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Two FACS Faculty Service-Learning Fellows Featured in Newspapers
February 3, 2010
Joseph Goetz, of Housing and Consumer Economics, and Megan Lee, of Textiles Merchandising and Interiors, are 2 of seven UGA Faculty to be named 2009-2010 Service-Learning Fellows. This program is an opportunity for faculty members from differeing disciplines to bring service-learning into practice for their students. The Athens Banner-Herald featured a story on Dr. Goetz's program: http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/012510/liv_554074633.shtml. Dr. Lee's class and program were featured in a story by the Red and Black: http://www.redandblack.com/2010/02/01/university-students-aim-to-help-upgrade-downtown/.
We are very proud of these 2 faculty members and know that we will hear more about them and their great work inthe future!
Wash Your Paws, Georgia!
February 1, 2010
 H1N1, colds and flu, foodborne illnesses…They are out to get us! And FACS Extension has responded by launching a new handwashing education campaign. Schools across Georgia have asked FACS Extension and 4-H to teach children how and when to wash their hands properly. The Wash Your Paws, Georgia! Handwashing Education Initiative teaches six steps of proper handwashing as promoted by the National Sanitation Foundation and when to wash your hands as directed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. FACS and 4-H Agents throughout the state began offering the program in their communities in November. The program includes posters, a lesson guide for instructors, PowerPoint slides and message magnets to remind children to Wash Your Paws, Georgia! For more information, contact Dr. Judy Harrison by email at judyh@uga.edu or by calling 706-542-3773.
IHDD Agribility Farm Groundbreaking
November 19 , 2009
The Institute of Human Development and Disability (IHDD) had its groudbreaking today at UGA Tifton for the Agribility Farm. Please visit http://www.walb.com/Global/story.asp?S=11532666 for more information on this exciting endeavor.
EFNEP 40th Anniversary Celebration
October 14, 2009
On October 14, 2009, Georgia Expanded Food & Nutrition Program (EFNEP) celebrated its 40th anniversary with a Luncheon at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education. Dr. Gail Hanula, the UGA EFNEP coordinator, hosted the celebration which included many special guests. Dr. Jorge Atiles, UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences Associate Dean for Outreach and Extension, welcomed all to the luncheon and congratulated all of Georgia’s EFNEP staff on a job well done.
Dean Laura Jolly, of the College of Family and Consumer Sciences, recognized the Georgia EFNEP Champions. The first EFNEP Champion to be recognized was Mrs. Ozie Jackie Adams, the President of Delta Life Development Center, Inc., who has helped the EFNEP program in Decatur, Georgia for years by providing prizes and incentives for participants to attend the classes. Ms. Gwen Russell, Title I Parent-Teacher Resource Center Manager for Bibb County Board of Education, was recognized for her efforts to bring EFNEP to the people of Bibb County. Sister Marie N. Sullivan, Director and Founder of The Sullivan Center in Atlanta, was also recognized for bring EFNEP to the homeless and impoverished people she serves at The Sullivan Center. Mrs. Rhonda Green Barnes, the Executive Director of the Lane Center at Wesleyan College in Macon could not attend but was recognized as an EFNEP Champion with her work.
Tony Tyson, the Director of County Operations of the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, presented the Georgia Outstanding Paraprofessionals awards. With 18 years of service, Ms. Phyllis Cain accepted the award for the work she has done in Fulton County. Ms. Beffie Morse’s dedication to EFNEP spans 32 years of service in Clarke County. Bibb County’s Ms. Alesia Mays accepted the award for her 11 years of service with EFNEP.
Mr. John Parks and Mr. Ken Lewis, Northeast and Southwest District Directors respectively, presented the EFNEP Tenure awards to all EFNEP Staff with 10 years of service or more. The honorees were Beffie Morse, Betty Sabbath, Helen Moore, Phyllis Cain, Stacey McQuaig, Ramona Adams, Molly Kimler, Michele Robinson, Judy Hibbs, and Alesia Mays.
The Keynote Address was delivered by Dr. Beverly Sparks, the Associate Dean for Extension at UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Dr. Sparks enumerated on the many contributions that EFNEP and its staff have made to the state.
EFNEP, the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, is federally funded and conducted through the Cooperative Extension Service in every state and U.S. territory. For over 30 years, EFNEP has been helping families with children learn how to eat healthier meals and snacks, stretch their food dollars and reduce the risk of food-borne illness. Please visit http://www.fcs.uga.edu/ext/food/efnep.php for more information on EFNEP.
UGA FACS receives $30,488 for HUD Comprehensive Counseling
October 16, 2009
The University of Georgia Family and Consumer Sciences Cooperative Extension Service
Clarkesville, GA
$30,488 – Comprehensive Counseling
The University of Georgia College of Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) received approval from HUD as a housing counseling agency in 2004. Housing education and counseling are made available to counties throughout Georgia by County Cooperative Extension FACS agents. The FACS Education and Counseling Outreach program provides homebuyer education, pre-purchase counseling, post-purchase education, financial literacy and the promotion of Energy Star products and energy conservation. During Fiscal Year 2008, 220 clients received counseling services. www.fcs.uga.edu
Georgia CYFAR Helps with H1N1 Test
October 16, 2009
Georgia Cooperative Extension’s Children, Youth and Families at Risk Sustainable Community Project (CYFAR-SCP) assisted the National Issues Forum (NIFI) by organizing people in Elberton, Ga., to help test the framing of an issue guide related to what families can do to prepare for an H1N1 pandemic.
