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Empowering Rural Families: A Tailored Welfare-to-Work Program in Nebraska

Explore the development and implementation of a welfare-to-work program focused on building family skills in rural Nebraska. Featuring a unique curriculum, program management tools, and success stories that highlight the impact of this community-based initiative.

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Empowering Rural Families: A Tailored Welfare-to-Work Program in Nebraska

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  1. Development & Implementation of Building Nebraska Families A Welfare-to-Work Program in Rural Nebraska Marilyn Fox University of Nebraska Extension Extension Educator APHSA/CBPP Teleconference Home Visiting in TANF January 9, 2008

  2. BNF Program Development • UN–L Extension contacted • Accessibility • Location • Community-based • Connected • Track record • Credibility • Educational focus • Nutrition Education Program

  3. BNF Program Development • Research-based, educational, developmental model that focused on teaching family life & resource management skills to rural participants of Nebraska’s TANF program.

  4. BNF Program Development • Modeled after EFNEP • One-on-one • In-home • Family Strengths Perspective Model • Built on DeFrain research • Participant-driven • Individualized to meet each one’s needs • Encouraged to meet weekly for one hour • Assignments (based on goals)

  5. BNF Program Development • Participants were referred by HHSS or contracted case managers • Active TANF participants • Sanctioned individuals • Specific exemptions

  6. Plan for Learning • Extension educators, participants and HHSS or contracted case managers worked together to: • Identify family assets and needs • Set personal and BNF educational goals • Develop a plan of learning to meet goals

  7. Survive, Strive, Thrive: Keys to Healthy Family Living • Developed a curriculum: • Input from Extension Educators & Participants • Piloted with participants • Based on simple concepts • Can be individualized • Provides opportunity for intensive education in a specific topic area • Hands-on approach • Peer-reviewed & research-based

  8. Goal Setting Strong Families Making Good Decisions Building Healthy Relationships Building Self-Esteem Money Management Creating a Healthy Home Anger/Conflict Management Building Communications Skills Stress Management Time Management Developing Good Character Positive Parenting Child Development Nutrition/Food Related Skills Curriculum Components

  9. Program Management & Evaluation Tools • Entry/exit checklist • Based on curriculum • Self-reported by participants • Completed by all participants at program enrollment • Completed by program graduates at exit and six months following exit

  10. Program Management & Evaluation Tools • Success Outcome Markers • Identifiable actions or behaviors which lead to successful accomplishment of a specific program outcome. • Outcome statement for families: • BNF participants, who take the necessary steps to improve their work and life skills, become self-sufficient. • Based on outcome statement, markers developed for three levels • Expect to see, Like to see, Love to see

  11. Program Management & Evaluation Tools • Success stories • Qualitative accounts • Reported by Extension Educators and participants • Shares richness and spirit of BNF

  12. Success Stories • We are budgeting better by listing all of our bills every month and designating where the money goes. I would recommend BNF to anyone. We learned not to use rent-to-own places because of all the extra money you spend. • Really helped us to deal with parenting issues and work with the children on developmental skills. Also learned home management skills.

  13. Success Stories • You helped me build a bond with my daughter. I didn’t know what to do with her. I just thought if I didn’t hit her and I fed her that I was a good parent. I know now because of Deanna’s parenting classes that I need to spend time with her and teach her things. Heather, single mother of 2 year old

  14. Program Management & Evaluation Tools • Assess participant progress • Planning tool • Monitor progress • Revise plans • Share with HHSS/others

  15. Lessons Learned • Program development takes time • Professional development for educators • Need to market BNF • Networking and coordination • Curriculum relevant to participants

  16. Lessons Learned • Extension Educator Skills/Qualifications • Degree relevant to the family • Educator • Flexible • Self-starter, reliable and responsible • Good communicator

  17. Strengths & Challenges • Challenges • Windshield time • Lack of phones • Not home for appointments • Crises taking precedence over planned lessons

  18. Strengths & Challenges • Strengths • One on one approach • Individualized lessons • Focus on the family • Highly skilled, professional staff • Relationship with HHSS - state and local

  19. Can model be replicated? How? • Answer is yes. • How? • Be committed to our model

  20. Building Nebraska Families Development and Implementation • For more information: • Marilyn Fox, (308) 385-5088 • mfox1@unl.edu

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