1998 Success Stories

Return to 1998 Success Stories Index

Date: Fri Mar 13 15:58:59 EST 1998
SMP #: 9
Local System: person
Person Reporting: Vickie C. Nelson

The Person County 4-H program has organized a 4-H Shooting Sports club in a county-wide effort to pull together youngsters from all backgrounds and teach them the importance of knowing how properly handle a firearm. The members are learning proper terminology and are given the opportunity to exercise critical thinking skills in their interactions with each other and on the firing range. The results of a recent written test on curriculum covered revealed that 90 percent of the 29 members have mastered critical thinking skills with at least 80 percent accuracy.
Furthermore, observation of the 4-H'ers shows that they are practicing critical thinking skills.

Date: Mon May 4 12:25:07 EDT 1998
SMP #: 9
Local System: caldwell
Person Reporting: Betty B. Howe

The Parents as Teacbers program now has six paid employees who are reaching over 200 families with monthly home visits. This is a Smart Start funded program with a budget this year of $ll9,430 and a budget for 98-99 of $l25,400. Three thirty hour per week parent educators, two ten hour per week parent educators and a 50 hour per month coordinator are employed to help parents understand their child's development, what they can expect at different ages and how they can enhance their child's development through use of toys and books. By understanding what to expect at different ages, parents will be less likely to abuse their children. By learning how they can enhance their child's development, they become their child's best first teachers. Denver screenings are conducted periodically in order to see if there is a problem that needs attention before the child starts to school.
Date: Thu Jun 4 11:26:40 EDT 1998
SMP #: 9
Local System: person
Person Reporting: Vickie C. Nelson

Recently, the annual County Activity night was held for Person County 4-H'ers. Included in the 29 presentations were 8 presenters who were ages 5-8 or Cloverbuds. A special effort has been made to recruit this age group into the 4-H program and build in them a strong committment to project work. Each participant was given special recognition at the county level.

In addition, 17 juniors and seniors have advanced to district competition.
Date: Thu Jun 18 19:31:10 EDT 1998
SMP #: 9
Local System: surry
Person Reporting: Elaine W. Whitaker

Surry County is a mostly rural county with a high rate of domestic violence. In the past year, law enforcement has received 1,130 calls regarding domestic violence and 293 restraining order have been issued. Surry does not have a shelter for abused women and their children. As chair of the domestic violence shelter task force, I have worked with other board members and interested citizens to develop resources for a shelter. During the past 3 months we have received more than $2,000 from local civic organizations, a Governor's Crime Commission grant for $84,914. for operations expenses, and expect to receive other funding through Council of Governments to purchase a facility. We expect to be up and running in l998!
Date: Sun Jun 28 16:18:49 EDT 1998
SMP #: 9
Local System: moore
Person Reporting: Karen M.Wicker

In an effort to plan and implement programs and resources for families of young children the Cooperative Extension was awarded $5,000 to conduct a Family Outreach study of parents of young children. A planning committee was organized, volunteers were trained and focus groups and written surveys were implemented throughout the county.

A document was printed with results and recommendations for county and communities to address. This is the first time parents of young children have had an opportunity to voice their needs and concerns. Major findings were parents need child development information and resources, higher wages, quality and convenient child care, and more family friendly policies. The Family Outreach committee will expand and continue to help the county address these concerns..
Date: Mon Jun 29 16:19:51 EDT 1998
SMP #: 9
Local System: newhanov
Person Reporting: Dianne Gatewood

A six hour Playground Safety Seminar was conducted on March 23, 1998 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the New Hanover County Extension center. Vicki Daughtery, State Child Care Consultant and Dianne Gatewood conducted this activity. The 38 participants received education certification units for 6 hours. The participants demonstrated the following adopted skills when they participated in an on site playground safety test and demonstration; measuring and adjusting playground equipment to meet state guidelines and conducting playground safety inspection for hazards and liability sources.
Date: Tue Jun 30 23:30:30 EDT 1998
SMP #: 9
Local System: columbus
Person Reporting: Jacqueline D. Roseboro

