Oct/Nov MMWFY at Keene Community Kitchen; 3 participants completed the series; pre-post evaluations mailed to Durham; End-of-the series evaluations indicated that participants increased their knowledge and understanding as well as learned techniques for application to everyday situations; participants indicated that this series had enabled them to: 

• take a look at finances to see where I am at and where I might be able to cut
• realize what needs to be changed in order to reach goals
• really look at spending and see how best to make a budget and savings plan

Participants  also indicated on the end-of-the series evaluations that the most helpful part of the series was:  the knowledge I gained; the review of each spending/saving process; the worksheets and skills book

One of the participants completed the "Power Pay" analysis and if she follows it, then she can reduce the time required to pay off all of her debt (18 years) and she can save over $40,000. 

April/May MMWFY at Cheshire Academy; 11 participants completed the series; pre-post evaluations mailed to Durham; End-of-the series evaluations indicated that participants increased their knowledge and understanding as well as learned techniques for application to everyday situations; participants indicated that this series had enabled them to:  save money(6), be able to spend my money more wisely and save a little, look at my spending habits.

NH Minority Health Coalition train the trainer parenting education for staff doing home visits to refugee and immigrant families 

1/2008-2/2008

Participants made the following comments about the program

I enjoyed "everything.  All the information was good for me and I can share with my clients."

I enjoyed "handouts. very imformative. I learned about parenting skills like the brickwall parent."

I enjoyed "learning other peoples' culture. getting ideas for discipline."

The class would be better if - "more time to share our experiences with clients." 

The class would be better if - "we have more time.  difference between cultures."

One idea I will use this week - "to think not everyone will have my same culture."

One idea I will use this week - "spend more quality time with loved ones - share information learned with families I visit."

Responses from female inmates re: Anger Management:What was learned, and what skills will be used

"I learned that I can have more patience I didn't know I had" 

"It taught me a lot and I know now what to do with my anger and how to stop it before it gets worse"

"I will listen and think before I answer and stay calm"

"I will see a difference in my life and a change of life"

re: something i learned..."I have control over how I deal with my anger or whether or not I will be angry even"

"I will focus more on making my relationships healthy" 

Responses from Academy and other participants re: Stress Management; ideas and practices that will be tried

"Breathing" x 6

"I will create more organization to find time to do things I want to do"

"This was an eye-opener for me. I realized I don't have to be perfect, that I can let go of things less important" 

"I need to make some change sin my life and this workshop gave me ideas, exercise, me time, eating better"

"I want to bring all of this back to my agency. I think they women I work with would love it"

"Exercising"

"Use relaxation techniques in every day life"

Adult Education/ESL

A comprehensive money management series was requested by the Adult Education program in Portsmouth. Almost half of the participants were ESL students, requiring adaptation to existing materials. I adapted the curriculum  Making Money Work for You (MMWFY), which  is a five-session money management series developed by UNHCE including the following topics: identifying needs and wants, communication and money, goal setting, conscious spending, stretching resources, credit and debt, overview of insurance and developing a spending/savings plan. Fourteen individuals participated in this class and all of them reported an increase in financial knowledge or awareness as a result of the class. Thirteen reported at least one improvement they made in financial mangement practices (decreased current debt, decreased reliance on credit cards, increased savings, kept better track of spending). Twelve reported two or more improvements. One of the most interesting elements of this class was their sharing of cultural differences with regard to money management, especially with regard to consumption.

TRIO

TRIO is a federal program developed to assist students who are low income, first generation attending college, or have a disability. TRIO funds are distributed to institutions through competitive grants. I provided three sessions, focusing on budgeting, decreasing debt and increasing savings, and these were targeted to the TRIO participants. However, these sessions were open to the student body at Great Bay Community College (location of program). I provided three sessions, fifty-four students participated. Although some attended all three, I developed the sessions to be independent and evaluated them independently as well. Materials from MMWFY were adapted for this audience, with supplementary materials as needed for particular issues. Audiences were survey after each session  regarding knowledge gained and intention to change behavior. Out of the 48 that responded, all indicated an increase in knowledge and 45 were able to identify at least one thing they intended to do differently. 22 identified two or more. In the third session, 18 individuals indicated they had attended one or two of the other sessions, and were able to identify at least one improvement they made in financial management.