Sharon Gibson, CYFAR-SCP director, and Christa Campbell, Elbert County family and consumer sciences agent, connected with people in Elberton who were willing at the last moment to meet and give their time and thoughtful ideas. Community Partnership of Elbert County employees Laura Evans, Kathy Lee, and Kathy Franklin were invaluable in their assistance.
Results of the test became part of the report to the Charles F. Kettering Foundation, which lead the testing. The foundation then used this report to notify the Departments of Health and Education about how citizens are thinking on this critical issue. For more information, visit www.nifi.org.
FACS Extension Faculty Member Featured in Atlanta Journal Constitution
October 9, 2009
FACS Extension Financial Management Specialist Michael Rupured was featured in the article Kids Learning Money and Business Skills Early by Rana Cash: http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-bargain-hunter/2009/10/09/kids-learning-money-and-business-skills-early/. In this article, Rupured emphasizes the need to teach children about the value of money early.
Two FACS Faculty Named Service-Learning Fellows
October 1, 2009
Joseph Goetz, of Housing and Consumer Economics, and Megan Lee, of Textiles Merchandising and Interiors, are 2 of seven UGA Faculty to be named 2009-2010 Service-Learning Fellows. This program is an opportunity for faculty members from differeing disciplines to bring service-learning into practice for their students.
Dr. Goetz will have students in his HACE 5200/7200 Family Financial Planning Counseling Course give financial advise to people in the Athens-Clarke County area with under economic stress. Local Social Agnecies will partner with Goetz on this program.
Dr. Lee will have a program that focuses on gereatric adults in her couses TXMI 4300 Universal and Sustainable Residential Design and TXMI 5310 Advanced Residential Design Methods. In these course she will give students opportunities to work with geriatric Athenians.
We are very proud of these 2 faculty members and know that we will hear more about them and their great work in the future!
FACS Extension Wins Multiple Awards at NEAFCS Conference
September 21, 2009
Georgia FACS Extension was well represented among the award winners at The National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (NEAFCS) Annual Sessions and Exhibits in Birmingham, Alabama this month.
 Susan Culpepper, Janet Hollingsworth, and Susan Howington all won National Recognition with Distinguished Service Awards. Culpepper has been a FACS Agent for 16 years, and she specializes in Child Development and Nutrition Education and Food Safety. With a career in Extension that began in 1994, Janet Hollingsworth continues to bring innovative programming to build collaborative groups, especially in her focus areas of chronic disease and food safety. A dedication to conducting programming specific to the needs of her clientele is what sets Susan Howington apart.
Georgia Extension came together to combat the severe drought conditions of Georgia in its Every Drop Counts: Conserve Water at Home program. Laurie Cantrell, Pamela Turner, Rachel Hubbard, Sylvia Davis, Polly Morgan, Nancy Bridges, Ann Hudgins, Debbie Purvis, and Andrea Scarrow won the Environmental Education Award for their excellent work on this key issue on the National as well as Southern and Eastern Region Finalists level.
The theory-based curriculum of Food Talk, won first place on the national level for Educational Curriculum Package as well as first place on the Southern Region Level. The Georgia Extension Team members were: Gail Hanula, Rhea Bentley, Phyllis Cain, Angela Hairston, Esmeralda Hernandez, Ramona Adams, Judy Hibbs, Pearl Solomon, Marilyn Huff-Waller, Martha Turner, Michele Robinson, Darenda Clowers, Tonya Denerson, Kisha Faulk, Gwen Jackson, Sonia Leverett, Alesia Mays, Charlene May, Beffie Morse, Diane Rhodes-Payne, Betty Sabbath, Jessica Hill, Brenda Maddox, Vivian Favors, Molly Kimler, Alma Rhoden, Sandra Stringer, and Sarah Delzeith.
 The Guide for New Parents (GNP) won first place for Educational Publications. Ted Futris, Marissa Stone, Jorge H. Atiles, Diane Bales, Beth Bartlett, Don Bower, Connie Crawley, Gail M. Hanual, Judy A. Harrison, Melba King, Joan Koonce, Gina G. Peek, Mary Ann Robinson, Michael Rupured, Pamela Turner, and Williams Reeves collaborated on this resource for new parents to help the acquire knowledge and become familiar with FCS Cooperative Extension.
The Living Well Award was presented for the Reaching New Parents Project which delivered the GNP Publication to reach new parants at a teachable moment. The honorees for this award are: Ted Futris, Jessalyn Kate Barnes, Peggy Beldsoe, Lauri Cantrell, Joanne Cavis, Sue Chapman, Celeste Garrett, Amber Goss, Janet Hollingsworth, Susan Howington, Ann Hudgins, Deborah Jones, Sandra McKinney, Joanne Milam, Diane Miller, Susan Moore, Rebecca Moore, Jackie Ogden, Debbie Purvis, Janie Reeves, Kim Siebert, Janet Valente, Debbie Wilburn, and Andrea Scarrow.
