Durham County
State ESP County Performance Award

I. Staff Cooperation: Please list evidence of a total Extension program concept for your county. Indicate ways or give examples of how staff members support each other in program efforts.

The Durham County Extension staff has worked diligently to become a cohesive team that supports its members in delivering services to our citizens and caring for/supporting the programmatic and personal needs of the team members. The total staff continuously pitches in, addressing the clerical support needs of our program enlight of the secretaries facing on-going life threatening illnesses and medical services. Program and support staff members make sure that the services of the County Center are delivered in a professional manner. Members have taken on new duties and as a result allowed program to proceed without expenditures for temporary staffing.

The staff members conscientiously work to educate the community about the diversity of services offered through the Extension Center. In order for citizens to broaden their awareness of the programs and resources offered through the Center, each staff member has made an effort to promote the programs of their co-workers. This has resulted in a variety of programs for non-traditional audiences. Among the examples are such programs as the landscape and home care and maintenance programs provided for Habitat for Humanities Families, compost education site at the Museum of Life and Science, computer boot camp for youth, county government staff development training and extensive programming through the family resource center in Eastway Elementary School. The team worked together to conduct Community Conversations for the County Board of Commissioners. These facilitated meetings provided education about the use and management of county tax dollars and allowed citizens to give input on the county's budgetary design.

The Durham staff also finds time to enjoy themselves and to show appreciation to their many volunteers. Over 300 volunteers were invited to a volunteer appreciation picnic that was planned and implemented by the staff. Durham County Extension staff initiated a quarterly staff celebration program to recognize individual members milestones. Other group efforts include: attending the Durham Bull's baseball games, an annual Thanksgiving and Christmas festivity. These activities have resulted in an enjoyable work environment for staff members and a customer friendly environment for our citizens.

II. Resource Utilization: State evidences how your staff uses the resources of the University for training and program support. Identify ways the staff uses community resources to the extent needed to do an outstanding job.

The staff has incorporated the resources of the County and University to insure quality programming. The team used the facilitation skills of both the specialist staff and its co-workers in adjourning counties to conduct the county's community conversations. These efforts helped to establish the team's reputation as a resource for other county departments and agencies in the community. The success of such programs as the Easyway Family Resource Center, the Master Gardener Volunteer Program and Serv-Safe is evidence of strong collaborations between not only the university and the staff, but also other county agencies and program participants. The utilization of resources from the Department of Social Services, Department of Transportation, local granting agencies, Duke University and North Carolina Central University resulted in the following:
· a family resource center in one of the county's lowest performing elementary schools
· support for community capacity building grants for neighborhoods
· a master gardener information site at Duke Gardens
· an expanded youth and adult leadership development program

The staff has generated over $25,000.00 in the past fiscal year to help community organizations better serve their youth and adult citizens. Generated funds exceeding $250,000 of non- county and state resources support the programs of Cooperative Extension that provide services and educational programs for Durham County citizens. These resources allow the center to provide support to community lead after-school programs, develop and implement an in-school family resource center that also provides homework support services for the after school care program, provide transportation services for elderly and handicapped citizens and educate citizens with limited transportation access on how to best use the resources of the region.

III. Program Impact: List evidence that your programs are resulting in significant changes in the lives and actions of your clientele.

Over 180 volunteers devote time to community capacity building projects in their community in 2002. This effort resulted in community beautification projects, youth -senior's projects and most importantly, leadership training for local community leaders.

In a county where 49% of the food service employees speak Spanish as a primary language, the Extension Staff has been able to teach Serving Safe Food classes in Spanish. Also, Serving Safe Food Certification classes have resulted in 560 restaurant managers and supervisors completing the course. Restaurant managers believe that these classes help to insure that they not only meet health inspection requirements but also, offer opportunities to help support their staff in doing their jobs well. These classes result in safer meals for all our citizens and increased employability for entry-level employees who have limited English communication skills.

Master Gardeners give over 3000 hours annually helping Durham citizens answer their questions about landscapes and gardens. Most importantly, their support results in more informed use of chemicals and selection of plants best suited for our environment. This is a major contribution to improving the Neuse River.
The Compost Education site in the Museum of Life and Science provides information about composting to approximately 5000 citizens monthly. Storm water management exhibits within Hillandale Golf Course and Hillandale Elementary School also offer examples and education for citizens. These opportunities coupled with educational seminars have resulted in Durham citizens increasing their awareness of how they impact our environment, and a commitment by some to changes in their gardening and landscaping practices that will reduce the impact on the environment.

In 2001 approximately 3000 Durham citizens, including 1800 county employees were given emergency preparedness resource books developed by a multi-county team. The staff continues to receive request and provide these valuable publications in 2002.

Media outreach efforts that include newspaper columns/features, Duke University housing guide, radio home and garden programs, youth development spots, county public access television programs and public television interviews that promote the programs and resources of the Durham County Center, and also provide visibility for Extension Centers in the entire media market.