Describe the Issue or Situation.

Financial stress can put people in recovery from substance use disorder at risk for return to use, particularly during the early stages of recovery. This increased risk is partly because of the financial stress that people in recovery often encounter. Through comprehensive financial education training, we can expand the capacity of recovery centers and other partners in the community that work with individuals in recovery thereby reducing the likelihood of relapsing.

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable). Through a partnership between the FCS Agent and the Oldham County Drug Court, the Oldham County Cooperative Extension Service used the Recovering Your Finances curriculum to help build financial capability for those in recovery and improve the efficacy of substance use recovery programs. The topics presented include budgeting, credit, banking, and savings. 

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience. 8 individuals participated in monthly classes that they received points for attending that offset their obligation to Drug Court. Participants will rotate in and the program will run consecutively 11 months a year.

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach. 

We asked participants to complete an evaluation survey following the class(es). Over the series, there was an average response rate of 8 per class. Of each class’s survey respondents, 100 % indicated they increased their understanding of how to prepare a personal budget; identify factors that affect the cost of credit; better know how to improve a credit score over time; are now better able to prioritize debts; and increased confidence in avoiding fees when using a bank account. 

Survey results indicate respondents were receptive to behavior change.

One participant shared that they would feel empowered to contact credit reporting agencies on an annual or even bi-annual basis. Another participant shared that a game "Money Habitudes"  gave them insight into how to work with their significant other and their shared needs.

One participant said that he finally understood the difference between interest rates and found a spreadsheet to calculate interest rates on his own would be extremely helpful.