Texas Cooperative Extension and the Golden Crescent Workforce Commission A collaborative project

Collaborators Texas Cooperative Extension Golden Crescent Workforce Commission Gonzales County Workforce Commission Gonzales Learning Center First Capital Bank of Gonzales Central Texas Bank

Project Goal To provide basic life skills education for welfare families in Gonzales County, Texas

Time Frame 6 weeks – mid-July to August, days per week 4 lessons per day

Recruitment of Participants Selected by WFC Letter of invitation Follow-up postcards/phone calls

Participant Retention Free child care Weekly postcards News Articles – with photos Daily door prizes Incentive drawing at end of program area lessons (Microwave, tv-vcr, savings bond, car seat)

Curriculum: Building Self Sufficient Families Parenting and Child Development – 5 lessons Stretching Money – 7 lessons Nutrition, Health, & Safety - 6 lessons Survival Skills – 6 lessons

Parenting and Child Development Immunizations and Childhood Diseases Child Growth and Development Discipline for Life Nutrition for Young Children Car Safety Seats Protect Children

Survival Skills Feeling Good About Me Be the Best You Can Be Changing Jobs? Looking for a Job? How to Have a Successful Interview Communication Skills Conflict Management

Nutrition, Health, and Safety Planning Meals What is a Serving Stretching Food Dollars Making Meals from What’s On Hand Master Mix Basic Food Safety

Money Management Making Choices / Bank Tour Stretching Money – Getting What You Need How to Save Money When You Don’t Have A Dime to Spare Managing a Checking and Savings Account

Earned Income Tax Credit Managing Credit Modeling Money Management for Your Children

Evaluation BSSF Evaluation Food & Nutrition Area - Participants indicated they now read food labels, compare food prices, eat healthier Parenting and Child Development area – use more positive ways to discipline, use proper seat belts

Evaluation (continued) Money Management – plan spending, choose between wants and needs, pay bills on time

As a Result of the Project Stronger ties with local WFC Board and personnel Project to be repeated in 2003