The Third Option was the recipient of a prestigious Impact Award at the annual International Smart Marriages Conference in Dallas, June 2005. Receiving the award for The Third Option was Patricia Crane Ennis, M.S.W. (above), creator of the program.
In presenting the award Diane Sollee, director and founder of the Coalition for Marriage, Family and Couples Education, recognized the program for it's "teach-out-of-the-box" and professional, researched-based features.
Diane Sollee said, 'I find The Third Option to be the optimal program. It's
practical, effective, affordable, couple-friendly, and instructor-friendly. It
stands out in the field from the dozens of marriage education programs.'
The award plaque reads, "For The Third Option, an examplary and extraordinary
marriage education program that sets the standard for all to follow."
The interdenominational group program began in 1988 and has since expanded to include other versions. Because the program was designed as ministry the manual has been kept very affordable. No special training is necessary.