Extension is represented on the Family CHAMPIONS (Collaborating to Help and Assist More People In Obtaining Necessary Services) Management Team. The Management Team gives programmatic leadership to the Family Resource Center.
Parent Education was added as a core program of the Family Resource Center. Low income parents completed 18 contact hours of training. Topics covered included: Appropriate Guidance; Encouraging Children; Building Self Esteem; Child Development; and Understanding Children's Behavior. One parent who participated stated on her evaluation of the training that she really didn't want to partcipate, but was glad that she had because it had changed her parenting style. She also stated that she learned a lot that helps her better understand her children, and feels that practices that she adopted have improved her relationship with her children, as well as improved her skills as a parent. She also noted that she would recommend the training to her friends.
Date: Tue Jun 30 16:10:06 EDT 1998
SMP #: 9
Local System: forsyth
Person Reporting: Deborah D. Womack

Parenting is a role that people are thrown into before they are ready and Forsyth Co. residents are having a difficult time adjusting to parenthood.Moreover,young mothers especially have a rough time accepting the roles and responsibilities of parenting.Cooperative Extension Service
and Today's Woman Health & Wellness Center coordinated efforts and provided classes to limited resource mothers on caring for children properly.100 participants acquired knowledge and developed skills in caring for children in a positive manner and not exhibiting negative behavior towards the children.75 percent said "that they realized that having /caring for a kid is a big responsibility."
Date: Tue Jun 30 14:57:50 EDT 1998
SMP #: 9
Local System: haywood
Person Reporting: Marna Holland

On March 3, the Haywood County Wal-Mart sponsored a "baby shower" for prospective parents in the community. Participants received a free bag of gifts from Wal-Mart vendors. Agencies were invited to sponsor booths. The Family and Consumer Educator provided a booth on infant brain development with handouts. This event reached 41 new parents and added 39 to the preschool parent newsletter list. Also, this was an opportunity to network with a local business and other agencies. Wal-Mart is planning to continue this event, with the next "shower" scheduled for September.
Date: Tue Jun 30 16:49:50 EDT 1998
SMP #: 9
Local System: lenoir
Person Reporting: Lisa Jones

Angie Malone, a kindergarten teacher at Banks Elementary School, thanks Parents As Teachers for providing computers to area daycares. Every child in her class knew the parts of the computer, could turn it on and off, could access programs and LOVED the learning games. When computers are introduced at an early age, children are comfortable with them and the computers, in turn, provide teachers with a valuable teaching tool.
Date: Tue Jun 30 16:12:45 EDT 1998
SMP #: 9
Local System: pasquota
Person Reporting: Gwen Stevens

In Pasquotank County, parenting classes that provide transportation, child care and snacks are offered to limited resource families with children 0-5. These classes are a series of six weeks, 2 hours per class. Participants reported an increased awareness and knowledge of developmental stages, appropriate discipline strategies, basic nutrition and safety, and better communication skills with children. Participants also reported how thankful they were to be able to attend these classes and would like to see more programs offered through Cooperative Extension. Participants received a certificate of completion at the end of the six weeks class, along with a tote bag filled with goodies.

The Family and Cosumer Agent received a $3000.00 grant from the Pasquotank Partnership for Children to offer these classes. Without the grant (to provide transportation and child care) limited resource familiews would not be able to attend these educational programs.
Date: Tue Jun 30 12:02:38 EDT 1998
SMP #: 9
Local System: union
Person Reporting: Gloria Baker

Parenting classes are a need in the county that several agencies have networked to offer. Educational classes, transportation, children's snacks, parental incentives, child care, and sheriff's deputy child care teaching visits were provided to 13 parents who were referred by the courts system, DSS and health department workers. If this preventive education were to eliminate or prevent foster care for the 26 children represented, there would be a savings of $375 per month per child. For the 10 families involved to be removed from the DSS roles, there would be a savings of $150 per month per family. The economic impact of this proposal would total over $13,000 for the five-week period during which the classes were taught. 100 percent of the parents answered yes to: "This class has taught me to be a better parent by teaching me to take care of myself, and to understand, teach and protect my
Date: Tue Jun 30 12:52:57 EDT 1998
SMP #: 9
Local System: wayne
Person Reporting: Sandra Head