Financial Security in Later Life

This Cooperative Extension National Initiative seeks to help people improve personal finance behaviors leading to financial security in later life, enhance the capacity of local educators and their partners to deliver effective programs, and increased economic vitality and quality of life for families and communities. Despite the economic boom in the late 90’s, one-half of American households have accumulated less than $1,000 in net financial assets (the value of money in the bank, stocks, bonds, and other securities after subtracting loans, credit card debt, and other secured debt) and $35,000 in net wealth (value of all real and financial assets including home equity, other real estate, vehicles, owned businesses). Consumer debt has been identified as a significant reason for low net financial assets. The program offered this year was Advanced Directives: Who Will Decide (Portsmouth and Brentwood totaling 34 participants). 28 indicated they would be consulting a professional as a result of the session, 24 indicated an intention to discuss material with family, 34 increased knowledge about estate planning, and 34 rated the session either good or excellent.

Don’t Get Crushed By Debt

Credit and debt involves a commitment of current assets and/or future income.  Achieving goals and being financially secure now and in later life involves managing credit and debt successfully. Don’t Be Crushed By Debt was developed by UNHCE to address the growing problem of misuse of credit. Don’t Get Crushed By Debt was offered three times to a total of 38 participants. I also distributed information from another program called Credit Checkup, which includes information on credit reports. All of the 38 Participants reported an increase in knowledge related to evaluating debt costs, understanding the impact of debt on financial security and/or knowing how to create a debt reduction plan. Also, all of the participants mentioned at least one action they plan to take as a result of the workshop (most common was pay more than the minimum payment, pay bills on time and create a debt reduction plan). One of the groups wanted a follow-up session on Identity Theft which was subsequently offered to 7 individuals.

Individual Sessions on Credit or Budgeting

Regular requests are received for individual assistance. Typically this occurs when an individual wants to do something about their finances immediately, and the next scheduled is not soon enough. Also, some individuals are involved in savings programs that require ongoing financial management classes, and they must complete them before a deadline. I have also done this after a session or a class for an individual who has unique or additional needs for assistance. I count an “individual session” whenever I have had at least two contacts with an individual (often one is in person, the other by phone). This allows me to determine if there has been some improvement in their money management practices. Of the seventeen I worked with, 13 followed through with task or activities identified as an area of potential improvement. Tracking expenses, putting together a plan to management debt, contacting a professional to assist with debt management and decreasing use of credit cards were most common.

Family Resource Management Work Team

Member on this UNHCE  interdisciplinary team, working to update and develop Family Resource Management programs in NH. 

Youth and Money Management

High School Financial Planning Program (HSFPP) and UNH Cooperative Extension have been in partnership for over ten years. High School Financial Planning provides essential money management education through the training of teachers, and provision of a free curriculum and all student materials. UNHCE has partnered with NH Jumpstart Coalition to provide promotion of the HSFPP across the state, and resources to fund an annual conference to train teachers. Last year at least 551 high school students received personal finance education in Rockingham County through the High School Financial Planning Program.

Project C.A.S.H. (Creating a Savings Habit)

This program was developed by myself along with UNH Health Education Director and Extension colleagues. It provides essential money management skills to college students at the University of New Hampshire to enable them to build a foundation for future financial security.  It is a collaboration between Cooperative Extension, UNH Health Services, and UNH Parents Association. Recent accomplishments include:

v      UNH Project C.A.S.H. Advisory Committee, Chair

v      Conducted two Project C.A.S.H. Advisory Committee meetings

v      Ongoing maintenance and updating of C.A.S.H. website - www.projectcash.unh.edu - which I developed four years ago with a grant. Many departments at UNH have put a link for the website on their homepage. Regular reports show high usage of the website (weekly “successful requests” averaging around 5,000), with numbers steadily increasing.

