Winter 1999
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In this issue Iowa Institute for Public Leadership brings state officials together Extension strengthens low-resource families Modern Johnny Appleseed sows technology Kids dig in the dirt and grow in the garden
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Extension strengthens low-resource families Programs that help strengthen low-resource families are thriving in Union County and in Dubuque, through the efforts of Iowa State University Extension. "Community Empowerment Area (CEA) legislation was passed this past spring," said Karen Shirer, ISU Extension's assistant director for families programs. "Our targeted community projects share many of the same principles. They focus on preventing problems before they occur, collaboration and partnership, involving citizens in decision-making and family-focused education. The lessons we have learned from the Dubuque and Union county projects will help us better carry out the CEA legislation at the community level."
The program in rural Union County in south central Iowa is entitled Family TIES: Taking Responsibility, Investing Resources, Encouraging Empowerment, Supportive Communities. Family TIES has formed a collaborative of family-support agencies, businesses, schools, and city and county governments. The project reaches children, youth, new parents and established families, and incorporates older citizens as resources and advocates. "Involving citizens helps agencies realize that people have a lot of good ideas about how their needs can be met," said Elaine Neeley, a local resident who has provided input. The Connecting Link Project in Dubuque brings together
families, schools and community leaders in three Dubuque
neighborhoods. The project focuses on creating safe and
secure environments for children and youth, strengthening
parental involvement and developing leadership among
citizens. |