In response to the need to strengthen families, Extension provided several workshops for teen parents as well as general public audiences. Workshops included "Effective Discipline", "Caring For Your Newborn", "Brain Development" and "It Takes More Than Love". 134 individuals participated in one of the workshops. 93 percent of participants who completed an evaluation indicated they learned new skills they planned to adopt.
Date: Tue Jun 30 12:53:14 EDT 1998
SMP #: 9
Local System: wayne
Person Reporting: Sandra Head

Research shows that children of incarcerated parents have a high rate of incarceration themselves. In an effort to break the cycle, Extension provides a six week parenting series for male inmates at Neuse Correctional Center. During the first series for 1998, 9 inmates completed the six sessions. Participants write a mission statement for their role as a father; learn age related characteristics of children and teens, effective discipline techniques, and communication skills. All participants indicated they learned new knowledge that they would use to change their current parenting practices.
Date: Wed Jul 1 14:42:38 EDT 1998
SMP #: 9
Local System: avery
Person Reporting: Connie Greene

Networking with the Avery County School System, and other agencies, we have been able to start a Literacy and Resource Center in the Elk Park area. Parents will be able to learn to read, earn their GED, and interact with their children under the supervision of research teachers. The parents will also learn parenting skills and life skills. This center will be funded by an Even Start grant which was applied for and received by our committee. Transportation and child care will be provided and the agencies will share the teaching responsibilities.
Date: Wed Jul 1 14:35:27 EDT 1998
SMP #: 9
Local System: currituc
Person Reporting: Georgia Kight

The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service is an active part of the Smart Start Initiative in Currituck. The County Director is presently the chairman of the local partnership. He has also been active in the development of a regional partnership. During our first year planning grant we wrote a proposal to secure additional funds and were successful in securing approximately $15,000 dollars. I have served on the Mission & Vision committee, Needs Assessment Committee, Chairman of the Child Care Task Force and have attended regional and state Smart Start training. I recently wrote a proposal to conduct a Work Force Study of Child Care Providers with a time line of June 15 - December 31, 1998. The findings will be used in future partnership plans.
Date: Wed Jul 1 08:23:53 EDT 1998
SMP #: 9
Local System: robeson
Person Reporting: tammy tanner

One parent who has custody of two girls heard about our prgram through the headstart center and enrolled in our six week class. She was having discpline problems with the nine year old who was upset and misbehaving because this was her third home in nine months. The mother was very receptive to the lessons and said, "Ms. Lucy, I've already heard most of what you are saying before, but hearing it from you makes me want to get up and start doing something now. I'm going to use this information to help change this child. As a result of her efforts, the nine year old is behaving better and there is less tension in my family. Thanks to you!

Date: Wed Jul 1 16:05:37 EDT 1998
SMP #: 9
Local System: rowan
Person Reporting: Ann Simmons

A "Baby Safety Shower" was held on April 24, 1998. This coincided with Child Abuse Prevention Month and The Week of the Young Child. The event included classes and activities to educate parents about safety for children ages birth to three. Expectant parents were also invited. 25-30 parents and caregivers spent the day. There were exhibits, classes, games, and a "lunch and learn session." There were several of drop in visitors. Twenty volunteers donated 70 hours to this effort. There were numerous comments from participants about how they would use what they had learned to make their homes safer. The shower also had an impact on other Family and Consumer Education programs. Several shower participants registered for the Out for Lunch Program, To date, seven have graduated from the Out for Lunch Program. Two participants returned for another nutrition class.
Date: Wed Jul 1 09:41:24 EDT 1998
SMP #: 9
Local System: stanly
Person Reporting: Lori S Ivey

