Success Stories - Marion County
Expanded Foods and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), Consumer & Family Sciences
As a result of direct education, low income families are saving $28.30 per family member per month on their food bills, more than one in ten youth have increased their selection of healthy foods, and 48% of new mothers breastfed their infants. Besides saving money, families are eating healthier (fruit consumption increased 40% and vegetable consumption up 24%). Additionally, behavior changes such as increased physical activity, feeding children breakfast and food safety skills improved 15.4%, 89%, and 54% respectively.
All lessons were developed and pilot tested to meet the needs of their special audience. Classes are fun, interactive and taught by trained staff.
Contact Julie Gray for further information
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Professor Popcorn: Teaching Youth Nutrition, Physical Activity and Food Safety.
The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP).
Have A Healthy Baby: Saving Babies and Dollars.
EFNEP: Helping Latinos Save Money and Eat Better.
100% of teacher survey respondents rated the Embryology in the Classroom program as Exceptional or Good based on its effectiveness to educate students about embryonic development.With regard to student learning, teachers reported that their students learned what an incubator does and the importance of turning the eggs, the reality of where eggs come from and where chickens come from, and the stages of embryonic development for the chick. By caring for the chicks for a few days after hatching, the students demonstrated how to care for animals and for one another.The students practiced making observations, taking careful measurements and recording data about each chick. Marion County 4-H New Volunteer Leader Orientation Evaluation.
4-H/Extension Camp/Day Camp Counselor training Program Evaluation.
Chicken Embryology in the Classroom. Elementary teachers report Fun with Science
Marion County Master Gardeners volunteered 13,275 hours educating others and beautifying communities, according to reports submitted by volunteers during the past year. Master Gardeners provided individual lawn and garden advice to 1224 people by telephone as well as 558 people. Master Gardeners assisted numerous agencies or organizations in the Indianapolis area including Indy Parks, Indianapolis Museum of Art, White River Gardens, Indianapolis Zoo, Indiana State Museum, President Benjamin Harrison Home, Indiana Medical History Museum and the Governor's Residence. They also participated in community events such as the Indiana Flower & Patio Show, Orchard in Bloom, Indiana Home and Garden Show, Indiana State Fair, and the National FFA Convention. The dollar value of time contributed by Master Gardener volunteers during the past year amounted to $258,995.25. Marion County Master Gardener Program.
Employees of INTECH Park (Lauth Property Group) businesses on the northwest side of Indianapolis took on the challenge to Walk Across IN. Walk Across IN is part of Gov. Daniels INShape IN campaign to get Hoosiers healthier by promoting more daily physical activity and making healthy food choices.
Purdue Extension Marion County and INTECH Park committee teamed up to organize the second annual walking challenge. Between October 2nd and October 9th, the 245 participants wore pedometers everywhere they went and recorded the number of steps and miles walked. Four INTECH buildings (1, 2, 3 and 10) and INTECH retail businesses formed a total of 28 teams. The final results: the group walked a total of 6,238 miles which equals 40 times across Indiana and translates into 12,476,200 steps! Our top team and INTECH 1 winner was TriMedx, who walked 455.5 miles! Winners were honored at a celebratory event where prizes donated by area businesses were awarded to the top team in each participating building. A most improved guy and girl category was also honored as were the overall individual winners (1st, 2nd and 3rd places). To cap off the event, country music station, the WFMS morning crew Jim Denny, Deborah Honeycutt and Kevin Freeman also participated by wearing pedometers and recording steps and miles walked along with INTECH Park. Our financial sponsors were M & I Bank, Kroger, Lauth Property Group and Purdue Extension Marion County
. Health and Nutrition from the Garden
Grow Labs-Junior Master Gardeners
Poor parenting skills lead to child abuse and neglect. This neglect produces negative outcomes such as school failure, juvenile delinquency, gang activity and other negative outcomes for youth. The Science Bound parents program help prevent child abuse because we teach positive discipline and alternative ways to influence children in a positive way. The Science Bound parents program provide parents with positive parenting skills, college prep information, effective discipline strategies and peer support to understanding and practice effective research based child development principles that enables them to make better informed choices and decisions. The enormous tax savings to the community will enable us to enjoy reduced rates in school dropout, reduce criminal and gang activity, reduce teenage pregnancy rates and huge savings on school remediation services. 21.Extension provides constituents with crucial skills to engage difficult conversations
22. Extension facilitates diversity leadership and inclusion for neighborhoods leaders.
23. Extension facilitates educational attainment by enabling parents
through the Science Bound parents program.
Staff from Southeast Community Services (one of five Centers for Working Families in
Indianapolis) requested direct training in “Making Your Money Work” to strengthen the staff confidence in managing their money and to enable them to work more effectively to help their clients achieve financial stability. Eleven (11) staff completed training during second quarter of ’08. As indicated by the pre-post tests all staff increased their knowledge and skills in basic money management and mentoring. The scores increased a range of 4% to 27%. As a result of this class and the support of the Center Director the staff has increased their confidence in managing money and in helping clients with basic money management skills. The suggestion of filling the new position of financial coach with a qualified current staff member was implemented. A policy document on building the capacity of financial coaches was identified and utilized. The Family Resource Management Extension Educator continues to be a resource for the financial coach.
Eleven (11) of the 16 volunteers completed the Purdue Extension-Marion County Money Mentor training enabling them to mentor a Habitat for Humanity homeowner. As indicated by pre-post-tests all volunteers increased their knowledge and skills in basic money management and mentoring. An increase in scores ranged from 4% to 19%. One individual received 100% on both pre-and post-and also stated he found the class helpful and his participation added to the class. To date six (6) volunteers have reported giving 50.5 hours in mentoring a Habitat Homeowner. According to the Independent Sector volunteer time is $19.51/hour. Therefore, these volunteers have given $985.26 in time. The Family Resource Management Educator wrote articles for quarterly PAL newsletter (distribution 23) and Habitat Homeowners (distribution 300+).
The Southeast Neighborhood School of Excellence parents class completed 15 questionnaires from the December 2007-January 2008 class series. Fewer than half of respondents indicated they have a savings account, while 60% indicated they have a checking account. Approximately 25% of respondents indicated they have car loans, student loans, mortgages, and credit cards. In paired t tests, there were significant differences in participants responses regarding their behavior before and after completing the program to these statements: I track some or all of my expenses, I compare prices when I shop, I use a spending plan/budget, I repay the money I owe on time, and I discuss money management with my family. In a 2 month follow-up survey, participants reported the most valuable information they gained from the workshop was: 1) knowing needs from wants, 2) understanding credit reports, and 3) how to keep an eye on my money. 15. 2008 America Saves Week/Indy Saves Campaign
16. Get Checking for Unbanked Hoosiers in Central Indiana
Embryology in the Classroom, 4-H Youth Development
Contact Jeff Jones for further information
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Impact of Master Gardener Volunteers
Contact Steve Mayer for further information.
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Nutrition, Health and Wellness, INTECH Park Walks Across Indiana
Contact Christina Ferroli for further information.
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Science Bound Parents program provides significant public value
Contact George Okantey for further information.
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Southeast Community Services Staff Trained in Making Your Money Work
Volunteer Money Mentors trained to mentor Habitat for Humanity homeowners
The Southeast Neighborhood School of Excellence parents complete Making Your Money Work
Contact Rebecca Haynes-Bordas for further information.
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