v      Presentation at the NH Financial Aid Directors Conference on student indebtedness and on UNH Project C.A.S.H.  Thirty –six professionals from other colleges participated, generating great discussions on what universities can do to safeguard students from overuse of credit.

v      UNH student worked within Health Education as an intern promoting Project CASH on campus, providing educational outreach in a variety of settings including displays/ presentations at Freshman orientation, Parents’ Weekend, University Day, assistance to International Students, Gateway to Graduation and the development of money activities.

v      In 2007-2008, Project C.A.S.H. provided a series of money management workshops for students using finance professionals based in NH and one nationally known speaker. The nationally known speaker was used for Freshman Orientation, a new addition due to Project C.A.S.H. The name of the session: FUNNY MONEY.

Parenting Education

Helping Our Kids to be Media Smart

Information was provided to two groups of parents (total of 24) regarding the impact of media on the health of families, children and youth. Specific suggestions to decrease negative impacts from media were shared and discussed. As a result all participants were able to identify one thing they learned that was new, and one thing they would do differently based on the workshop. Most common responses included an intention to decrease TV time, develop family rules for screen time, or restrict small children from potentially harmful media.

Exploring Nature-Deficit Disorder

This presentation is based on the book The Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv. Louv argues that American children have lost their connection to the natural world and now live a “denatured childhood.” He believes this deprivation is not trivial, but instead a cause for some of today’s disturbing health-related trends among children: the rise in obesity, attention disorders and depression. This was presented to three groups by request with 26 participating. Of those evaluated, 100% reported increased knowledge, and were able to identify one action they plan to take that will expose children to the natural world (most common was decrease screen time).

Lower Seacoast Youth and Family Coalition Parenting Subcommittee

Participated on this newly formed subcommittee to work with other organizations in the Seabrook/Hampton area to better coordinate parenting and family programs in the community. Our first initiative is described below (Family Food Fun and Fitness Expo).

Parenting Teens National Ad Hoc Committee

Was asked to be part of a national group to assess the needs for online resources regarding parenting teenagers. I have been analyzing “frequently asked questions” on extension to help our committee to determine the topics parents are most interested in.

Work/Family Expert Team

Serving as a member of this UNHCE work team to assess how we can reach out to individuals and families struggling to achieve balance between family and personal demands and work demands. Also, we see the opportunity to reach out to businesses that want to increase resources and improve policies to increase quality of life for employees. A grant was funded statewide to assess the needs in cooperation with businesses in the state.

Parenting and Child Development Expert Team

Serving as a member of this UNHCE work team to focus in on gaps in programs and resources and review curriculum in parenting education. Will be coordinating trainings statewide to support professionals in their distribution of Cradle Crier and Toddler Tales (Just-In-Time newsletters for parents).

Youth Development/CYFAR

GirlsSpace/CYFAR

As part of the CYFAR funded project in Seabrook, a program was developed to address the needs of middle school girls, building on the outreach of an already successful youth program coordinated through Seacoast     Youth Services and supported heavily by UNHCE. I worked along with a UNH intern to implement two ten-week series with 18 girls participating. This program focuses on strengthening relationships with other girls, development of media literacy skills related to girl culture, and the model of youth development Circle of Courage. The Circle of Courage addresses youth needs for a sense of belonging, mastery, independence and generosity. An evaluation based on the Circle of Courage was used; all girls felt respected and listened to in the group (except one), learned something new and important, and helped them feel better about themselves. Most felt they had made a difference for others in some way. The girls also demonstrated a new lifeskill through the deconstruction of media advertising to discern whether a message was healthy or unhealthy. A culminating activity involved participation in the Rockingham County Conversation, a UNHCE event involving the President of UNH, and local legislators. The girls competently provided a demonstration of one of the activities, and talked with visitors about their experience with GirlsSpace.