A young mother that was attending classes to obtain her GED, began utilizing services offered through the Family Resource Center operated by NCCES, Stanly County Center. The mother later commented that the FRC had been one of the best things that ever happened to her. She said she appreciated the encouragement and support that the staff had given her and that it had really changed the way she thought about herself. She said she felt more confident about herself and her abilities as a parent.
Date: Mon Jul 6 12:20:09 EDT 1998
SMP #: 9
Local System: buncombe
Person Reporting: Mary Clayton-McGlauflin

Inmates preparing for release from a North Carolina Department of Corrections facility have developed new skills for dealing with the stress of the transition from prision life as the result of a half-day stress management workshop taught at the facility. The new collaboration between Extension and this corrections facility is opening the door for further programming, specifically in the area of parenting, so that when the inmates are released, they will be better able to relate to their children in positive, responsible ways.
Date: Wed Jul 8 10:01:03 EDT 1998
SMP #: 9
Local System: northamp
Person Reporting: Verlene Stephenson

In response to a need for improved parenting skills, parent education seminars were planned for county parents in each of my three counties. Participants included teen parents, single parents, and grandparents. Volunteers from other agencies helped with the program delivery. Participants reported an increase in knowledge and awareness of developmental stages, basic needs, and appropriate discipline of children. Participants improved the quality of family life after adopting new techniques and improving parenting skills.
Date: Thu Jul 9 11:51:22 EDT 1998
SMP #: 9
Local System: wilson
Person Reporting: Joyce M. Boatwright

Teenage Pregnancies is the number one concern of residents in Wilson County. The N. C. Cooperative Extension Service address that concern by implementing the Door-to-Door Parenting Program (D-T-D). The D-T-D Program address critical issues and concerns that teen parents face today, such as having a very low self-esteem. With that in mind, a complete segment is gearded to building positive self-esteem and maintaining it.
As a result of this program, a mother has indicated that she feel much better about herself now after learning the technique to having a positive attitude and it has increase her level of self-esteem.
Date: Mon Jul 20 14:29:08 EDT 1998
SMP #: 9
Local System: caswell
Person Reporting: Donna Pointer

The well-being of families in Caswell County is linked to such factors as income, educational opportunities, child care services, transportation and community support services. These issues were addressed in a Community Forum which Extension coordinated as a Smart Start effort. It was held on January 19, 1998 with 188 in attendance. This was a collaborative effort with many agencies involved. Ashley Thrift, Chair of the NC Partnership for Children, was the keynote speaker and participants met in small group settings to discuss the factors listed above. They left with the knowledge of how Smart Start efforts will impact the county and how "Our Future is in Their Hands" (theme of the forum).
Date: Wed Jul 22 12:34:21 EDT 1998
SMP #: 9
Local System: greene
Person Reporting: Stan Dixon

Greene County Parents As Teachers have provided developmentally appropriate home visits to 80 families during 1997 - 1998 year. Home visits include guidance and information on effective discipline constructive play and what to look for as children develop.

P.A.T A-Cake-Play Group is held every two weeks allowing fifteen children to learn appropriate play and social skills. Ten children have been found developmentally delayed through early screening and special services have been provided.

Twenty parents and children provides have learned the proper technique of Infant massage.
Date: Wed Sep 9 15:45:48 EDT 1998
SMP #: 9
Local System: mecklenb
Person Reporting: Marilyn Y. Gore

Parenting: Fostering Personal Growth, a four-week educational series, provided 112 inmates of Mecklenburg County Jail North and 23 of their family members with parenting, childrearing and personal development information and resources. Twenty-two children were provided contact visits with their parents. Collaborators, the Sheriff's Office - Jail North, Fighting Back, Energy Committed to Offenders, Chappel Memorial Baptist Church, and Winthrop University, provided 15,537 in-kind dollars. Mecklenburg County Partnership for Children - Smart Start provided $10,050 in grant funding. Two editions (1,200 copies) of
Family Matters Newsletter were distributed to inmates and family members 91 copies were mailed to NC correctional facilities. Evaluations from inmates showed that they would take the class again, learned how to deal effectively with family members and needed more information on how to deal with their children's feelings and separation anxiety. Family members felt that the inmate/children contact visits were a meaningful experience.
Date: Mon Nov 2 11:01:56 EST 1998
SMP #: 9
Local System: moore
Person Reporting: Karen M.Wicker

