Financial Security for All (Valencia County)

Home & Garden EXPO

The home economist and the agriculture agent in coordination with the Valencia County Master Gardeners. The expo was set up with two tracks of four possible workshops. Participants in the home economics track attended classes regarding nutrition, food preparation using home grown garden products, preserving garden products and floral arranging. The purposes of the expo were to provide educational and hands on training experiences which would enable participants to make better use of their garden products, with the ultimate goal of saving money through wise resource management. Over 58 individuals attended. End of program evaluations indicated that participants felt they had learned some valuable skills which would assist them specifically in the areas of food preservation and making the most of their garden products. All attending the hands on demonstrations (cooking/floral arranging) indicated they would practice skills gained through the experience in their homes.

IT DOESN'T GROW ON TREES--Financial Management Programs

Fifty-seven residents have completed a minimum of four classes on money management. Participants learn of specific topics including the importance of identifying needs vs. wants, budgeting, comparing prices, saving, awareness of fraud/scams, credit, and record keeping. Ninety-five percent of participants have developed better money management skills as a result of the information provided in class. Greater than 50% reported that they had decreased their grocery shopping bills by using comparison shopping methods, coupons and observing cost per ounce. Forty-five percent reported they had a greater understanding of the value in budgeting while keeping wants vs. needs in mind when determining spending. Fifty percent reported that they would be obtaining a copy of their credit report within the month of completing the program.

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!"