CYFAR/Seacoast Leadership Project

Have attended Lower Seacoast Youth and Family Coalition Meetings, Family Nights and have facilitated parent focus groups to evaluate the youth program, both during the school year and during summer.

Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyles

UNHCE Nutrition Programming Team 

Participated on this work team to assess the future role of UNHCE in our outreach to non-low-income population on nutrition and fitness. In this last year, this team planned and coordinated an in-service for CE staff that provided information on latest trends and provided opportunities to give input on needs across NH for this audience.

Family Fun Food and Fitness Expo

This event was held in September in the Seabrook community. It was the first initiative of the Lower Seacoast Youth and Family Coalition Parent Program Subcommittee. It was estimated that over 300 individuals and families participated as well as approximately 25 businesses and organizations. Youth were well represented, from pre-school to teens, and they actively engaged in the interactive activities focusing on health that were provided by attendees. This was the first time this event was offered in the community and based on the extremely positive feedback, we plan to make this an annual event.

Step It Up Seacoast – Obesity Coalition

Joined this coalition in representation of UNH Cooperative Extension. The goal of the coalition is a partnership to improve the health of the Seacoast community by promoting healthy choices in nutrition and physical activity. In this last year, the coalition has adopted the goals of H.E.A.L. (Healthy Eating Active Living), a NH statewide initiative which supports community-based coalitions with resources and training. As a result, our local SIUS coalition now includes several subcommittees. I am participated on the School Subcommittee this last year in addition to the SIUS coalition. After brainstorming a variety of actions we could take to reach out to schools, we began with a survey for schools to be conducted personally by members to assess gaps we could assist with. These will be done in October 2008.

Other POW Activities

Appearances on WMUR-TV for the Positive Parenting segments, articles written for Parenting NH, active role in County Conversation in June working with CYFAR and GirlsSpace program, planning for a money management program for foster kids aging out of the system to be implemented in October 2008.

            Between October 2007 and September 2008, I have completed the second year of the five-year 2007 – 2011 Plan of Work.  This year my program emphasis has continued in the areas of Food Safety, Nutrition, Parenting, and some involvement with a program providing support to military families.  The overall condition outcomes that my efforts are addressing are the following:

• Reduce the incidence of foodborne illness in New Hampshire.
• Reduce the incidence of risk factors for chronic disease and other lifestyle-related health problems.
• Parents will demonstrate healthy interpersonal relationships and provide appropriate nurturance and guidance to their children.
• Increase understanding and awareness of the unique issues facing military youth and their parents who are dealing with deployment and reunions of their loved ones serving in war conflicts overseas.

Marketing efforts: I coordinated or participated in numerous marketing efforts to promote projects offered in the area of Family and Consumer Resources in the county or statewide.  These included providing coordination for our statewide Positive Parenting segments on WMUR-TV, a guest interview for WTPL FM radio, and an exhibit on Food Safety at the Senior Health Fair in Derry, NH.  I provided coordination of updating our county web site last year, and two Educator Assistants now regularly update the Rockingham County portion of the Extension web-site.

Planned Outputs: 150 participants will attend eight food safety workshops.

• 80% of program participants will score 75% or greater on knowledge tests of high risk practices.
• 50% of participants report keeping food at safe temperatures.
• 50% of participants practice personal hygiene such as hand washing.

Output and Outcome Results: A total of 356 food service workers, volunteers, consumers, and professional service coordinators attended 14 food safety and food preservation programs. 