As part of Extension's role in Moore County's Welfare reform efforts, six parenting sessions were conducted with workfirst parents. Enhancing effective parenting skills in an attempt to help parents to be successful in their job satisfaction and retention. 25 parents were introduced and practiced interpersonal skills like: encouragement, can do and choices. Parents reported using skills at home and positive responses from children. Parents also discovered their learning style and their child's. Being aware of these styles help parents to help their children to be successful in school and life.
Date: Mon Dec 21 16:20:59 EST 1998
SMP #: 9
Local System: forsyth
Person Reporting: Deborah D. Womack

Incarcerated young mothers(ages 16-30yrs.plus) with children (ages 6 weeks-young adults) in Forsyth Co. Detention Center needs positive parenting information.These mothers have a rough time facing the responsibilities/roles of being a parent; even though, others are caring for their children (while they are in jail).35 mothers participated in the weekly classes and increased their knowledge in child growth and development as well as how to communicate and discipline the children in positive ways.By being in the sessions, 90 percent or 31 participants said "that they needed the parenting information before they had children, but will use it when they get out of jail or interact with their kids.
Date: Mon Dec 21 17:49:26 EST 1998
SMP #: 9
Local System: union
Person Reporting: Gloria Baker

There is a general recognition within the county that better parenting skills produce higher academic achievement among public school students; therefore, the agent has been called upon to collaborate with the Smart Start Partnership for Children, Social Services Child Care supervisor, county child care center directors, a community task force organized by a county school board member, and a Parenting Network formed as a committee of the task force. Other county agencies realize the wealth of Extension curriculum and the educational expertise of its personnel.

Professionals and parents can improve student academic achievement by knowing the differences in learning styles; consequently, the agent has taught Parents Exploring Teaching and Learning Styles (PRTALS) to members of the Smart Start board, an elementary school faculty, and parents of home-schooled children. All were intrigued to discover their own learning style(s) and to learn how differently both children and adults learn.
Date: Mon Dec 21 15:05:14 EST 1998
SMP #: 9
Local System: wilson
Person Reporting: Joyce M. Boatwright

Improving the quality of lives is the mission statement of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, therefore, the Family and Consumer Education Agent developed an unique educational program that focus on basic parenting needs. The Door-to-Door Parenting Program objectives is to strengthen family ties through effective communication skills, listening skills, decision-making skills, nuturing oneself and their children and the importance of balancing the dual responsibilty of home and work. The program also address basic household concerns.
The Door-to-Door Parenting Program has impacted the lives of some thirty families within Wilson County. Parents has committed to me how this program has made a tremendous impact on their lives because now they are better communicator's, better problem solvers but more importantly better parents.
Date: Wed Dec 30 11:50:33 EST 1998
SMP #: 9
Local System: cabarrus
Person Reporting: Pamela C. Outen

Networking with other agencies in Cabarrus county,family and parent education has been shared in a variety of methods.
The most successful event was a day long event entitled"Coming Together For Children" attended by over 200 parents and professionals.Extension information was feautured in an exhibit and in a workshop. Agent served on the steering committee. This is the fourth day long event offered and it has become a much anticipated educational event in our county.
Date: Wed Dec 30 10:30:16 EST 1998
SMP #: 9
Local System: caldwell
Person Reporting: Betty Howe

A group meeting for Parents as Teachers(PAT) was very successful with approximately 60 parents and children who are in the Parents as Teachers program in attendance. The parents and children had a chance to interact with other parents and children in the program. Pizza was served and the parents toured the new PAT office. The children had an opportunity to play with the toys and look at the books in the PAT office. Parent educators set up stations and taught age-appropriate activities using play dough, colored macaroni, beads and refrigerator magnets. A fishing booth was also set up in the play area.
Date: Wed Dec 30 14:02:39 EST 1998
SMP #: 9
Local System: hertford
Person Reporting: Deborah J. Howard