Jan Baggarly, Peggy Bledsoe, Donna Caldwell, and Bert Tilton were presented with the Food Safety Award as Southern Region Finalists. This award was to honor the Operation EATERY (Educating And Training Each Restaurant Yearly) with provides free food safety training to food service professionals.
Marnie Dekle won third place in the Southern Region for Written Press Releases on her piece covering how positive relationships in adulthood for women, start with the foundation of girls having healthy relationships wit h their fathers.
Second place in the Southern Region in for the Internet Education Technology award was presented to Jan Baggarly, Connie Crawley, Maria Bowie, Emily Pitts, Ben Whetstone, Warrne Kriesel, and Stephanie Schupska for the Walk Georgia program. This is an 8-week web based program which has an online virtual map that allows participants to move around the state, learning as they go about increasing their physical activity.
The UGA College of FACS Radon Education Program was a Southern Region Finalist for the Community Partnership Award. Becky Chenhall and Jorge H. Atiles head this program in Georgia as an effort to prevent radon-induced lung cancer by promoting radon awareness through community outreach partnerships.
The College of FACS is proud of all of the award recipients for their hard work and good works.
FACS Faculty Member Named ACCI Distinguished Fellow
August 3 , 2009
 Dr. Brenda Cude, a faculty member of the Housing and Consumer Economics department in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences, has been named a Distinguished Fellow by the American Council on Consumer Interests (ACCI). ACCI was founded in 1953 and is a worldwide consumer policy research and education organization comprised of educators that are committed to consumer well-being. Dr. Cude’s recent research is to study the quality and quantity of information online. She uses this research to show the consumer’s perspective in policy discussions at national meetings of insurance regulators.
Not only is Dr. Cude busy with teaching and research, she is also on the Board of Directors of the Insurance Marketplace Standards Association, the Journal of Consumer Affairs Editorial Board as well as its Associate Editor for the “Bits, Briefs and Applications” section, and a member of the Journal of Consumer Education Editorial Board. Other awards that Dr. Cude has received include being inducted into the UGA Teaching Academy in 2008 and being named a UGA Senior Teaching Fellow in 2008.Dr. Cude brings her wealth of knowledge and experience to the table as the Associate Director for Personal Financial Literacy program.
FACS Student Featured on UGA homepage
July 20, 2009
Meg Shepard, a graduate student working in the Peer FInancial Counseling Program, is featured on the UGA homepage as one of UGA's Amazing Student. Please go to this link to view her story http://www.uga.edu/amazing/shepard.
FACS Extension Faculty Partners on UGA Scholarship of Engagement Grant
June 4, 2009
 Diane Bales, FACS Extension faculty, partners with Karen Shetterly, of the Georgia Center, on an exciting UGA Scholarship of Engagement grant to pilot a service-learning project where undergraduates and FACS Extension agents work together to develop and teach a training series for infant and toddler teachers in child care centers.
Research demonstrates that child care providers with specialized training in child development provide higher-quality experiences for children. Bright from the Start reports that infant/toddler teachers especially need training. Although one-third of Georgia’s children in child care are under 3, little specialized infant/toddler training is available. Infant/toddler teachers often feel isolated because they have few opportunities to communicate with peer professionals. In the current economy, many child care providers are seeking online training and networking to reduce costs and increase communication.
A small group of students will complete a service-learning project. The students will work closely with county Extension agents in four counties to create a multi-faceted educational curriculum for infant/toddler teachers that includes community-based training, distance education, and regular, structured social networking. Students and agents will identify training needs of infant/toddler teachers, research developmentally appropriate practice with infants and toddlers, and develop and pilot training content targeted to the identified needs.
Representative John Barrow recognized for championing the Farm Bill
April 2 , 2009
Congressman John Barrow (D-GA), originally from Athens, was recognized at a CARET meeting in Washington, DC, by the Board on Agricultural Assembly for his tremendous service and assistance with the Farm Bill. Dean Scott Angle and Associate Dean Jorge Atiles share a moment with Rep. Barrow.
FACS Extension program featured on NPR
March 20, 2009
For the past two years Catholic University of America's Law School Students for Public Interest Law have brought Sharon Gibson to their campus to conduct the Poverty Simulation and this year Public Radio covered the simulation. To listen to this program that includes a follow up by Maria Hinojosa and an interview with J.D. Trout on emapthy, please go to http://latinousa.kut.org/
Success with Hall County Healthy Marriage Initiative
March 17, 2009
 The statistics are startling: While Hall County has 1,000 marriage license granted every year, they also grant 900 divorces. Nearly 40 percent of children have unwed mothers in Hall County. The Northeast Georgia Healthy Marriage Initiative Coalition is trying to find ways to improve these numbers.
Around 90 percent of Americans get married, and almost 50 percent end in divorce. The positive impacts of healthy marriages go far beyond the couple. When a couple is in a healthy marriage, they are more like to be homeowners, be better employees, have better mental and physical health, and have great financial well-being. The children of healthy marriages have better school performance, fewer emotional and behavioral problems, lower rates of risky sexual behaviors, and fewer sleep and health problems. All of these contribute to making a community better for everyone.
