Rates of substance use and abuse is at an all time high.  Recent contacts with a newly established recovery center has opened new doors for non-traditional FCS programming efforts.  At the request of recovery center clients, the need for financial training was at the top of the list.  Collaborating with the center director, staff, clients and SNAP assistant, extension FCS programming offered food prep, safety and selection while FCS Ed agent conducted "Recovering Your Finances Training".  Surveys indicated participants learned new skills in money management, needs versus wants, identifying predatory lending, scams, budgeting and more.  Participants indicated success in learning what a credit score is, how to check it, how to establish credit, how to plan and create working budgets.  A definite win win for all.

A community forum is planned in Feb. with help from extension specialist and community partners to increase awareness and understanding of addiction..  "Our Community, Our Solution" will be an open forum with guest speakers to get community input and information from community partners.