Extension Service has received the Restitution Program for Hertford County and $27,000 worth of funding from the Division of Youth Services and Hertford County Government. Thirty-two adjudicated youth from the ages of 10 to 16 have been put in the program in over 3 months. Five area businesses and agencies have agreed to be work sites for youth to do community service work to pay back for larceny and property damage. In the Displaced Homemakers Program 15 families realize in order to improve children's self-esteem they must improve their own self-esteem.
Date: Wed Dec 30 13:48:07 EST 1998
SMP #: 9
Local System: rutherfo
Person Reporting: Tracy Davis

In a group home setting, effective communication and conflict management are vital components in the success of the "family". Rutherford County Cooperative Extension conducted a series of workshops for an adult group home to help members of the home improve their skills in communicating with others, resolving conflict and managing stress. Nineteen individuals gained knowledge with ten of those adopting at least one new skill. Eight individuals reported having more self-confidence in their ability to handle a confrontation. Delayed-post evaluations indicated
that eighty percent viewed their quality of family life to be more productive and less stress feel. Mental health staff report spending less time resolving conflicts among residents and fewer counseling sessions for stress-related problems.
Date: Thu Dec 31 19:17:07 EST 1998
SMP #: 9
Local System: columbus
Person Reporting: Jacqueline D. Roseboro

Low income parents have participated in parenting classes in the Tabor City area. Two series of classes were conducted providng 36 contact hours to these parents. Several indicated that they were encouraged to attend but did not feel that they would benefit. The have indicated that they feel better equipped for parenting, have improved communications and activities with their children, and have improved their own self esteem because they completed the training. All felt that the classes were beneficial to them as they implemented various strategies learned into their family situations.
Date: Thu Dec 31 12:58:59 EST 1998
SMP #: 9
Local System: lenoir
Person Reporting: Lisa Jones

Parents As Teachers (PAT) and Lenoir Memorial Hospital Birth Center are collaborating to get new parents involved at an early age with their children. The Birth Center provides PAT with the names of new birth families. PAT immediately makes contact with the families, explaining services available. Since June 1998, 18 families have taken advantage of Infant Massage training. The parents (especially fathers) feel that massage strengths the bond with their infants.
Date: Thu Dec 31 14:28:14 EST 1998
SMP #: 9
Local System: onslow
Person Reporting: Peggie L. Garner

The carseat program in Onslow County continues to help low-income families to protect their young by providing carseats at no cost to them if they are financially eligible. The last carseats that were given away were given out to individuals representing the following races: black, white and hispanic. This is the first carseat clinic that Extension has been involved in that we had hispanic clientele to participate. Not only do we give carseats away if we have them, but we also check the carseats of anyone who stops by to have them checked. This is a collaborative effort between Extension and the NC Hightway Patrol We hope to have at least two carseat clinics per year and hopefully with SmartStart beginning in Onslow County we will be able to receive more seats from them to have even larger carseat clinics.
Date: Thu Dec 31 16:57:50 EST 1998
SMP #: 9
Local System: perquima
Person Reporting: Jewel Winslow

The 1998 Family and Parent Education Programs for Perquimans County addressed five concerns for our population: First Aid in the Day Care, Adult/Child/Infant CPR, Caring for Ill Children, Helping Kids Behave, and Learning About Child Development. Extension reached 60 individuals involving 30 hours of training. A total of 24 received American Red Cross Certifications. Based on face-to-face talks, these participants are responsible for 200 little lives and make an impact on an additional 400 family members. These programs, offered at minimal or no cost save the participant $50,000 in training fees.
Date: Thu Dec 31 11:19:28 EST 1998
SMP #: 9
Local System: randolph
Person Reporting: K. Johnson,M.Judge,L.Qualls

In response to a need for sound, practical, and factual information for new homeowners participating in the Habitat for Humanity program in Randolph County, the Cooperative Extension Service developed a series of workshops on various topics associated with home ownership/household management, including home maintenance,lawn care/landscaping, family nutrition, and family budgeting. Three CES agents collaborated with local Habitat for Humanity administrators in coordinating this effort which reached 5 families in 1998. Participants were involved in hands-on activities related to topics presented in workshops, and reported that they had increased their knowledge in important areas related to home/household management. Future workshops are planned to provide information to new homeowners and continuing information to current Habitat for Humanity participants.
Date: Thu Dec 31 14:50:55 EST 1998
SMP #: 9
Local System: robeson
Person Reporting: lucy jane huggins