• SAFE (Safety Awareness in the Food Environment): Six SAFE programs were provided for 138 food service workers and were co-sponsored with the Derry Health Department, Stratham and Rye schools, the Lollipop Tree in Portsmouth, NH, Silverthorne Adult Day Care in Salem, NH, and Riverwoods Retirement Community in Exeter, NH.  One hundred and thirty (130) evaluations were completed following the comprehensive two-hour workshop, which provides an overview of the causes of food borne illness and increases understanding of safe personal hygiene and food preparation practices. Of the 130 evaluations completed, 119 or 92% had a passing score of 75% or better.
• ServSafe Training Course and Examination: Along with the Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Resources from Hillsborough County, I coordinated and/or conducted portions of three ServSafe^® trainings with the Derry Health Department, Portsmouth Health Department and Nashua School Department. In addition, the Health Inspector with the respective towns also presented a small portion of the training.  A total of 53 food managers and handlers participated in these trainings that provide an in-depth food safety and sanitation certification program sponsored by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. As a result, 81% (43 participants) passed the ServSafe^® examination with a score of 75% or greater and are now ServSafe^® Certified.
  
• On the Home Front: Emerging Food Safety Issues: One program was provided for 15 professional service coordinators working with senior housing complexes in the state. Of the 14 evaluations completed, 100% indicated they agreed or strongly agreed they learned new food safety knowledge.
• Exhibits and Demonstrations on Food Safety and Food Preservation: I provided four exhibits and demonstrations reaching approximately 150 people.  A food safety exhibit was provided for the Derry Senior Fair, two Food Preservations demonstrations for the Exeter and Portsmouth Farmer’s Markets, and one training on Canning for five Master Gardener volunteers and coordinator, who provided an exhibit and demonstration at the NH Harvest Festival at Stawbery Banke.

Planned Outputs: Implement NutriNews for Seniors. Provide two-three nutrition programs for 30 adults.

• 85% of participants eat nearer to MyPyramid amounts.
• Individuals will gain awareness and apply skills demonstrating increased knowledge of how to choose food according to the Pyramid and Dietary Guidelines.

• Are you Eating Lard? For Project Safeguard sponsored by the Rye Jr. High School, 15 parents and their 7^th graders attended the program which covered an exploration of the increasing responsibilities that teens have in making food choices, how parents can support them, and how to make healthy choices at fast food restaurants. Evaluation feedback included comments such as: interesting and learned a lot, it was fun, liked the test tubes, good content, surprising.
  
• Eighteen (18) seniors subscribed to and received at least Lessons 1 and 2 of the NutriNews Home Study Course for Seniors.  These lessons were “The Facts about Preventing Osteoporosis” and “Eating your Best for Less”. Nine seniors returned all worksheets and received Lessons 3 and 4, “Make the Food Label work for You” and “Fat, Fiber and Cholesterol”. As a result they received a NutriNews Home Study Course Certificate of Completion.
• Workplace Wellness Study: I served as County Contact for four video conference presentations and/or lab work for the Workplace Wellness Study. Six professional and support staff participated in the study and evaluation results have not yet been gathered.

PARENTING

Planned Outputs: Provide 20 parenting series or one-time programs for 150 parents.  Distribute child development newsletters to 800 families.

• 50% of people who attend the parent education program and complete a pre- and post-survey report they intend to apply their understanding of general developmental milestones and progressions in ways that support their child’s progress – socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually.
• 50% of people who attend the parent education program and complete the pre- and post-survey report they intend to apply their understanding of the positive discipline techniques in ways that support their child’s growth and development.

Outcome and Output Results: A total of 102 parents, grandparents, foster grandparents and other caregivers attended 15 presentations as part of one-time programs or a parenting series.  Child development newsletters were distributed to 968 families.

