Prevention programs in southern Iowa

Prevention programs, offered by ISU Extension and Outreach, are helping Iowans in southern Iowa. Resources include tools for caregivers, a tobacco coordinator, mentoring program and parenting education programs.

 

Highlights from Lucas, Monroe, Wapello, Jefferson, Wayne, Appanoose, Davis and Van Buren counties:

  • Parent Education Classes
    Parent education classes are held in every county to assist parents in: improving and maintaining healthy family functions, problem solving and communication; increasing and maintaining social supports; increasing knowledge about child development and parenting; and improving nurturing and attachment between parents and their children.
  • Expanding Horizons Entrepreneur Program
    Before the doors open on a new business, a feasibility plan will help the owner evaluate the potential for success and develop contingency plans for problems. Wayne County residents completed 10 classes in the First Step, Fast Track program developed by the Kauffman Foundation. The class was supported with funds from the Northwest Area Foundation through the Horizons program and taught by Joyce Lash, family finance program specialist. Business ideas brought to the class were deemed unfeasible or modified, and a business plan was under development at the close of the program.
  • 4-H
    All counties are working to increase 4-H enrollment numbers through a variety of special interest clubs. These clubs include everything from food clubs, scrapbooking and photography to gardening, shooting sports and fishing. Special interest clubs currently account for at least 25 percent of the counties’ members. The 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development, a longitudinal study conducted by the Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development at Tufts University, shows youth engaged with 4-H are: more likely to spend more time exercising or being physically active; two times less likely to engage in drug use; two times less likely to use cigarettes or drink alcohol; nearly two times more likely to get better grades in school; nearly two times more likely to plan to go to college; 41 percent less likely to engage in risky behaviors; 25 percent more likely to positively contribute to their families and communities.
  • For more information, visit: Lucas, Monroe, Wapello, Jefferson, Wayne, Appanoose, Davis and Van Buren county webpages