Our History
Marriage Resource Center of Miami Valley (formerly Marriage Savers of Clark County) was established in January, 2004 as a catalyst to create a Community Marriage Policy. Having observed effective programs for families across the country, Bob Suver, Director of Clark County Department of Job and Family Services, stimulated interest in creating an "upstream" marriage strengthening agency to reduce divorce rates, teen pregnancy rates and social risk indicators of broken families.
Marriage Savers as a National AgencyFounded in 1996 as a non-profit agency Marriage Savers was formed by Mike and Harriet McManus and is based in Potomac, Maryland. The clergy of over US 200 cities have created Community Marriage Policies, with the help of Marriage Savers, a non-profit group created by Mike and Harriet McManus. The Clark County CMP signing was number 187 nationally. Mike and Harriet continue to play a strong role in advocating for marriage health and equipping communities to raise the standard for marriage.
Jeff Williams, first Executive DirectorAs a Christian Professional Clinical Counselor in the Clark County area, Jeff Williams guided MSCC through its inaugural year (2004) with the help of his wife, Jill, and many tireless staff and volunteers. He was also involved in marriage mentoring ministries in several churches. As of 2010 Jeff now directs Grace and Truth Counseling in Springfield, Ohio. He and his wife, Jill, have expanded their services into marriage coaching.
Leadership Transition to Lavern NissleyIn January of 2005 Jeff Williams relocated his family to the Washington, DC area to assume the role of Chief Operations Office for Marriage Savers national. Lavern Nissley, a local pastor and teacher was appointed to take Jeff's place as Executive Director of Marriage Savers of Clark County.
Lavern and his wife, Ronda, have been residents of Springfield since 1994. As Associate Pastor of Vineyard Church of Northridge for 8 1/2 years, Lavern brings experience in teaching, leadership, administration and multimedia communication. Ronda's background in financial analysis and nursing home administration have served the agency well in the acquisition and management of government funding.







