4-H Makes a Positive Difference for Youth
(Posted on 3/13/2009)
Iowa 4-H research proves 4-H helps youth learn citizenship, leadership and communications skills. A national youth study from Tuft’s University shows young people who participate in 4-H achieve higher grades, are more likely to go to college, and are less likely to engage in risky behaviors like drinking and smoking than those who don’t participate in 4-H.

Money for Life Newsletter
(Posted on 3/12/2009)
Want to learn more about saving, investing, retirement, basic money management, the recession, or other money issues?

Extension's Energy Tips
(Posted on 3/12/2009)
New tips each month from ISU Extension and the U.S. Department of Energy!

New 4-H Opportunity: Animal-Assisted Therapy
(Posted on 2/27/2009)
Are you interested in making a difference in your community? Do you think you and your dog would make good partners? Story County Extension is offering a new program to 4-H'ers and youth interested in joining this 4-H club. It is called Animal-Assisted Therapy and we would be introducing a new way to help people in nursing homes, hospitals, schools, and libraries with your dog at your side!

Free Family Nutrition Program (FNP)
(Posted on 9/1/2008)
Iowa State University Extension -- Story County offers free nutrition education to low-resource families with children younger 10 years old or expecting a newborn.

Time to Buy New Appliances?
(Posted on 1/19/2008)
If you haven’t been in the market for new appliances during the past several years, you’re going to be surprised at how innovative and energy-efficient appliances have become. You’ll find energy-smart appliance choices in almost all price ranges.

Family Matters Newsletters
(Posted on 11/1/2007)
Parenting tips, nutrition advice, and other ideas from ISU Extension. In this issue: The ABCs of Love, Online Home Buyer Education, High-Risk Loans: Tax Refund Anticipation in November, Talking Turkey, Easy Ways to Downsize Portions, Lighten Up Iowa, Iowa's Food Deserts.

Tips for Homemade Ice Cream
(Posted on 7/12/2007)
Homemade ice cream is a summer time treat that can be made safely if you know a few facts about ice cream recipes.

Talk to Your Teen about Driving
(Posted on 3/24/2007)
One year before your teenager is ready to get their permit, sit down and talk about the major points of driving. Use these strategies to help prepare future drivers.

Parenting Teens with Style
(Posted on 3/1/2007)
Parents have a resource when it comes to knowing how to parent adolescents - over twenty-five years of research! Key research findings can guide parents through their child’s teen years.

Raising Kids with Love and Limits
(Posted on 2/6/2007)
Authoritative parents deals with misbehavior by using discipline to teach rather than force or ignoring the misbehavior. They demonstrate respect for a child’s individuality by listening, explaining rules and expectations, and helping a child learn to problem solve.

Parenting Styles
(Posted on 1/30/2007)
Have you ever witnessed a parent trying to hush a whiny toddler by continuously offering him candy if he behaved? Or overheard an angry voice in the grocery say, “Shape up, or else!” to a wide-eyed, silent preschooler as the adult roughly yanked her by the elbow? Studies indicate there are essentially broad patterns of parenting or “parenting styles” which are related to a child’s future success and well-being - permissive, authoritarian, and authoritative.

Brain Development: Windows of Opportunity
(Posted on 11/16/2005)
Research shows that infants have critical periods for brain development. Find out why these “windows of opportunity” are critical to helping a child learn.

Seeds of Hope Offers Help for Farm/Rural Familes
(Posted on 5/6/2005)
If you or someone you know is experiencing major change or stress associated with rural life, the Sowing the Seeds of Hope program may be able to help. The program offers no-cost mental health services – up to five one-hour sessions with a professional provider – for eligible farm/rural family members who do not have insurance coverage or who are underinsured.