In order to try to get the benefits of healthy marriages in its community, Hall County is working with The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension and Debbie Wilburn to establish Premarital and Marriage Enrichment Programs. The program covers: Relationship Strength and Growth Areas; Communication Skills; Conflict Resolution Skills; Family-of-Origin Issues; Financial Issues; Personal, Couple, and Family Goals; and Intimacy and Sexuality. Couples attend either a six-week single couple session format or a one-day group format. One male participant in the Hall County program stated, “Before the program, I would not have known how much my fiancée and I thought alike. It also helped me to express areas where I thought we needed help and ways to help the situation. I feel that all couples should go through a program like this prior and during the marriage.”
In April, strategic planning will begin to formulate an action plan on how to build awareness of services to help healthy marriages. This is a team effort by many sectors across the community including religious, government, and business entities.
For more information, please visit: www.gafamilies.com
GTIPI Contest Winner Honored by House Resolution
March 10, 2009
March 9, 2009 there was a House Resolution Honoring the Georgia Traffic Injury Prevention Institute (GTIPI) of the University of Georgia 2009 Poster Contest Winner, Jonathan Roach of Union County High School.
GTIPI has an annual statewide poster/public service announcement/essay contest on "Why You Should Wear Seatbelts and Use Child Safety Seats". Children from public, private, and home schools between K-12 are all invited to participate. Georgia Power sponsors this program and gives the winners a plaque along with a monetary prize.
The winning poster is used as the cover for the Georgia Safety Belt Calendar. The first, second, and third place state-wide posters are used as images inside the calendar.
Please visit: http://extension.caes.uga.edu/gtipi/Templates/pcontest.htm for more information about the GTIPI poster contest.
Three FACS Faculty Participate in 7 Part Film and Discussion Series
March 5, 2009
Robert Nielsen, Connie Crawley, and Sharon Gibson will all be participating in the Unnatural Causes 7- part film and discussion series March 22 - May 10, 2009. The series will address the issues of inequality and its effects on health. Please visit http://www.libs.uga.edu/russell/exhibits/uncauses/ for more details.
Michael Rupured presented with Walter Bernard Hill Award
February 20 , 2009
 This month at the 18th Annual Public Service & Outreach Awards Michael Rupured, Consumer Economics Specialist for FACS Cooperative Extension, was presented the Walter Bernard Hill Award for Distinguished Achievement. The award is presented to those with outstanding contributions to improving the quality of life for Georgians or others.
On the process of the nomination and receipt of the award, Rupured states, “It's an honor just to be nominated for the Hill Award by our college. To have been selected for the Award is an even greater honor and a very gratifying experience. We often take a look at what we have accomplished in the last twelve months. Preparing the dossier for the nomination was a rare chance to look back on the growth and development of Georgia's extension financial management program over the last ten years. Looking back helped me to appreciate just how far we have come in the last decade.”
Rupured is a respected national leader in the area of financial literacy. He has developed numerous financial education and training programs for youth, limited-resource persons, young families, and senior citizens in the state.
Rupured believes “the biggest impact from receiving the Hill Award is increased visibility for extension, especially family and consumer sciences extension and financial management programs here on campus and around the state. In the current economy, extension financial management programs can make a difference in how well families cope with rising prices, a reduction in income, or more debt than they can handle.”
FACS Extension is proud of Rupured’s accomplishments and contributions to the state. The state of Georgia is lucky to have such an asset during the current economic climate.
Walton County 6th Grader Wins National Radon Poster Contest
January 16 , 2009
Shana Stone, a 10 year old who is homeschooled Walton County 6th grader, won first place in the National Radon Poster Contest. The contest is open to all students ages 9-14 through the University of Georgia College of Family and Consumer Sciences Radon Education Program.
Shana first competed at county and state levels, and will go on to receive her national award in Washington, D.C. from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency later this month during National Radon Action Month. Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue will recognize her when he signs the Georgia Radon Proclamation in Atlanta.
Shana learned about radon and its health effects from Walton County Cooperative Extension Radon Educator, Becky Chenhall. Shana and her family received a complimentary radon test kit from the Walton County Cooperative Extension Office and used it to test their home. Becky Chenhall and Shana Stone produced a radon PSA for Walton Cable TV.
Walton County Commissioners recognized Shana at their January meeting. Kevin Little, Walton County Commissioner Chairman, declared January as Radon Action Month in Walton County by signing the Radon Proclamation. Walton County is the only county to have a national winner in the Radon Poster Contest for the third time in the last five years.
J  anuary is National Radon Action Month. The University of Georgia Radon Education Program urges all Georgians to take action and test their homes for radon.
The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that more than 21,000 people die each year from radon induced lung cancer. It is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Georgia has the highest rate in the Southeast with 822 deaths annually.
Radon is a naturally occurring invisible, odorless, tasteless gas that is dispersed in outdoor air, but which can reach harmful levels when trapped in buildings. Scientist have long been concerned about the health risk of radon, but never before has there been such over whelming proof that exposure to elevated levels of radon causes lung cancer in humans.
