Financial Security for All (San Juan County)

* Within 6 months of completing the Foot in the Door program, 85% of its 166 participants reported that they were more aware of how to successfully complete a job application, over 40% have actively searched for employment using techniques and tools developed in the program, and 20% have obtained employment.
* Ten percent (10%) of participants who partook in a craft, sewing, or quilting class from the Lea County Extension Service, exhibited their projects at the Lea County Fair or the local quilt shows
* Among the 36 participants of “Knowing Your Credit” at the Clovis Community College Professional Improvement Training, 25% of the participants acknowledged that they have recently obtained their credit report and approximately 50% replied that they plan to get a report based on information presented in this program.
* Five percent (5%) of Going Green Workshop participants in Lea County have begun to implement small energy saving techniques in their homes and businesses.
* As a result of the holiday craft workshops in Lea County, 20% of the workshop participants completed additional crafts as a gift for family and friends, 10% enrolled in additional extension service programs, and 20% of the participants have begun to improve their crafts skills and move onto more difficult items/projects.
* After various beginner quilting classes in Lea County, 80% of their participants would recognize the equipment necessary to complete the project on their own, 30% purchased additional supplies to duplicate the craft at home, and 90% completed the craft item during class time to show off to other classmates as well as family and friends.
* From a Knowing Your Credit Reports and Credit Reports seminar to 69 adults at the Retired Teachers Association, 30% of its participants acknowledged that they have recently obtained their credit report and approximately 50 % replied that they plan to get a report based on information presented in this program.
* Twenty five percent of the participants in the sewing, quilting and craft programs provided by Lea County Extension Service are exhibiting their completed items in the county fair and local quilt shows.

* After completing the Foot in the Door program, over 75% of its 166 participants reported a greater understanding and awareness of the programs available to assist job seekers, 85% had developed a professional resume and summary statement, over 90% reported that they had improved their interviewing techniques and had “greatly” benefited from the mock interviewing experience, and over 95% had set a goal regarding their financial behaviors.
* Dollar Decisions programs in Doña Ana county saw 80% of participants increased their knowledge and awareness related to money management.

“Basic Money Management” programs are offered to residents of a local shelter by the Home Economist. The PATH program, or “People Assisting the Homeless”, provides safety, warmth and a chance for new beginnings to its residents. The money management program enables individuals to be better equipped to budget and save their income once they are back on their feet. In eight sessions, one hundred eight PATH residents were trained on paying yourself first, how to set up a monthly budget and financial goal setting. 80% of the participants increased their knowledge of basic money management practices.

The Navajo Housing Authority annually enlists the assistance of the home economist to teach money management to low income families living on the Navajo Reservation. Over a series of four lessons at the Ojo Chapter House, forty-seven individuals learned the importance of paying bills on time, tracking their monthly expenses, avoiding unpleasant surprises, putting their money to work, getting more for less and the importance of saving. 70% of these participants now understand basic money management practices.

Lynne Beam has signed on to support Financial Security for All within San Juan County.