1 / 20

Development & Implementation of Building Nebraska Families

Development & Implementation of Building Nebraska Families. A Welfare-to-Work Program in Rural Nebraska. Marilyn Fox University of Nebraska Extension Extension Educator. APHSA/CBPP Teleconference Home Visiting in TANF January 9, 2008. BNF Program Development. UN –L Extension contacted

aralph
Download Presentation

Development & Implementation of Building Nebraska Families

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. Development & Implementation of Building Nebraska Families A Welfare-to-Work Program in Rural Nebraska Marilyn Fox University of Nebraska Extension Extension Educator APHSA/CBPP Teleconference Home Visiting in TANF January 9, 2008

  2. BNF Program Development • UN–L Extension contacted • Accessibility • Location • Community-based • Connected • Track record • Credibility • Educational focus • Nutrition Education Program

  3. BNF Program Development • Research-based, educational, developmental model that focused on teaching family life & resource management skills to rural participants of Nebraska’s TANF program.

  4. BNF Program Development • Modeled after EFNEP • One-on-one • In-home • Family Strengths Perspective Model • Built on DeFrain research • Participant-driven • Individualized to meet each one’s needs • Encouraged to meet weekly for one hour • Assignments (based on goals)

  5. BNF Program Development • Participants were referred by HHSS or contracted case managers • Active TANF participants • Sanctioned individuals • Specific exemptions

  6. Plan for Learning • Extension educators, participants and HHSS or contracted case managers worked together to: • Identify family assets and needs • Set personal and BNF educational goals • Develop a plan of learning to meet goals

  7. Survive, Strive, Thrive: Keys to Healthy Family Living • Developed a curriculum: • Input from Extension Educators & Participants • Piloted with participants • Based on simple concepts • Can be individualized • Provides opportunity for intensive education in a specific topic area • Hands-on approach • Peer-reviewed & research-based

  8. Goal Setting Strong Families Making Good Decisions Building Healthy Relationships Building Self-Esteem Money Management Creating a Healthy Home Anger/Conflict Management Building Communications Skills Stress Management Time Management Developing Good Character Positive Parenting Child Development Nutrition/Food Related Skills Curriculum Components

  9. Program Management & Evaluation Tools • Entry/exit checklist • Based on curriculum • Self-reported by participants • Completed by all participants at program enrollment • Completed by program graduates at exit and six months following exit

  10. Program Management & Evaluation Tools • Success Outcome Markers • Identifiable actions or behaviors which lead to successful accomplishment of a specific program outcome. • Outcome statement for families: • BNF participants, who take the necessary steps to improve their work and life skills, become self-sufficient. • Based on outcome statement, markers developed for three levels • Expect to see, Like to see, Love to see

  11. Program Management & Evaluation Tools • Success stories • Qualitative accounts • Reported by Extension Educators and participants • Shares richness and spirit of BNF

  12. Success Stories • We are budgeting better by listing all of our bills every month and designating where the money goes. I would recommend BNF to anyone. We learned not to use rent-to-own places because of all the extra money you spend. • Really helped us to deal with parenting issues and work with the children on developmental skills. Also learned home management skills.

  13. Success Stories • You helped me build a bond with my daughter. I didn’t know what to do with her. I just thought if I didn’t hit her and I fed her that I was a good parent. I know now because of Deanna’s parenting classes that I need to spend time with her and teach her things. Heather, single mother of 2 year old

  14. Program Management & Evaluation Tools • Assess participant progress • Planning tool • Monitor progress • Revise plans • Share with HHSS/others

  15. Lessons Learned • Program development takes time • Professional development for educators • Need to market BNF • Networking and coordination • Curriculum relevant to participants

  16. Lessons Learned • Extension Educator Skills/Qualifications • Degree relevant to the family • Educator • Flexible • Self-starter, reliable and responsible • Good communicator

  17. Strengths & Challenges • Challenges • Windshield time • Lack of phones • Not home for appointments • Crises taking precedence over planned lessons

  18. Strengths & Challenges • Strengths • One on one approach • Individualized lessons • Focus on the family • Highly skilled, professional staff • Relationship with HHSS - state and local

  19. Can model be replicated? How? • Answer is yes. • How? • Be committed to our model

  20. Building Nebraska Families Development and Implementation • For more information: • Marilyn Fox, (308) 385-5088 • mfox1@unl.edu

More Related