Radon is a cancer-causing radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil rock and water. “Radon is truly a silent killer,” said Becky Chenhall, Walton County Radon Educator with UGA Cooperative Extension. “It is so easy to ignore because you can’t see, smell or taste it. The only way to know the radon level in your home is to test for it.” Homes with elevated radon can be fixed and new homes can be built with radon resistant features.
Testing homes for elevated levels of radon is simple and inexpensive. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension offices distribute complimentary radon test kits. Contact your local County Extension Office or call 1-800-ASK-UGA1 for more information.
Two Pieces of Good News for Professor and Extension Specialist
December 8 , 2008
 Elizabeth Andress, Professor and Extension Food Safety Specialist at UGA and Director of National Center for Home Food Preservation, has just accepted an invitation to a 3-year term beginning January 2009 on the Editorial Board of Food Protection Trends, a monthly journal of science and food industry news published by the International Association for Food Protection. Through the Association, professional members are able to keep informed of the latest scientific, technical, and practical developments in food safety and sanitation. Each issue of Food Protection Trends contains articles on applied research, applications of current technology, and general interest for food safety professionals.
Dr. Andress has just completed a 7-year term on the Editorial Board for the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, the journal of research published by the Society for Nutrition Education. SNE members conduct research in education, behavior and communication; develop and disseminate innovative nutrition education strategies; and communicate information on food, nutrition and health issues to students, professionals, policy makers, targeted audiences and the public. The JNEB is a refereed, scientific periodical that serves as a resource for all professionals with an interest in nutrition education and dietary/physical activity behaviors. The purpose of JNEB is to document and disseminate original research, emerging issues and practices relevant to nutrition education and behavior worldwide. It is abstracted by Medline® as well as other indexes.
AgrAbility and Shepherd Center Partner to Help Georgia Agricultural Workers
December 2 , 2008
AgrAbility and the Shepherd Center are partnering their expertise together to help the citizens of Georgia!
AgrAbility assists agricultural workers with health conditions or disabilities. Through assistive technology and work site modifications, it is possible to be successful in farming after a disabling health condition or accident. Whether it be a lift that enables someone in a wheelchair to get back in their tractor or adaptive tools for someone with an arm amputation, there is usually a solution that enables individuals to continue being productive on the farm.
The AgrAbility staff visit agricultural workers at their work location to conduct site visits. A work plan is developed that addresses what tasks the individual finds difficult to perform and what solutions are identified. AgrAbility is a free service and is part of a national program administered through the United States Department of Agriculture. In Georgia it is a partnership between The University of Georgia's The Institute on Human Development and Disability in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences and the Cooperative Extension Service in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
The Shepherd Center is a private, not-for-profit hospital devoted to the medical care and rehabilitation of people with spinal cord injury and disease, acquired brain injury, multiple sclerosis and other neuromuscular problems. Shepherd is the leader of research and rehabilitation for spinal injuries and disease in the United States. Research at Shepherd translate s directly into an improved quality of life and rehabilitation for their patients.
AgrAbility in Georgia and the Shepherd Center will use each of their unique abilities to find solutions for agricultural workers with disabilities. Becky Brightwell, the Associate Director and the Project Manager for the AgrAbility project, says of this alliance, “We are very excited about the partnership with the Shepherd Center. Shepherd is a nationally respected model for rehabilitation. Many of the clients AgrAbility in Georgia serves were at one time patients at the Shepherd Center. By working together, we are able to assist individuals move past their injury to continue leading productive and active lives.”
Myrtice Atrice, who has 28 years of experience with the Shepherd Center, will be conducting the trainings in conjunction with AgrAbility in GA staff. She is the Therapy Manager and has great skills in teaching and running clinics; however, this is not just another project for Atrice because she grew up on a South Georgia farm and therefore has a passion for this endeavor.
Brightwell is excited about this collaboration stating, “By combining Shepherd'sexpertise in rehabilitation with AgrAbility's expertise in agricultural assistive technology, we are able to offer impactful trainings that illustrate how farmers can successfully continue farming after the onset of a health condition or disabling injury. Our goal is to increase the capacity of health care providers to better serve agricultural workers in their local area.”
For more information on AgrAbility in Georgia, please visit www.farmagain.com
Funding Secured for Head Start Program
November 21, 2008
"Mireme – A Head Start Innovation and Improvement Project" will be funded by DHHS/Head Start to implement the strengths-based portfolio in the Early Head Start and Head Start programs in Hall County. The project has secured funding for 3 years.
The Institute on Human Development and Disability at the University of Georgia designed the Take a Look at Me™ Portfolio to promote family involvement in early childhood programs. The portfolio is intended to promote a positive view of a child and family by upholding and presenting their strengths, interests, hopes and dreams in written and pictorial form. For more information on the portfolio go to: www.strengthsbased.com
AoA Highlights Georgia Extension Program
November 21, 2008
November is National Caregivers month and the Administration on Aging’s (AoA) newsletter, Caregiver ENews highlights some of Extension’s programs in Georgia for caregivers. The newsletter highlights the Powerful Tools for Cargivers program (PTC) which is a cooperative program between Extension and the Georgia Division of Aging Services. PTC is a six week educational program to help educate family caregivers.