A single parent, lost custody of her two children due to neglect and drug abuse. She was ordered to attend parenting classes. She enrolled and was very attentive. This parent was suffering with low self-esteem and lack of confidence in raising her children.Several lessons were given in the identified areas. Client stated that the lessons had been very helpful and now had a better understanding of life and parenting skills. As a result, client regained custody of her children. She stated "Ms. Lucy I don't think I could have did this without you. Thanks for your vote of confidence, it made a difference in my life!".

Date: Thu Dec 31 09:21:16 EST 1998
SMP #: 9
Local System: stanly
Person Reporting: Lori S Ivey

A young mother that was attending classes to obtain her GED, began utilizing services offered through the Family Resource Center operated by NCCES, Stanly County Center. The mother later commented that the FRC had been one of the best things that ever happened to her. She said she appreciated the encouragement and support that the staff had given her and that it had really changed the way she thought about herself. She said she felt more confident about herself and her abilities as a parent.
Date: Mon Jan 4 09:17:07 EST 1999
SMP #: 9
Local System: duplin
Person Reporting: Wanda Campbell Clay

As a result of the Community Based Alternative, Parenting Program: 3 parents were successful in providing strategies which encouraged their children to achieve honor roll the first grading period, 11 4-H outreach participants won ribbons at the State Fair. 42 participants are currently receiving the Family & Consumer Science Newsletter.

Programming ideas and strategies for 1999 were identified as a result of our Parenting support group meeting. Five parents have agreed to be support group leaders in their community.
Date: Mon Jan 4 09:19:27 EST 1999
SMP #: 9
Local System: duplin
Person Reporting: wanda campbell clay

As a result of parenting one community based alternative family, a couple was able to retain their three children. Both parents stated "parenting education has been very beneficial to me, without this type of program in the county we would have not been able to afford private professional
consulatation to retain our children." The parenting educational program has saved them twelve hundred dollars ($1200).
Date: Mon Jan 4 09:21:37 EST 1999
SMP #: 9
Local System: duplin
Person Reporting: wanda campbell clay

As a result of the Community Based Alternative Parenting Program, one parent stated that she now can communicate and show love in a positive way to her children. She also realizes that children need rules and limitations. She now knows the importance of discussing consequences and what happens when rules are broken.
Date: Fri Jan 8 15:39:05 EST 1999
SMP #: 9
Local System: chatham
Person Reporting: Glenn Woolard

42 percent of the Siler City kindergarten class in 1997-98 were children who spoke Spanish and had limited English proficiency. Kindergarten and first grade Hispanic enrollment has increased 100 percent in Chatham County Schools, and 200 percent in kindergarten in Siler City, since 1993. The Hispanic youth entering kindergarten are not as ready to start school as other youth. This is partially due to the language barrier, parent's low educational level, and lack of familiarity with the school system. Some English speaking youth not enrolled in day care need to be better prepared to enter kindergarten. Cooperative Extension Service conducted a 10 week BILINGUAL kindergarten preparedness program funded by Smart Start in Siler City March-June,1998. 53 youth and 53 parents participated. 89 percent of the youth increased their school readiness skills. Post-test scores increased by 31 percent. 100 percent of the parents learned how to better prepare their children for kindergarten.
Date: Fri Jan 8 14:52:41 EST 1999
SMP #: 9
Local System: pitt
Person Reporting: Alexis Scott

