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Development & Implementation of Building Nebraska Families

A Welfare-to-Work Program in Rural Nebraska

Marilyn FoxUniversity of Nebraska Extension

Extension Educator

APHSA/CBPP Teleconference Home Visiting in TANFJanuary 9, 2008

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BNF Program DevelopmentUN–L Extension contacted

AccessibilityLocationCommunity-basedConnected

Track recordCredibilityEducational focusNutrition Education Program

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BNF Program Development

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

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BNF Program DevelopmentModeled after EFNEPModeled after EFNEP

One-on-oneOne-on-one In-homeIn-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)

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BNF Program Development

●Participants were referred by HHSS or contracted case managers● Active TANF participants● Sanctioned individuals ● Specific exemptions

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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

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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

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Curriculum Components

● 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

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Program Management & Evaluation ToolsEntry/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

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Program Management & Evaluation ToolsSuccess 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

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Program Management & Evaluation Tools

Success stories Qualitative accounts Reported by Extension Educators and

participants Shares richness and spirit of BNF

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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.

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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

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Program Management & Evaluation Tools

Assess participant progressPlanning tool Monitor progressRevise plansShare with HHSS/others

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Lessons Learned

Program development takes timeProfessional development for educatorsNeed to market BNFNetworking and coordinationCurriculum relevant to participants

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Lessons Learned

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

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Strengths & Challenges

Challenges Windshield time Lack of phones Not home for appointments Crises taking precedence over planned lessons

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Strengths & Challenges

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

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Can model be replicated? How?

Answer is yes.

How? Be committed to our model

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Building Nebraska Families

Development and Implementation

For more information:

Marilyn Fox, (308) 385-5088mfox1@unl.edu