Please visit http://www.aoa.gov/The_National_Family_Caregiver_eNews_Final_11_13_08.doc to read more.
Extension Specialist Receives Big Voice for Children Award
November 20, 2008
Don Bower, University of Georgia Professor Emeritus and Extension Human Development Specialist, was presented with the Big Voice for Children Award by the Voices for Georgia’s Children organization at a November 7, 2008 ceremony. Dr. Bower was recognized (along with Truett Cathy, Judge Glenda A. Hatchett, and others) for his many contributions over the years to enhance the lives of children in Georgia.
Dr. Bower was acknowledged for his work in all 159 counties in Georgia to help children by teaching parenting skills and youth development. Additionally, Dr. Bower has secured over $12 million in grant funding to support these programs for children. Of being presented this award, Dr. Bower said, "This award is actually recognition of the longstanding impacts being made by local Extension educators in child and family programming across the state, so it was my pleasure to accept it on their behalf."
Other honors that Dr. Bower has received are: 2003 University of Georgia Walter B. Hill Distinguished Achievement Fellow in Public Service and Outreach, 2004 Fellow of the National Council on Family Relations, 2005-06 president of American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences, 2008 Annie E. Casey Foundation Family Strengthening Distinguished Lecture.
For more information about Voices for Georgia’s Children, please visit http://www.georgiavoices.org/
GICH Wins Special Achievement Award at the NCSHA Annual Convention
November 14, 2008
The Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (GICH) was recognized by the National Council State HousingAgencies (NCSHA) for helping Georgia cities address their local housing issues. GICH is a partnership of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA), the University of Georgia, College of Family and Consumer Sciences Housing and Demographics Research Center, and the Georgia Municipal Association. NCSHA is a national organization representing state housing finance agencies like DCA.
At the NCSHA Annual Convention in Denver on October 27, 2008, DCA accepted the award for GICH in the Special Achievement category. This award category recognizes Housing Finance Agency programs, projects, or actions that respond in an outstanding manner to an important state need, have significant impact on a population, geographic area, or economy, and cut across traditional program lines. GICH received the award over eighteen other nominations.http://www.ncsha.org/section.cfm/53/2285
This award is recognition of the GICH partnership, the sponsors of GICH, and most importantly the GICH community housing teams for their commitment to the program. GICH offers communities a three-year program of collaboration and technical assistance and has served twenty-six communities since beginning in 2005. The objective of the Initiative is to help communities create and launch a locally based plan to meet their housing needs. http://www.fcs.uga.edu/hace/hdrc/gich.html
Extension Agent featured in Georgia County Government Magazine
November 12, 2008
Joann Milam was featured in this months issue of Georgia County Government magazine for being named an ACCG Extension Fellow. Ms. Milam is a FACS Cooperative Extension Agent in Washington County, Georgia.
$325,000 in funding from the Governor's Office for Children and Families
November 11, 2008
More than one million people in Georgia live in poverty, higher than the national average, and poverty puts families at higher risk for malnutrition, hunger, and disease. Also, Georgia has one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in the US, and younger mothers are more likely to have babies that require intensive medical care. Improving the pregnancy outcomes of teens can be achieved by assuring adequate weight gain during pregnancy and increasing teens’ knowledge of healthy food and nutrition practices. Food safety education can decrease the risk of food-borne illness, which is especially important in these populations at greater risk of serious complications, or death, due to a food-borne illness.
In order to help with these issues, Molly Kimler, EFNEP Walton County Extension Program Assistant, has helped Walton County secure $325,000 in funding from the Governor’s Office for Children and Families. The Walton County Extension EFNEP program will receive out of that money $7,500 per year for 3 years to enhance nutrition programming to young mothers. This will target mothers under the age of 20 who are pregnant or have children 3 years old or less.
Ms. Kimler has an excellent track record of reaching young mothers in the school system, but now she is trying to reach those who have dropped out. In addition to purchasing some resources to use with Teenage Mothers Program (TAMS) in Walton, the money will be used to encourage these mothers to get their GED by giving each participant completing the program a voucher for a free GED test (a value of $96 each). This is a collaborative effort between multiple agencies including The Partnership for Families, Children & Youth of Walton County (Family Connection), Cooperative Extension, Athens Tech (in Walton County), and the Walton County Health Department. The program will be comprehensive and will include nutrition education provided by Extension EFNEP, parenting education provided by the Partnership, social services provided by the Partnership, GED preparation provided by Athens Tech.
The $7,500 per year will be used for teaching resources as well as giving resources directly to the mothers, such as educational games and books, to be used in the home with the children and child care while the mothers are participating in the sessions. The program will reach young mothers who have quit school due to birth of new baby, trying to support a new baby and hold down a job, or not having the support of family when the new baby arrives.
Faculty member chosen for Editorial Board
November 5, 2008
Dr. Judy Harrison, Professor and Extension Foods Specialist in the Department of Foods and Nutrition, has been invited to serve on the Editorial Board of Food Protection Trends, a journal described as "the standard bearer for all the members of the International Association for Food Protection." During her three-year appointment, Dr. Harrison will review manuscripts submitted yearly to the journal and offer comments and recommendations critical to the success of the journal and its authors.