• Parenting Education Series: A four-part series for those at the Rockingham County House of Corrections was provided for six men.  Out of five evaluations, these participants agreed or strongly agreed they increased their knowledge in these areas: types of families (3), listening and communicating better (5), staying connected to my kids (5), child development (5). Additional comments included: “The teacher was wonderful. She really opened me up to discuss topics on my son. Now I’ve got some goals. I have some tools to work with. Thank you for your time and patience. I appreciated your time and effort to do the class and I think you should continue the class”; “Thank you for your time and knowledge”; “The lady’s teaching seemed very educated and I enjoyed the class.”
• Family Focus:  Parenting your Young Teen: Nine parents attended one or all of the three-session series co-sponsored by the Timberlane Middle School in Plaistow, NH.  Of the three evaluations returned by mail, two agreed they learned what normal behavior is for teens, adolescent brain development, dealing with normal conflicts, and fostering responsible behavior. Practices they planned to try as a result of the workshop included: being more consistent, pick and choose battles, be aware of protective factors, use information on brain development, and think through problem-solving more calmly.
• One-time Parenting Education Programs: Fifty-four (54)) parents or grandparents attended five, one-session programs in collaboration with various organizations and with the following results:  
•             Of the eight evaluations completed by parents and grandparents attending Parenting the Second Time Around for Salem Grandparent Support Group, six ((75%) indicated they learned about parenting styles and positive discipline techniques. Ideas or practices they planned to try as a result of the workshop included: prevention techniques, cool down before addressing issue, use responsive rather than permissive discipline, don’t ignore misbehavior but address it in a positive way.
•              Of the eight evaluations completed by foster parents participating in Helping Children become Socially Competent for the Foster Grandparent Program, four (50%) increased their understanding of the parts of social competence and learned strategies to help build social knowledge and skills. Participants said as a result of the workshop they will be more aware of children’s needs, work harder, try to understand and identify social problems, follow strategies and encourage children.
•              Of the six evaluations completed by parents attending Limit Setting for Young Children for Epping Head Start, six (100%) indicated they learned why we set limits, keys to effective limits, and new prevention techniques.  Ideas or practices they plan to try are: all ideas, speak more clearly, be positive, different ages need different limits.
•             Of the ten evaluations from parents attending Understanding the Teen Brain for the Plaistow Home Schooling Group, seven (70%) agreed they increased their understanding of the developmental tasks of teens, nine (90%) agreed they learned more about adolescent brain research, and four (40%) learned more on how to foster healthy brain development. Ideas or practices they plan to try are: read the handouts, share information on sleep with my husband, be more aware of sleep cycles, enforce less TV/computer time.  
•             Twenty-one parents and twenty-one children viewed a UNH Cooperative Extension exhibit as part of Raymond Family Fun Night. No evaluations were completed at the event.
•  WMUR-TV Positive Parenting: I continue to coordinate the three-minute guest appearances on every third Thursday during the noon news.  I appeared as a guest in January 2008 and talked about “Developing our Future Voters” and in July 2008 provided information on “Family Fun at Pick your own Farms”.  According to WMUR-TV surveys, approximately 24,000 people view the noon news on Thursdays.
• Child Development Newsletters: A total of 440 families received the monthly Cradle Crier, a newsletter for the parents of newborns through their infant’s first year.  A total of 528 families with toddlers received the bi-monthly newsletter, Toddler Tales.  In addition, many parents are also receiving these newsletters on-line. 
• Ready, Set, Go! Conference: I attended a five-day national conference in Kansas in December to learn more about the Operation Military Kids project to support youth and families of those with a parent in the military deployed overseas.  I have had meetings with the NH Air National Guard and NH National Guard to explore how we can provide some of our parenting, financial management or nutrition programs to their families.  I also presented an overview of the Operation Military Kids projects to 13 agency professionals attending the Southern NH Human Service Council meeting in Derry, NH.
• Parents: Friends or Foes? Eleven child care providers attended this Better Kid Care Workshop as part of the statewide ABC Conference in Portsmouth, NH.  Results from the eleven evaluations indicate that eight (72%) agreed they learned new information.  Ideas or practices they plan to try as a result of the workshop are: try not to take things personally, keep doing what I’ve been doing because it’s working, understand parent’s development, try a different approach when talking with parents, try to understand parent’s perspective more, get more face time with parents and focus on them as the client.
• Managing Conflict with Success (hopefully): I provided the program for nine seniors at Camp Anita, and eight people (88%) indicated they increased their knowledge of why conflict occurs, their conflict management style, active listening and “I” messages, and problem solving steps to resolve conflict.

