About Us
County Impact Statements - Washington County
Reaching Out to Our Neighbors Through Extension
As the Hispanic population in Washington County increased, Extension realized
the need for educational programs for this new audience. Our new neighbors
brought with them a need for education. Many could not speak English and were
not familiar with our culture and way of life.
Their desire was to "improve their way of life for their families." This has
always been the mission of the Extension Service to "improve the quality of life
for all families in Washington County."
Five years ago, a new program was started called "Strong Families - Safe
Communities." This was implemented by translating Extension educational
materials to Spanish on parenting, foods and nutrition, and financial
management. Hispanic youth and adults have been reached through this program.
One of the most innovative ways to reach this audience was by using the computer
to teach English while using the Extension educational materials as curriculum.
This has been a great bridge for the Hispanic Community as they moved into
Washington County.
Angela Rodriguez teaches English while using the Food Guide
Pyramid.
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Impacts
- Over 1500 youth were enrolled in the Cooperative Extension Strong
Families- Safe Communities Program in Washington County.
- Over 600 Hispanic families were enrolled in this program.
- Families enrolled reported improvement in seven parenting skills.
- Family nutritional practices improved.
- Families reported improvement in money management.
- Since Extension’s creation more than 79 years ago...meeting the needs of
families has been at the core of the organization’s mission.
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