Our Story
Foundations for Family Success is a ministry dedicated to helping families to relate to one another better. Founded in 1996, shortly after Derek and Cheryl received their pastoral counseling certifications, they realized the need for a practical and pragmatic marriage ministry. They found many of the couples they were counseling simply lacked basic communication skills. In fact, many were simply stressed by their jobs, children, and even ministry.
These families needed quick easy solutions to their communication stalemates. They have a unique counseling approach, because couples are counseled by both of them-- together at the same time. While they had much success, they quickly realized they would burn themselves out, if they did not create tools for couples to utilize on their own. Their interactive journals help couples to communicate on a deeper level.
They also have a passion for families to serve Jesus Christ in a real and tangible way. Their books reflect this conviction. These days, the Carters do not individually counsel couples. Instead, they conduct workshops, teach seminars, and conduct couple retreats, so that more couples can enhance their relationships and experience Christlike oneness.
About Derek & Cheryl
Derek and Cheryl Carter have been joyfully married for over thirty years. They are authors, counselors, speakers and ministers. You will be blessed by their candor, synergy and vulnerability, which draws on their counseling, ministerial and personal experience.
The Carters have five children and have written books and developed materials to strengthen marriages. Both Derek and Cheryl have made notable contributions to family, marriage and parenting ministry.
Derek is the CEO of Intentional Dad, and the Administrative Director of the Strong Fathers Program of Forestdale. An ordained minister, Derek spearheads the marriage ministry at his local church. He is a clear communicator with a strong emphasis on the practical. He is active in the national homeschool community and is a strong family engagement advocate. He holds a pastoral counseling certificate, and has a BA in Urban Studies, and an MPA in Urban Policy and Administration.
Cheryl is a busy mother currently homeschooling her twin sons. She is also an active member of her local homeschool group, where she serves joyfully. In addition to teaching college English and creative writing part time, she is the founder and CEO of Life Legacy Books and Collegiate Learning Center. Cheryl’s presentations are thorough and insightful. She has degrees in English (BA), Special Education (MS), and an MFA in Creative Writing. She has post graduate certificates in counseling and college advisement.
The Carters are “practicing” Christians whom live a lifestyle of “professed” obedience to Jesus Christ. They are dedicated to helping others in their relationships, as well. Both Derek and Cheryl are enjoy facilitating workshops, seminars and family retreats. The Carters enjoy ministering together; their sharing is extemporaneous, humorous and practical. The Carters’ are transparent, practical and biblical in their approach to life and ministry.
These families needed quick easy solutions to their communication stalemates. They have a unique counseling approach, because couples are counseled by both of them-- together at the same time. While they had much success, they quickly realized they would burn themselves out, if they did not create tools for couples to utilize on their own. Their interactive journals help couples to communicate on a deeper level.
They also have a passion for families to serve Jesus Christ in a real and tangible way. Their books reflect this conviction. These days, the Carters do not individually counsel couples. Instead, they conduct workshops, teach seminars, and conduct couple retreats, so that more couples can enhance their relationships and experience Christlike oneness.
About Derek & Cheryl
Derek and Cheryl Carter have been joyfully married for over thirty years. They are authors, counselors, speakers and ministers. You will be blessed by their candor, synergy and vulnerability, which draws on their counseling, ministerial and personal experience.
The Carters have five children and have written books and developed materials to strengthen marriages. Both Derek and Cheryl have made notable contributions to family, marriage and parenting ministry.
Derek is the CEO of Intentional Dad, and the Administrative Director of the Strong Fathers Program of Forestdale. An ordained minister, Derek spearheads the marriage ministry at his local church. He is a clear communicator with a strong emphasis on the practical. He is active in the national homeschool community and is a strong family engagement advocate. He holds a pastoral counseling certificate, and has a BA in Urban Studies, and an MPA in Urban Policy and Administration.
Cheryl is a busy mother currently homeschooling her twin sons. She is also an active member of her local homeschool group, where she serves joyfully. In addition to teaching college English and creative writing part time, she is the founder and CEO of Life Legacy Books and Collegiate Learning Center. Cheryl’s presentations are thorough and insightful. She has degrees in English (BA), Special Education (MS), and an MFA in Creative Writing. She has post graduate certificates in counseling and college advisement.
The Carters are “practicing” Christians whom live a lifestyle of “professed” obedience to Jesus Christ. They are dedicated to helping others in their relationships, as well. Both Derek and Cheryl are enjoy facilitating workshops, seminars and family retreats. The Carters enjoy ministering together; their sharing is extemporaneous, humorous and practical. The Carters’ are transparent, practical and biblical in their approach to life and ministry.
