Financial Security for All (Curry County)

The Annual Extension Holiday Showcase, “A Christmas for Everyone”, was presented three times to approximately 389 people. Many different items were made, displayed and demonstrated during the program. The program gives a variety of ideas on gift giving, decorating, and food ideas on helping consumers prepare for Christmas and the holidays. These gifts can save the participants money and also provide meaningful gifts. Attendees receive a booklet with step-by-step instructions. 90% of the participants, on the questionnaire reported they gained information on how to manage their money and/or time in preparing for the holidays.

Three Quilt Workshops was presented to 32 ladies, including “Hobo Quilt” and “Diamonds Are Forever” patterns. The workshop was designed so the participant could choose to construct the quilt that best suited them. This workshop included how to coordinate fabrics for the quilt, rotary cutting techniques, sewing instructions, and how to bind and quilt a quilt top. Each of the three workshops met four times to enable the participants to complete the project. Each participant gained knowledge in at least one quilting technique that none of them had acquired prior to this workshop. As a result the participants can save money by constructing their own quilts as compared to purchasing a handmade quilt. These workshops enabled the participants a way to make a useful item for their home and family.

An “Emergency Preparedness” program was presented at Melrose Senior Citizens, Curry Resident Center, Baxter Senior Center, Grady Senior Center, Extension Homemakers Leader Training, and at the Clovis Carver Library. The participants learned about the important papers they need to gather and how to store them to be ready to evacuate from their homes or incase a disaster damages their homes. The participants learned about keeping medical records, insurance records, titles to property and options for storing them safely. The participants also gained knowledge on why and how to make a plan in the event an emergency occurs.115 people participated in the workshop, along with distributing information to 120 others.

Knowing Your Credit Reports and Credit Reports was presented to 69 adults at the Retired Teachers Association September meeting. Attendees learned how to obtain a credit report, what is in a credit report, what affects a credit score and how it fluctuates, and what to do to improve credit scores. Credit card misuse was also discussed. 30% of the participants acknowledged that they have recently obtained their credit report. Approximately 50 % replied that they plan to get a report based on information presented in this program.

Newsletter articles have been written this year to increase knowledge in the matters of financial security. This newsletter is sent monthly to 260 household of all ages and life stages.
 

Knowing Your Credit Reports and Credit Reports was presented to 53 adults at the monthly program for Parkland Baptist Church. Attendees learned how to obtain a credit report, what is in a credit report, what affects a credit score and how it fluctuates, and what to do to improve credit scores. Credit card misuse was discussed in each of the sessions. Several participants acknowledged “I wish …My kids could hear this program.” Additional information was given to those who requested it for family or friends. Approximately 60% of the participants responded to the questionnaire that they are planning to obtain their credit reports.


Two Gingham Rose Quilt Workshops and a Crossing Pathways Quilt Workshop was presented to 49 ladies. This workshop included how to coordinate fabrics for the quilt, rotary cutting techniques, sewing instructions, and how to bind and quilt a quilt top. Each of the three workshops met four times to enable the participants to complete the project. Each participant gained knowledge in at least one quilting technique that none of them had acquired prior to this workshop. As a result the participants can save money by constructing their own quilts as compared to purchasing a handmade quilt. These workshops enabled the participants a way to make a useful item for their home and family.



This agent organized and presented the Annual Extension Showcase. The theme for this year was “Farm House Christmas”. The showcase was presented three times to approximately 411 people. The program gives a variety of ideas on gift giving, decorating, and food ideas with step by step directions on helping consumers prepare for Christmas and the holidays. Attendees receive a booklet with instructions on every craft and food item that was presented. 83% of the participants, on the questionnaire reported they gained information on how to manage their money and/or time in preparing for the holidays. This program has been a favorite for people in Curry County as well as the surrounding area for the past 25+ years.



A Money and Time Management program was present to the 12 Rain Dancers, (foster parents) along with 4 foster teens. Participants received information on how to keep a money and time log, to see where their money and time goes. Information was gained on how to set goals, plan, and prioritize. Through the oral evaluation about 95% could see a need in implementing goals associated with money and time management. About 75% thought they could actually make money and time management changes in their lives.

Glenda A. Belcher has signed on to support Financial Security for All within Curry County.