The struggling economy has had an impact on everyone, whether it’s been directly or indirectly. Some people may have experienced a reduction in work hours or been laid off or we may know someone who has experienced this unfortunate situation. We’ve all had to pay higher prices for our groceries and gas. Many people may be struggling to pay their bills and make ends meet and are turning to credit to fill the gap. In these uncertain times, ISU Extension is able to provide help to those in need.
ISU Extension offers a variety of information and programs that can assist individuals with anything from coping with stress and managing money and resources, to help with nutrition and parenting education. This information can be provided in an individual consultation, class setting or by publications available at your local office.
The Iowa Concern Hotline offers 24-hour confidential assistance on caring for yourself and others as well as legal and financial concerns, crisis information and overcoming adversity. You may contact the hotline by calling toll free (800) 447-1985 or online at www.extension.iastate.edu/iowaconcern.
Online you will find a listing of the categories, frequently asked questions and links to other resources. Free posters, magnets and business cards are available at the Extension office for individuals or for businesses to make available to their employees.
Many individuals may be looking for ways to save money at the grocery store as a way to make their budget meet the needs of the household. ISU Extension recently launched the Spend Smart. Eat Smart. campaign to help individuals learn to spend less at the grocery store while still making healthy purchases. Pamphlets highlighting information are available at your local Extension office.
Online you will find an interactive website that focuses on three areas: Planning to Shop, Shopping at the Store, and Preparing Meals. Visit www.extension.iastate.edu/foodsavings to learn more about this. As always, Extension offers a large variety of information in print and online. If you have a specific need or question, please call or stop in to visit with us. Our Nutrition and Health Field Specialists are able to provide workshops and classes locally on topics such as diabetic nutrition, preparing healthy meals, cook once and eat for two weeks, as well as a variety of other topics.
Money management is a topic that is often difficult for people to discuss, but it is a discussion that is often in need. ISU Extension offers information and workshops to individuals on basic money management, getting organized, enhancing soft skills such as time management and decision making, identity theft, in addition to other topics.
A wealth of information is available online at www.extension.iastate.edu/finances as well as in print at your local Extension Office.
Another web resource is eXtension, which can be found at www.extension.org. This site provides objective, research-based, credible information in a variety of areas for individuals. This website is a collaboration of many Extension Cooperatives from across the United States.
The web page can be customized based on your zip code to provide locally relevant information to you. New content and information is added to the website on an almost daily basis.
Parents and caregivers can access a lot of information online and in print at our office to help with understanding child development, dealing with children’s behaviors, and handling family stressors. Workshops and classes are available to help people learn to deal with stress, decide how to distribute personal property, and help people learn how children grow and develop.
Visit www.extension.iastate.edu/homefamily for more information on our family life programs.
ISU Extension not only offers programs and workshops at our office, but can also provide classes and programs to businesses on site for their employees or clients. Employers who offer worksite programs may see improved employee relations, increased employee retention, reduced sick days, and increased productivity.
For more information regarding program options or for information on a topic listed above, please contact Woodbury County Extension at (712) 276-2157 or stop by our office at 4301 Sergeant Rd., Sioux City or email at xwoodbury@iastate.edu.
Iowa State University Extension provides research-based information and education for communities, families, business and industry, agriculture and natural resources, and 4-H youth development.