2 communication and conflict resolution series were offered at the Belknap County house of corrections.  One series was offered to the Belknap County academy court diversion program. 

In response to the question " the most helpful thing about this program was?" participant responses included the following:

"that everyone got a chance to speak and learn new ways to solve their problems."

"the steps of relaxation and learning to think before you do or say anything you will regret"

"dealing with stress.  Learning about breathing in order to regroup."

"learning new ways to solve conflicts. the 3 step plan helps"

"the problem solving steps-this has influenced me to examine my own involvement in the problem"

"to get myself to stop and look at myself and my goals in live" 

In response to the questions " what changes do you think you will make based upon the information in this program?" participants responses included the following:

"a lot.  I will be more open to others whom I have a conflict with.  I will look at myself and try to be honest about my own involvement and cause of the problem."

"I think I will think things out a little more before I react and listen to others more.  I am also going to start setting goals for myself that I know I can complete."

"the changes I will make based on this program will be trying to manage my anger by not acting on it right away, and if I'm still angry the next day then say something about it."

"try not to jump to conclusions involving conflicts with others.  Use my communication skills better"

"stop, relax, and think before I act"

"listen more to others"

"I will pay more attention to how I say things- my expressions as I say them and evaluate my best course of action.  consider the consequences"

"I want to first think of a long term goal and act on that"

Planning Ahead/Staying Ahead workshop series offered at NH State Prison in Laconia, and the Belknap county house of corrections.  Participants indicated in post series evaluations an increased knowledge of money management strategies.  

Responses to the question "what changes do you think you will make based upon the information in this program?" included"

"set goals.  see what is really important to me and what is not"

"make sure I have as much information as possible before making decisions"

"make a budget and pay more attention to interest rates"

"I need to straighten out my credit, start budgeting and be more conscious of the fine print"

"be more cautious when spending money"

"contact all past due accounts and try to fix my credit.  pay more attention to my spending."

"begin working on fixing my credit immediately"

"be more aware of my spending and start thinking for the future"

"put more money in a savings account"

"pay bills on time, watch what and how I spend my money"

"start a savings account, get insurance, make a budget and try to stick to it"

three, 6 week Parenting During Difficult circumstances series were offered at Meredith Community Center, Gilford Elementary School, and Lakes Region General Hospital.

Additional parenting series offered included a 12 week series through Laconia Adult Education and a 5 week series at the Belknap County House of Corrections.

 Participants completed post series evaluations indicating increased understanding of developmental milestones, positive discipline strategies, and increased parental confidence.

 In response to the statement "after completing this program, I will now start..." responses included:

"using better discipline strategies.  better manage my stress"

"take better care of myself.  give my kids written caring notes"

listening more to the kids, what they feel, what's going on."

"to have a better understanding with the variance in ages. be more understanding of their feelings"

"to look at myself more as a parent for my daughter rather than a friend."

"giving options"

"to try and communicate better with my children, find ways for my kids to vent"

"be more positive about everything. understanding more of the why one day at a time."

"to take a step back and think of the best way to discipline my son."

"get more involved in the community and relationship building within the community."

"taking care of myself so I can use better, more patient parenting skills"

"giving my children more undivided attention when they ask questions."

"being more consistent"

"telling children why they cannot do something rather than just saying "because I said so"

"teaching myself to slow down and listen to family and friends. Put my goals together and put in a place I can see everyday so I will not forget" 

Valley Street Jail - male inmates

February and March 2008

One inmate indicated that what he enjoyed most was "group conversations. Learning different ways to deal with problems."

A number of inmates indicated that they wished both parents or their spouse/partner/girlfriend could attend the class with the men.

Narratives from Advanced Directives evaluations - Feb 11, 2008, Parkhurst Place

"I didn't know about some of the programs.  It was very helpful and I will be looking into more of this which was very helpful."

NH State Prison for Women parenting class Jan-March 2008

"I learned a lot out of this class and ways to deal with my children.  I could never know enough and I am always looking to know more. Thanks for this class!"