Dr. Harrison says of this honor, " The International Association for Food Protection is "the" organization for food safety professionals, and I am delighted and honored to represent the University of Georgia in this capacity. "
Member of Extension elected to School Board
November 5 , 2008
Marilyn Huff-Waller, a member of the Extension staff as an EFNEP Administrative Associate, was elected to be a member of the Oglethorpe County School Board.
Success with Georgia Peer Counseling Program
October 23, 2008
Brenda Cude has reached over 10,500 students with the innovative Georgia Peer Counseling Program, a financial counseling program for Georgia college students. She has helped over 4,409, at nine participating Georgia campuses, in only the past year.
This program has seven modules which educate Georgia college students on budgeting, credit use, student loans, and savings and investments. One of its keys to effectiveness is that it is a peer program, making the subject less intimidating. The seminars arm students’ with the knowledge they need to keep from incurring too much debt with tools such as handouts, group discussions, and internet resources.
Dr. Cude says of her experience with this program: “The Georgia Peer Financial Counseling Program is just one of several ways that I hope I'm improving the quality of life for Georgia's young adults as they leave college. An understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses as well as a level of knowledge that few others have will serve them well as they make decisions in our incredibly complex marketplace.”
For more information on this program, please visit http://www.fcs.uga.edu/pfc.
Publication in National Journal
October 22, 2008
 Lance Palmer , Assistant Professor of Housing and Consumer Economics, had an article published in The Journal of NEAFCS. Dr. Palmer collaborated with Dr. Angela Lyons (University of Illinois) and Dr. KSU Jayaratne (North Carolina State University) on this article, "Financial Education and Program Evaluation for Extension Professionals: From Research to Practical Application". It explores how evaluations are done for Extension professionals, in the financial education field and how to imporve them.
The research resulted in a "user-friendly evaluation tool". Extension professionals now have access to this item and can create customized evaluations for their financial education programs.
Presentation at National Call to Action Symposium
October 17, 2008
Anne L. Sweaney, Professor and Head of the Deparment of Housing and Consumer Economics, proudly represented the University of Georgia at the US Department of Housing and Urban Development's National Call to Action Symposium. She was one of two faculty from a University that gave a presentation at this important event.
DW Brooks Faculty Award for Excellence in Public Service Extension
October 7 , 2008
We are proud to announce that Kathy Baldwin, of Bleckley County Extension, received the DW Brooks Faculty Award for Excellence in Public Service Extension! Baldwin has been familiar with Extension since her days in high school when she participated in 4-H; she has now been an Extension Agent in Bleckley County, Georgia for 24 years.
Baldwin earned her undergraduate degree from Auburn University, and luckily for the citizens of Georgia, moved here to work with the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. While she was busy as an agent, she also completed her Masters of Public Administration from Georgia College and State University.
She is active in many organizations boards including: the United Way, Community Collaborative, Georgia Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, and NAE4-HA National Conference. She is also active with local schools in her community.
Of receiving this award, Baldwin said, “It is such an honor to be recognized for the DW Brooks Award. I join a long list of past recipients that I highly respect for the contributions that they have made to Cooperative Extension. While it is an honor to be selected for this award, I consider it a real honor to have a job where I have the opportunity to ‘make a difference’ in the lives of one of our state's most precious resources, our youth.”
$1.2 Million in Funding Secured
October 7 , 2008
Ted Futris is a Co-Principle Investigator on a multi-state collaborative project, Child Welfare Training: Curriculum Development and Evaluation for Healthy Marriage and Relationship Education. The project was funded for $1.2 Million over 5-years by the Administration on Children, Youth and Families Children's Bureau. The project team includes Extension Specialists who are members of the National Extension Relationship and Marriage Education Network (NERMEN; www.nermen.org) and from the University of Missouri (Lead PI), University of Georgia, Iowa State University, North Carolina State University, University of Arkansas, Auburn University, Kansas State University, and University of Illinois.
The project will involve developing and pilot testing a marriage and relationship education curriculum for training child welfare professionals and other professionals working with adults and families, including Cooperative Extension, through in-person and distance education. Dr Futris believes that “ultimately the project will yield a research and evidence based national training resource and curriculum that will promote the development of healthy relationships and marriages in Georgia and across the country.”
For more information about the project and other relationship and marriage enrichment resources from Cooperative Extension, visit www.nermen.org.
2008 Epsilon Sigma Phi Team Diversity Award
October 1 , 2008
 "Crossing Generational and Cultural Boundaries: Local Leadership Development" was the winner of the 2008 Epsilon Sigma Phi Team Diversity Award for Georgia. Team members included Dr. Sue Chapman, Sharon Gibson, and Debbie Purvis of the UGA Cooperative Extension; the team also included a member of the UGA Fanning Institute, Louise Hill.
This award recognizes this cross-generational, multi-cultural leadership development program that was conducted with 29 community participants in Colquitt County Georgia.
Evaluation results showed positive changes for the participants and the community as a whole. The program format and outcomes can be useful for other leadership development providers working with diverse audiences to enhance leadership and community problem-solving skills around issues of cultural diversity. Pictured from Left to Right are Betty English, Dr. Sue Chapman, and Debbie Purvis.
