01/09/08 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

01/09/08 BNF Program Development UN–L Extension contacted  Accessibility Location Community-based Connected  Track record Credibility Educational focus Nutrition Education Program

01/09/08 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. Research-based, educational, developmental model that focused on teaching family life & resource management skills to rural participants of Nebraska’s TANF program.

01/09/08 BNF Program Development Modeled after EFNEP 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)

01/09/08 BNF Program Development ● Participants were referred by HHSS or contracted case managers ● Active TANF participants ● Sanctioned individuals ● Specific exemptions

01/09/08 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

01/09/08 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

01/09/08 Curriculum Components ● 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

01/09/08 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

01/09/08 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

01/09/08 Program Management & Evaluation Tools Success stories  Qualitative accounts  Reported by Extension Educators and participants  Shares richness and spirit of BNF

01/09/08 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.

01/09/08 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

01/09/08 Program Management & Evaluation Tools Assess participant progress Planning tool Monitor progress Revise plans Share with HHSS/others

01/09/08 Lessons Learned Program development takes time Professional development for educators Need to market BNF Networking and coordination Curriculum relevant to participants

01/09/08 Lessons Learned Extension Educator Skills/Qualifications  Degree relevant to the family  Educator  Flexible  Self-starter, reliable and responsible  Good communicator

01/09/08 Strengths & Challenges Challenges  Windshield time  Lack of phones  Not home for appointments  Crises taking precedence over planned lessons

01/09/08 Strengths & Challenges Strengths  One on one approach  Individualized lessons  Focus on the family  Highly skilled, professional staff  Relationship with HHSS - state and local

01/09/08 Can model be replicated? How? Answer is yes. How?  Be committed to our model

01/09/08 Building Nebraska Families Development and Implementation For more information:  Marilyn Fox, (308) 