Making Money Work For You "success stories" cited by participants

"Being able to talk to my husband about having a budget set up and having him agree that something needs to be done to get ahead."

"I've stopped using credit cards."

"I will seriously look at a life insurance plan that will work.  I feel I have gained enough information to not argue with my husband!" 

"This is for 2008 reporting year."

• Miscellaneous grants

In New Hampshire, there are 10,119 children living in grandparent-headed households (3.3 % of all children in the state). There are another 2,339 children living in households headed by other relatives (0.8 % of all children in the state).   It is likely that this trend is growing and underreported in census data.

 The Cooperative Extensions New Hampshire Relatives as Parents program, held the following activities and programs

Support group facilitation training 

Two trainings were held in Manchester and Newport.  33 participants were trained in Cornell Cooperative Extension's Parenting a Second Time Around Curriculum

Outcomes: 

Both areas created plans to begin or restart support programs and develop and explicit referral system

• RAPP (Relatives as Parents Program)

Parents, children, and families face an increasing variety of challenges and stressors in our times.  Children are at risk for abuse and neglect, early pregnancy, school dropout, substance use and abuse, as well as mental health issues and out of home placement.  County needs assessment identified parenting issues as a primary concern.

Strengthening Families 10-14  is a curriculum created by Iowa Cooperative Extension. It have been thoroughly researched and evaluated.  This intensive program was presented in Franklin by a team of four facilitators, a community collaboration including UNH-CE, Child & Family Services and Casey family services 20 youth and Adults participated in this seven week intensive program that include a parents session a youth session and a family session. 

Parenting During Difficult Circumstances: This 6-8 session parenting series was presented 5 times in partnership with:

Merrimack Academy alternative sentencing program for Merrimack County

Merrimack County Department of Correction

Friend's Program Emergency Housing program

20 Parents participated in the program participants increase positive communication skills the ability to use logical consequences and the use of family meetings and collaborative problem solving

Participants reported:

Increase in confidence as parent

Increase in discipline strategies

Increased understanding of fair expectations of children at different stages of development

Assessment tool: Survey, or respective pre/post survey and in-session observation  

Pilot Programs: Workplace Based Programming

Parenting in our times is extremely complex. The demands placed on parents' time and resources are considerable.  Delivery methods that are convenient and flexible have the potential to engage a wide variety of families

Single Parent's Informational Support Group This 12 session pilot program took place during the lunch hour a Concord Hospital.  Eight single parents took part in the program and contributed to the topic selection and discussion.

Topics Included:

Understanding Children's Loyalty dilemmas

Communication Between Household's

Discipline Strategies for Teenagers

Managing stress & anger

Participants reported:

Decrease in stress

Increase understanding of child's perspective

Increase in problem solving strategies

Assessment tool: In session observation

New Hampshire does not require food managers/workers to have formal training in food safety and sanitation. Consumers eat an estimated 43% of meals away from home. The NH food service industry has sales of $2.1 billion dollars. A foodborne illness outbreak can cost a restaurant over $100,000 depending on the number of cases, fines and legal fees. The Economic Research Service estimates the average cost per case of salmonellosis ranges from $49 to $9840 depending on the medical treatment and time lost from work. It’s imperative that food managers and workers receive food safety and sanitation education to prevent foodborne illness outbreaks.

When you support food safety education programs, participants will learn about the recommended food handling procedures, including how to identify recommended hand washing procedures; identify the food temperature danger zone; identify the maximum amount of time food can be in the temperature danger zone; identify how to prevent cross contamination when serving food; identify when food contact surfaces should be cleaned and sanitized. As a result, participants will be able to make safer food handling decisions, demonstrate safe food handling practices, achieve ServSafe certification, and FHGC volunteers will accurately and reliably answer consumer food safety and preservation questions for the info line. This will benefit the community by reducing the risk of foodborne illness (FBI), the medical costs and absenteeism costs associated with FBI, and the economic loss that impacts the food service industry when a FBI outbreak occurs.