Youth and Adult Financial, Parenting, Life Skill, and Practical Skill Development Plan of Work

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Bullitt County CES

Title:
Youth and Adult Financial, Parenting, Life Skill, and Practical Skill Development
MAP:
Practical & Life Skills Development
Agents Involved:
Marlee Kelley, Samantha Gamblin, Paul Adkins, Lorilee Kunze, Ruth Chowning
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Family Development General
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Horticulture, Consumer and Home
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
21st Century Skills (Career & Workplace Development)
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Communications and Expressive Arts
Situation:

Practical/life skill development education can provide youth and adult community members of Bullitt County with skills that will aid in improving their lives while improving the community. 

A need for life skill development, education and training was identified by community members completing the 2019 Bullitt County Extension Community Assessment survey. According to the 2019 report, in issues related to life skill development, identified community needs include, more youth, adult, and family life skills training related to financial planning, decision making, and career readiness; relationship building, parenting, and coping skills; as well as sustainability of family farms, more opportunities for buying safe, affordable, fresh local foods, and skills for selecting and preparing healthier food.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 10.2 percent of Bullitt County residents live below the poverty level. The Kentucky Center for Statistics reports that 10% of the population [ages 18-64] lacks a high school diploma or equivalent while only 24% of the population holds an associate degree or higher.



 

Long-Term Outcomes:

More effective employees and community leaders.

Improved financial capability for Kentuckians, results in better quality of life and stronger families.

Better family money management skills, such as reducing debt, increasing savings, and financial planning.

Be responsible and contributing individuals and family members

Gain and maintain employment through life skill development

Contribute to a safe and healthy home and community.

Improve the physical and mental health, along with well-being of children

Family relationships will improve.

Caregivers of children will have reduced stress levels.

Community members, including parents are engaged in building community

Individuals (parents or caregivers) are stronger, communicate better and have

Youth will contribute to self, family, community and to the institutions of our society.

Youth will have reduced risky behavior now and in the future.

4-H alumni will be successful in a global society.

4-H youth will successfully enter the workplace and/or institution of higher learning.

Improve the physical and mental health, along with the well-being of children .

Intermediate Outcomes:

Practice better employee “soft/essential skills” such as communication, networking, teamwork, time management, problem-solving, etc.

Improve employability through practical living skills and continued education practices.

Practice one or more resource management behaviors resulting in increased savings or investments.

Adopt financial planning strategies for short, intermediate, and long-term goals

Practice consumer and financial decision-making that leads to greater financial stability 

Adopt habits and skills that contribute toward employability in the future

Parents and Caregivers set and enforce family rules by using preventative and positive discipline.

Family members practice skills to strengthen and sustain relationships.

Parents and Caregivers access community agencies and resources when needed.

Parents living apart will co-parent in the best interest of their child.

Youth will use scientific decision-making techniques to make decisions daily.

Youth will express themselves to others in group settings and on an individual basis.

Youth have a positive bond with a caring adult who believe and encourage success.

Youth apply the skills learned in 4-H in other activities at home, school and in the community.

Youth set and achieve goals through a 4-H program.


Initial Outcomes:

Change knowledge, opinions, skills, and aspirations, to improve employability through work and practical living skills and continuing education practices.

Increased knowledge and skills related to managing financial resources, including savings, credit, and financial planning.

Change knowledge, opinions, skills, and aspirations, to improve employability through work and practical living skills and continuing education practices. 

Increase financial literacy (knowledge and skills) related to savings and investments.

Understand the 7 steps of the Decision-Making Process  

Gain skills in setting a goal and developing a plan of action

Learn to read and follow instructions

Gain knowledge and develop skills in Family & Consumer Sciences projects and programs

Parents and caregivers will have enhanced knowledge of realistic behavior expectations and positive discipline

Parents and caregivers will have greater understanding of a child’s growth and development

Parents living apart will use non-threatening communication with the other parent.

Parents and caregivers are aware of agencies or organizations to contact for assistance

Youth will gain knowledge and skills in the decision-making process.

Youth learn skills need to communicate with others.

Adult volunteers/mentors will understand elements of positive youth development.

Youth learn and develop life skills though 4-H.

Youth learn steps in goal setting and developing a plan of action.


