Financial Security for All - Personal Finance

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

CREATIVE CRAFTING ON A BUDGET WORKSHOPS

Twelve creative crafting classes were offered to a total of 128 participants with the objective of encouraging the development of homemaking skills on a limited budget. Classes included, Simple Snacks, Microwave Candy, No-sew fleece accessories, Tile stamping, holiday kissing balls, Card Stamping, Bean Bag Warmers, Recycled Card Ornaments, and Dream Box Gifts. Participants were provided with supplies and informed as to the actual cost of the supplies (all VERY reasonable), directions and encouragement. Discussion was focused on cost per serving, ingredient substitutions, recycling, different uses for completed craft projects and ideas for gearing crafts to kids. Upon completion of programs, 90% of participants reported they would create the snack/craft item again, 70% would involve their child/children in the craft project and 85% would use the snack/craft as a gift for someone else.

The Foot in the Door program was selected to be presented during the NEAFCS Conference in September 2011. Of the professionals attending this presentation, 95.6% responded that the organization of the session (in regard to coherence, logic, order) was excellent. Ninety-five percent responded that the presenter's knowledge about the topic was excellent. Seventy percent reported "excellent" in regard to evidence of a research-based content. Of those responding, 70% rated their level of knowledge on this topic AFTER the training as excellent and 30% as good. Comments from participants included, "I look forward to starting this program in our county." "Outstanding program! I plan to help people in my community with the same problems".

Since developing the "Foot in the Door" job skills/re-entry program in 2009, the agent has taught the program to over 250 Valencia County residents (76 men and 141 women). The program has been provided at drug and alcohol rehabilitation/education centers, domestic violence shelters, parenting (adult and teen) programs, after school and summer youth programs, ESL classes and through referrals to the county extension office. Upon completion of the program, 97% of participants reported that they found the program to be "very useful". Ninety-two percent felt they had learned specific things that would help them during their job search. Within six months of completing the program, 89% of the contacted participants reported that they were more aware of how to successfully complete a job application. Ninety-three percent completed the program with a professional resume. Of those participants who could be contacted, 50% reported they have actively searched for employment using the program's materials and 25% had obtained employment.

Comments on evaluations from participants: "You and this program boosted my enthusiasm and confidence to enter the working world once again!" "I have learned A LOT in a very few days. I never knew all the psychology behind interviewing. I'm going to ACE my next interview!" Upon being handed her first resume one participant stated, "I can't believe I have one of these. I only thought important people had one."

An email from a former participant: "Thanks for checking in with me. I'm still doing great! This job has been a challenge at times but it's been worth it. Can you believe I've already been working here for over a year? I would never have got this job if it hadn't been for your class, my effort and that resume. My supervisor is encouraging me to apply for a manager training position. I'm going to do it!"

The October 2010 Extension Association program was on “Home Remedies.” Since home remedies do not usually have a research base, the members provided their own program by bringing remedies that they have tried and had work for them. The remedies were then compiled into a booklet and provided to every member in November.

Hosted a series of Lunch and Learns around the curriculum “Small Steps to Health and Wealth.” There were only 5 participants who met for 9 Friday lunches. At each session three of the 25 strategies were covered. The first class was an introduction and goal setting session. The participants reported implementing several of the strategies and that they were reducing some expenses. All had worked to increase their activity level, which had become easier because of the nicer weather. At several sessions, participants expressed the concern many people needed this great information, but were not willing to come to a class.

The introduction to how health and wealth are related and the 25 strategies in the curriculum “Small Steps to Health and Wealth” was presented to 9 young mothers at a church group and to 30 Extension Association members in 3 clubs. They used the Wellness Wheel activity in the curriculum to determine which areas they needed to focus on.

Weekly posts of small steps encouragements were posted on the Quay County Extension Office facebook page and articles on health and wealth from the Small Steps web site were used in monthly newsletters.

The Extension Association Members also received complete programs on 4 of the strategies to use as their monthly club programs. The strategies were “Unload Your Childhood Baggage”, “Commit to Making a Change”, “Think Balance-Not Sacrifice”, and “Compare Yourself with Recommended Benchmarks.”

The “Beck Bakers” asked for a program on services the Extension Office offers. In addition to a brief description of our services, presented a program on the importance of having insurance paperwork and other paperwork gathered and in a firebox in care of an emergency. An Emergency Backpack was exhibited and the importance of having the items in the backpack gathered in one place was shared. Provided the9 members of the group with several handouts on being prepared for an emergency.

Provided 3 Extension Association Clubs program materials from the NM Attorney General’s Office on Finding Quality Car Repair. The “Car Repair Guide” discusses various repair needed symptoms and possible fixes and then what you should discuss with the mechanic. This was a much appreciated program for some of our widows.

During a Hospice Cooking for One School presented an hour presentation on paperwork you need to have together in case of an emergency. Handouts used were What Records Should You Keep and Organizing a Home File System from the NMSU Extension How to Publications and the Medical Records and The Emergency Financial First Aid Kit from FEMA. The discussion focused on having everything together and making sure that a trusted family member knows where the paperwork is. Several participants expressed appreciation for the program and stated at least one thing they were going to go home and find for their emergency box. Eight people were present.

The Annual Extension Holiday Showcase, “Believe”, was presented three times. Many different items were made, displayed and demonstrated during the program. The program gave a variety of money saving ideas on gift giving, decorating, and recipes to help consumers prepare for Christmas and the holidays. These gifts can save the participants money and also provide meaningful gifts. A special section was incorporated on food safety tips that can be used during the holidays as well as all year long. Attendees received a book that included instructions on all the items that were presented. Approximately 423 men and women attended this program. A participant reported that she likes the fact that the showcase provides projects from a variety of interests (scrapbooking, sewing, wood items, and quilting). 80% of the attendees committed that they appreciate and use ideas from this program. 70% of the attendees believe this program helps them save time and money during the holiday season. This program has been a favorite for people in Curry County as well as the surrounding area for the past 30+ years.

Agent revised a program “Retirement Ready”. This program provided information on preparing for retirement mentally, physically, emotionally, and socially. This program was presented as a leader training, which in turn was given to 8 leaders to take back to their clubs and present. Participants reported that this program provided useful information that they planned to pass on to others. Leaders reported back that the majority of their members are retired already and thought that it is important to prepare for retirement, saying “Retirement is more than the money”.

Quilt Workshops were presented four different times, to 57 people, in order to accommodate as many participants as possible. Each of the four workshops lasted 4 days. The quilt patterns used were “Primitive Beginnings” and “Quick Trip”. Participants’ knowledge levels varied from novice to professional. The workshops were designed to teach a variety of techniques and skills to target the different levels of knowledge. Each participant reported gaining knowledge in at least one quilting technique that they had acquired prior to this workshop. As a result, the participants learned they can save money by constructing their own quilts as compared to purchasing a handmade quilt. These workshops enabled the participants to learn ways to make useful items for their home and family.

As a result of the quilt workshops the local quilting guild asked for me to present a program on “Continuous Bias”. Twenty quilters attended the program, all of which reported that this was by far the easiest technique they had ever used to make bias.