Due to the need to lower infant mortality rates in Pitt County, a survey was given to women of child bearing age. The purpose was to find out what could be done to help expecting parents lower this rate. Results indicated parents were unaware of the child care services in Pitt County. Thus, NC Coop. Extension teamed up with other local agencies (Health Dept., Pitt Infant Mortality Prevention Co.), to host a maternity fair where expecting parents could come learn and pick up information about the many child educational services in Pitt County. The fair was held at Greenville Hilton Inn and approximately 500 parents attended. The Pitt County Coop. Extension Service did its part by helping plan and promote the fair, putting up an educational exhibit display, handing out over 300 parenting packages and coordinating a fashion show featuring maternity clothes.
Date: Fri Jan 8 09:13:41 EST 1999
SMP #: 9
Local System: robeson
Person Reporting: Tammy Tanner

Receiving a $135,000 grant from Smart Start has allowed the continuation of the Parents as Teachers program in Robeson County. Currently there are 5 certified parent educators that make monthly home visits to parents with children birth to age three. This programs has provided information to over 500 parents in Robeson County.
Date: Fri Jan 8 08:43:22 EST 1999
SMP #: 9
Local System: robeson
Person Reporting: Tammy Tanner

High divorce rates in Robeson County has resulted in Cooperative Extension focusing educational programs on marriage and family issues. According to 1996 State Demographics, the marriage rate is 486 and the divorce rate is 446 per year. Partnering with the Register of Deeds, a Spring wedding fair was held for prospective brides and grooms. Over 60 participants had the chance to visit presentors and gain information on successful marriages. Program evaluations indicated that 85% had used the information in their marriages. Over $1,000 was secured to provide this program.
Date: Fri Jan 8 09:00:17 EST 1999
SMP #: 9
Local System: robeson
Person Reporting: Tammy Tanner

Stress is a part of everyday life. According to research, 4 out of five doctor visists are for non-physical related injuries. The ability to handle stress in the work place is very important. Teaming up with Robeson County Human Resources, stress management has become a part of the new county employee orientation. Every month, new employees are presented with information on stress and stressors as well as ways to manage stress. To date, over 280 new county employees have attended with 98% indicating that they will now use the information to manage their stress.
Date: Wed Jan 13 09:48:50 EST 1999
SMP #: 9
Local System: rockingh
Person Reporting: Edith G. Wiley

Limited resource families participated in a punishment program on "How To Punish Your Children Without Punishing Yourself." 206 parents learned to choose punishments that affect their cildren, not them. Many learned to choose punishments that can be administered easily. They selected punishments that were relevant to the misbehavior. Mild punishments were more effective--use restriction properly. Did not punish when angry. The purpose of punishement is to teach, not get even. By participating in this program, parents learned how to punish their children without punishing themselves.
Date: Fri Jan 15 15:45:49 EST 1999
SMP #: 9
Local System: bladen
Person Reporting: Ann Votaw

The Taking Charge! program was facilitated by Bladen's Family and Consumer Education Extension Agent at Camp E-Tik-Etu, a residential alternative school, in a wilderness camp setting, for troubled youth located in Bladen County, North Carolina. Taking Charge! was developed to help 60 boys ages 10-16 "take charge" of their futures by avoiding sexual activity and alcohol/drug use. A $1000 grant from East Carolina Regional Training Center was obtained to purchase program resources. Utilizing collaboration efforts between the F & CE agent, as well as the 4-H agent, Bladen County Mental Health and Eckerd Youth Alternatives, Inc. the program lasted 8 weeks, with one presentation provided weekly in abstinence, food safety, money matters, stress management, child developoment and etiquette, drug awareness and parenting. The result of the program was 100 percent of the youth: having an increased desire to learn, improved self-esteem and adoption of life skills education techniques.
Date: Sat Feb 27 10:47:20 EST 1999
SMP #: 9
Local System: watauga
Person Reporting: sue counts

Listening to the customer to assess needs is essential to successful programming in Extension and Smart Start. The County Extensin Director conducted a series of 8 focus groups of parents (sixty-seven parents, including Hispanic mothers, parents of developmentally disabled, fathers, etc.). The goal of the focus groups was to assess the concerns and needs of Watauga County parents of preschool age children. Informatin gathered from these focus groups was used by the Children's Council for their Smart Start Plan. Over 400 volunteer hours was contributed to these focus groups.
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