Evaluation:

Outcome:  Improved workforce communication

Indicator:  Number of individuals who reported the intent to utilize etiquette practices to improve verbal, written, and electronic communication practices (Communicating Effectively)

Indicator:  Number of individuals reporting increased levels of understanding in the area: demonstrate strong verbal and nonverbal communications (Conveying Your Message)

Method:  Pre/Post Evaluation 

Timeline:  Following Positive Employability


Outcome:  Improved workplace listening skills 

Indicator:  Number of individuals reporting increased levels of understanding in the area: how to utilize listening cues in conversation (Listening and Inquiry)

Method:  Pre/Post Evaluation 

Timeline:  Following Positive Employability


Outcome:  Increased awareness of sound financial behaviors

Indicator(s):  Number of individuals who implemented at least one strategy to reduce expenses or manage money

Number of individuals who made a sound financial decision (regarding credit, budgeting, savings, and/or debt)

Method:  Retroactive pre-post

Timeline: July 2020- June 2021


Outcome:  Increase knowledge and skills related to managing financial resources

Indicator: Number of individuals reporting increased levels of understanding in the area: confidence in handling money issues or specific financial matters

Method:  Retroactive pre-post 

Timeline:  Following financial education workshops


Outcome:  Increase knowledge and skills related to estate planning

Indicator: Number of individuals who acted toward implementing at least one estate planning strategy regarding the subject matter presented

Method:  Retroactive pre-post 

Timeline:  Following financial education workshops


Outcome:  Youth who engage in Family & Consumer Science project Work

Indicator:  Youth complete a Family & Consumer Science Project

Method:  4-H Common Measures Universal Survey

Timeline:  July 2020- June 


Outcome:  Individuals will learn to foster child's positive development

Indicator:  Number of individuals who reported regularly practicing at least one behavior related to subjects taught

Method:  AAPI, survey

Timeline:  July 2020- June 2021


Outcome:  parents can discuss effective strategies for helping children manage their behavior.

Indicator: number of parents who indicate they know at least 2 strategies for helping children manage their behavior.

Method: survey

Timeline: at end of program


Outcome: Parents and/or Caregivers respond in a positive manner to child's misbehavior.

Indicator: Number of people (families) who reported using preventive and positive discipline techniques in response to child’s misbehavior

Method: follow-up questionnaire

Timeline: 3 months after completion of program


Outcome: Participants will be able to live independently and will be able to complete basic tasks for everyday living
Indicator: Number of participants indicating change in behavior
Method: Written evaluation and testimonials
Timeline: On-going

Outcome: Youth will improve their personal communication skills
Indicator: Change in participants ability to communicate interpersonal settings
Method: Testimonials of participants, teachers and parents
Timeline: on-going

Outcome: Knowledge of youth financial responsibility and management
Indicator: Plans to change spending habits and savings
Method: Written evaluation of program participants, testimonials, teachers and parents 
Timeline: on-going

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Working-age adults and young adults preparing for the workforce

Project or Activity: 10 Soft Skills for Success

Content or Curriculum: Positive Employability

Inputs: FCS Agent, curriculum publications and resources, local employers and community leaders

Date:  Fall 2020 


Audience: Working-age adults and young adults preparing for the workforce 

Project or Activity: Conveying Your Message

Content or Curriculum: Positive Employability

Inputs: FCS Agent, curriculum publications and resources, local 

employers and community leaders

Date: Fall 2020  


Audience: Adults, young adults, and teens

Project or Activity: Money Habitudes Workshop

Content or Curriculum: Money Habitudes

Inputs: FCS Agent, curriculum publications and resources, Money Habitudes cards

Date: Fall 2020


Audience: Detention Center inmates, Homeless Shelter residence

Project or Activity: Financial Education

Content or Curriculum: Recovering Your Finances

Inputs: Coordination with community stakeholders, FCS Agent, UK Curriculum & resources

Date:  Fall 2020


Audience: Detention Center inmates, Homeless Shelter residents 

Project or Activity: Credit Education 

Content or Curriculum: Good Credit Game

Inputs: FCS Agent, curriculum publications and resources, Good Credit Game set

Date: Spring, summer 2021


Audience:  Youth Ages 9-18

Project or Activity:  4-H Needlework

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Needlework Notebook

Inputs: 4H Curriculum, 4H agent, FCS Agent, fcs curriculum

Date:  July 2020 - June 2021


Audience: Youth

Project or Activity:  4-H Sewing & Textiles

Content or Curriculum: Style Engineers, Keeping 4-H in Stitches. Upcycle it, Steam Clothing