FACS Extension Agent Selected for ACCG Fellows Program
September 10, 2008
FACS Extension is proud to announce Joann Milam’s selection to the Cooperative Extension/Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) Fellows program! Ms. Milam is a FACS Cooperative Extension agent in Washington County.
Ms. Milam said of this honor, “I look forward to working actively with ACCG to bring these efforts together to benefit not only local county governments but also our organization. As UGA Cooperative Extension moves forward we want to highlight our outstanding resources and programs and how they impact the people of Georgia.”
Not only is Ms. Milam a FACS agent, but we are also proud to claim her as one of our alums in Home Economics Education!
GEAFCS New Professional Award
September 10, 2008
 Ines Beltran, Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) Program Development Specialist, received the GEAFCS New Professional Award this year. When asked how she felt about this honor, Beltran said " I am very happy but also I feel that I need to do more now." She plans to "do more" by attempting to implement additional community programs in both English in Spanish in Nutrition and Radon, her program areas.
Beltran moved to Georgia in 1998 to work as a Spanish instructor; before her move to the United States, Beltran received her Bachelor degree in Science of Food Technology from the University of Bogotá Jorge Tadeo Lozano in Colombia. The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension first had the delight of working with Beltran when she started in 2002 as an EFNEP program assistant in Gwinnett.
Dr. Janet Valente, Beltran’s Program Development Specialist, said of her, “Ines has a remarkable ability to connect and reach out to diverse audiences allowing her to challenge the participants to identify others in the community who may benefit from the education that she is sharing.” She uses these talents to accomplish the following objectives of her FACS programs:
- Educate the general public in Gwinnett County on the nutritional and dietary guidelines in an attempt to prevent the rapid increase of individuals with diabetes, hypertension, and cardio vascular disease.
- Educate, with bilingual programs, homeowners in Gwinnett County and the surrounding areas about the dangers of radon exposure and the importance of having homes tested for this danger.
Beltran says that one of the best parts of this position is that she has been able to go back to school to pursue her Masters in Adult Education at the University of Georgia. She is in her second year and gains insightful knowledge from these classes which she uses in her programs. Another benefit she has enjoyed while working at UGA is the great people. She would like to especially thank Judy Gibbs, the CEC for Clarke County, for all of her help and support.
NEAFCS Awards
September 24, 2008 
The National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (NEAFCS) is pleased toinform you that Joan Mason, Sumter County, has been selected as Southern Region and National Winner in NEAFCS Past Presidents Award as the New Professional Award in the 2008 NEAFCS Awards of Excellence Program.
 The National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (NEAFCS) is pleased to inform you that Debbie Purvis, Colquitt County, has been selected as Southern Region and National Winner in Extension Housing Outreach Award in the 2008 NEAFCS Awards of Excellence Program. This award was the result of a team entry, including Luz Cooper, Dennis Epps, Sharon Gibson, Mailyn Perez, Andrea Scarrow, Pamela Turner and Emily Watson.
The University of Georgia is proud to announce that Lisa Jordan, one of our Extension agents, is the Southern Region winner in both the Educational Technology and Educational Curriculum Package Categories in the NEAFCS Annual Awards Program. The awards were for Educational Curriculum Package Etiquette for Teens (approximately 1480 youth have been reached with this program) and Educational Technology Handwashing 101 (a program that targets Head Start staff which addresses the importance of handwashing to decrease the spread ofinfectious diseases).
Ms. Jordan is the Area EFNEP (Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program) Agent in Chatham County and has program assistants in Chatham, Liberty, Glynn, Appling/Wayne, and Ware Counties. While she predominately serves as an EFNEP Agent, a small percentage of her time is dedicated to the area of Child Care and Family Caregiving. Of her work with EFNEP, Ms. Jordan says it “has been very rewarding, not only to see participants make positive changes, but also to see my staff grow and become proficient educators. Their success is my success, the skills they learn on the job are skills they can use throughout their life.”
Her involvement with GEAFCS and NEAFCS is extensive: she has attended the past 9 annual conferences and has been involved in national committees, committee chair, national presenter (5 times), and three time National Award Winner. She has an actively involvement in the Georgia Nutrition Council. Last year, she was the President last, and this year she is Conference Chair.
Ms. Jordan word like to give special thanks to Gail Hanula and Laurie Cantrell for their support and motivational encouragement. On winning her awards, Ms. Jordan says “I take great pride in all I do and just appreciate being recognized by my peers in some of the work I have done. I think it is not only good for us as individuals, but for our whole organization.”
EFNEP Policy Taskforce
September 10, 2008
The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension is proud to announce that Lisa Jordan has been selected to be a member of the EFNEP (Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program) Policy Taskforce. She is one of the select few to be chosen for this national taskforce. Ms. Jordan is the Area EFNEP Agent in Chatham County and has program assistants in Chatham, Liberty, Glynn, Appling/Wayne, and Ware Counties.
Gail Hanula stated her enthusiasm for Jordan being chosen for this position, “I am thrilled that Lisa Jordan’s nomination was accepted and I know she will do an outstanding job on this important committee. It is quite an honor for out state to be represented!”
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