, a game night or just the two of you, doing fun things together can help everyone feel closer and more connected.

Learn more about our programs for families, teens, singles and couples at activerelationships.com.

02/12/2026

With the Paralympics coming to the world stage next month, the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs recently held a hearing on the impact of adaptive sports – not just for elite-level competitors but also for those looking for more opportunities around their communities.

Adaptive sports are known to improve eye-hand coordination as well as overall strength. Gabriel George, a retired Navy corpsman and disabled veteran, now works as a director at a nonprofit, Military Adaptive Court Sports.

“I am here because adaptive court sports are not recreation,” said George, whose right arm is amputated. “They are neuro-motor physical and social rehabilitation disguised as sport.”

To learn how 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬’ military programs also empower service members and veterans, visit activerelationships.com/military-strong-bonds-training.

Senators examined legislation that supports disabled veterans in adaptive sports, including elite athletes who advance to global competition.

02/08/2026

After 26 years in the U.S. Navy, Gary Schacher is being honored with a trip to the . A longtime member of the American Legion, he worked to form the Patriot Highlander Challenge obstacle course for New York veterans.

“Because you’re so involved with your team, whether it’s military or athletics, the camaraderie is just unbelievable, and it’s part of why I joined The American Legion after I got out of the military was to keep that camaraderie,” Schacher said.

Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart, along with sponsors, presented the lifelong Jets fan with tickets. Schacher will also have the chance to meet Dart and several other players during his experience.

“Coming from a military family myself, it’s important for me to honor those who served because we wouldn’t have the chance to do what we love on Sundays without the sacrifices made by heroes like Gary,” Dart said.

𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 proudly serves the military community with programs that focus on resilience, mindfulness and communication. Visit activerelationships.com/military-strong-bonds-training to learn more.

‘It’ll be a memory that will never be forgotten,’ GMC Gary Schacher said of his Super Bowl trip

02/05/2026

In his second Olympics, Army Sgt. Frank Del Duca, a bobsledder with Italian heritage, will carry the U.S. flag in the opening ceremony of the 2026 Milano Cortina Games alongside speedskater Erin Jackson.

"Nearly everyone in my family is of Italian descent," Del Duca said. "There is no greater honor than leading Team USA into the opening ceremony in Italy. It feels like a bridge between my family's heritage and the country I’m so proud to serve."

Active Relationships proudly serves the military and veteran community. To find out more about our programs, visit activerelationships.com/military-strong-bonds-training.

Frank Del Duca, a bobsledder from Bethel, will lead Team USA into the opening ceremony alongside speedskating champion Erin Jackson.

02/01/2026

Jackie Schiemann and her guide dog, Tyrus, are traveling the country, seeing as many national parks and historic sites as they can together.

Jackie’s eye condition makes it hard to see in sunlight. Tyrus helps her navigate and find people outside.

“It was literally love at first sight I think between the two of us,” Jackie said about the pair’s first meeting roughly three years ago.

The two have been to the Grand Tetons as well as Rocky Mountain National Park and taken a break on the beach in Florida.

“I call him the best dog in the world – my soul dog.”

𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 programs empower people to lead happier, more rewarding lives. To learn more, visit activerelationships.com.

01/27/2026

Ready to continue a family tradition of service, Sean Steo thanked his school community for quite the sendoff – one featuring 728 flags, one proudly waving in the hand of each student.

“My grandpa was in the Navy for 20 years; my dad was in for 26 years,” the middle school PE teacher said. “Getting the opportunity and chance to just be a part of that, it’s a real honor in and of itself.”

Just as he has done at his job in Idaho Falls, he looks forward to the opportunity to make an impact.

“… Be the good that walks into the room, and let the people around you think you’re making things better with your presence.”

𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 proudly serves the military community with programs that focus on resilience, mindfulness and communication. Visit activerelationships.com/military-strong-bonds-training to learn more.

Sean Steo is a physical education teacher in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He was in for a major surprise when his middle school students came together to salute him b...