Inputs: 4H Curriculum, 4H agent, FCS Agent, fcs curriculum

Date: July 2020 - June 2021


Audience: Men in the Substance Abuse Program at the Bullitt County Detention Center

Project or Activity: 10 –11-week parenting program

Content or Curriculum: Nurturing Fathering

Inputs: SAP Director, Jailer, FCS Agent, Extension Office

Date: July 2020 - June 2021


Audience: Men in the Substance Abuse Program at Bullitt County Detention Center

Project or Activity: Gardening Skills Development Program

Content or Curriculum: Extension Publications, Horticulture Curriculum

Inputs: SAP Director, Jailer, Hort Agent, Extension Office

Date: July 2020 - June 2021


Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Public Speaking, school and county-wide
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Public Speaking curriculum
Inputs: Extension Staff, teachers, parents, schools, Cooperative Extension facility
Date: Fall/Spring


Audience: Youth – Middle/High School
Project or Activity: 4-H Reality Store
Content or Curriculum: Kentucky 4-H Reality Store Curriculum
Inputs: Extension Staff, Volunteers, Schools, teachers
Date: Spring

Audience: Youth - High School
Project or Activity: Workforce Prep & Career Readiness
Content or Curriculum: Kentucky 4-H Workforce Prep Curriculum
Inputs: Extension Staff, Volunteers, Schools, teachers, Family Court, Court Designated Workers, community & business leaders
Date: Fall/Spring

Audience: Youth – Elementary
Project or Activity: Dollars & Sense Program
Content or Curriculum: Kentucky 4-H Dollars Sense Curriculum
Inputs: Extension Staff, Volunteers, Schools, teachers
Date: January - March


Audience: Youth Ages 9-18, Adults
Project or Activity: 4-H Residential Camp
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Camp
Inputs: Extension Staff, Volunteers, Camp Facilities, Camp Staff
Date: Summer


Audience: Youth Ages 9-13
Project or Activity: Home Alone Program
Content or Curriculum: Kentucky 4-H Code Name: Home Alone
Inputs: Extension Staff, Volunteers, local childcare facilities, childcare teachers
Date: Summer


Audience: Youth Ages 5-18
Project or Activity: Day Camps
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum, Extension Curriculum
Inputs: Extension Staff, Volunteers, local schools, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center
Date: Summer


Audience: Youth Ages 9-18
Project or Activity: Shooting Sports Education
Content or Curriculum: Kentucky/National 4-H Training, Curriculum
Inputs: Certified 4-H Volunteers, Bullitt County Schools, Chickasaw Archery Club, Extension Staff
Date: Spring, Summer


Audience: Youth Ages 5-19
Project or Activity: Community Clubs, Project Clubs
Content or Curriculum: Kentucky 4-H Curricula (Expressive Arts, Leadership, Shooting Sports, Clover Buds, Photography, Global Citizenship, SET, Ag/Natural Resources, FCS)
Inputs: Extension Staff, Volunteers, Teachers
Date: Fall, Spring, Summer




Success Stories

Cane Pole Fishing Promotes Family Time Outdoors

Author: Paul Adkins

Major Program: Natural Resources

Cane Pole Fishing Promotes Family Time Outdoors

During a worldwide pandemic, families are spending more time behind screens and are looking for new ways to get outdoors. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (2020), getting outside is a great way to spend time together as a family and there are multiple benefits, including, being physically healthier, more engaged in learning, more positive in behavior, and mentally healthier.The Bullitt County Cooperative Extension Service, including the 4-H Youth Development and Agriculture and Na

Full Story

Online Needlework classes stitch through the pandemic!

Author: Ruth Chowning

Major Program: Apparel and Textiles (Non-Master Clothing Volunteer)

With the Kentucky “Healthy At Home” initiative during this pandemic, the Extension Agent of Bullitt County partnered with the Extension Agent of Garrard County to offer an online Needlework class over the 8 months of the pandemic in 2020. With the resurgence of heritage skills, Needlework can be a way to learn new skills of the mind, heart and hands.  Handwork develops focus and concentration. It encourages following a process in order to complete a project. It enhance

Full Story

Fall Grab N Go Bags

Author: Samantha Gamblin

Major Program: Family and Consumer Science

During this pandemic schools went to online learning and businesses were closed on and off. During this time Bullitt 4-H wanted to take this time to find unique ways to reach youth even if we couldn't meet in person.  We began Grab N Go bags in the summer and wanted to continue through the Fall. Each week 4-H Grab-N-Go bags were put together with different topics and supplies. Each bag has its own theme and the items inside correspond to said theme. There will be a hands on activity and

Full Story

Virtual Dollars and Sense Program

Author: Samantha Gamblin

Major Program: Family and Consumer Science

The 2019 Most and Least Financially Literate States report, Kentucky ranks 45th in the nation for financial literacy. Youth learn about consumer science and finances early in schools. Dollars and Sense and Reality Store have always been a high demand for Bullitt County schools. When in person learning turned to virtual during the 2020-2021 school year we needed a plan for the highly requested program. So a user friendly Dollars and Sense program was created. Youth would still get to participate

Full Story

Bullitt County Story Path

Author: Lorilee Kunze

Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General

In 2020 Covid19 changed family traditions, social customs and holiday schedules.  After months of social distancing, families were looking for a way to safely spend some time out of the house.  Our Story Path project was the perfect solution.  The Bullitt County Extension and its many program areas formed a council, collaborating with Mt. Washington city government, the Bullitt County public library, the Bullitt County health department and others the first Story Path was created

Full Story

Teens Explore Career Readiness and Use Skills to Enter the Workforce

Author: Paul Adkins

Major Program: 21st Century Skills (Career & Workplace Development)

The 2019 Kentucky Extension Community Assessment for Bullitt County Report showed that one of the priority needs for Bullitt County is better youth/adult career readiness skills.The Bullitt County Cooperative Extension Service partnered with Bullitt County Family Court’s Court Designated Worker program to provide career readiness and workforce preparation skills to teenage juvenile offenders. Youth were selected to serve in the 2nd cohort in the 4-H Preparing for Careers program as part of

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Communication Skills Lead to Success

Author: Paul Adkins

Major Program: Communications and Expressive Arts

As outlined in the county plan of work, the Bullitt County Cooperative Extension Service supports improving communication skills of youth and adults in Bullitt County. The Bullitt County Cooperative Extension Service’s 4-H Youth Development program provides communications education through 4-H school enrichment, school clubs, and other areas of programming to establish or enhance necessary communication skills that develop college and career ready youth in Kentucky. Strong writing, re

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Grab and Go Bags Reach Families from All Corners of Bullitt County

Author: Paul Adkins

Major Program: Natural Resources

Grab and Go Bags Reach Families from All Corners of Bullitt County

The Covid-19 Pandemic presented a challenge for Extension programs all over the nation and the Bullitt County Cooperative Extension Service answered the call by providing fun and educational weekly grab and go bags to families. Many projects were geared towards family life skill development for youth and adults where others were focused on life-skill development, promoting hands-on, and combating learning loss for youth. In preliminary studies, The Center for Research on Education Outcomes at St

Full Story

"Its Sew Fine" Sewing Expo continues to impact over a decade later

Author: Ruth Chowning

Major Program: Apparel and Textiles (Non-Master Clothing Volunteer)

Sewing and handwork can bring great satisfaction to someone who makes a project. When very little cost is associated with a project and personal creativity a part of the process, the level of personal satisfaction and fulfillment is found to be greater.  Pin Weaving is a low cost, personally creative method of using the heritage skill of weaving. The "It's So Fine for Home and Family" Sewing Expo committee brought Shirley Adams to Kentucky to be the featured speaker on Cl

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"It's All About Gardening" initiative for Elementary School

Author: Ruth Chowning

Major Program: Community Gardens and Horticulture Therapy

"It's All About Gardening" initiative for Elementary School

In the early spring of 2021, Bullitt County Cooperative Extension Service was invited to collaborate in a project with Nichols Elementary to create a school garden and educational program for the garden. As a community, Nichols is used to finding their own resources and support, but they contacted the Extension Service due to previous long term relationships and programs offered by Extension.  The Bullitt County Extension Service, the local Public Library branch, Nichols Elementary school s

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