Annual Report

2014 Presented in October 2015

Washington County UW-Extension 333 East Washington Street Suite 1200 West Bend, WI 53095 Phone: 262-335-4477 Relay: 711 Website:

http://washington.uwex.edu/

2014 Program Area Staff

Agriculture/Farm Business

262-335-4477

Alan Linnebur, Educator

Family Living Education

262-335-4479

Carol Bralich, Educator

Nutrition Education

(SNAP-Ed/WNEP)

262-335-4841

Renee Vertin, Coordinator

Ana Bourgeois, Educator

4-H Youth Development

262-335-4478

Brianna Stapleton Welch, Educator

Megan Buehler, Staff Assistant

Community Development

262-335-4480

Paul Roback, Educator

The Washington County Cooperative Extension Office brings the knowledge and resources of the University of Wisconsin to residents where they need them most – where they live and work. We take pride in being engaged throughout Washington County in responding to local needs and concerns. From Kewaskum to Hartford and Germantown to Farmington, we strive to help improve and transform families, organizations, communities, and quality of life. We offer educational outreach through four core program areas: Agriculture and Farm Business; Community Development; Family Living and Nutrition Education; and 4-H Youth Development. We listen to citizen input to design local educational programs and include delivery to diverse audiences. We impact Washington County by: Improving the Quality of Life for Washington County Residents

In 2014, UW-Extension conducted over 500 educational programs, making over 13,000 educational contacts to residents of Washington County.

Educating and Empowering Citizen Volunteers

UW-Extension partnered with over 950 youth and adult volunteers who donated approximately 20,000 hours to Washington County in 2014. At $13.00 per hour, the dollar value of the donated time amounts to $260,000.

Addressing Community Issues and Responding to Community Needs

through Unbiased Research and Education UW-Extension educators worked with 200 partners during the past year. Examples include: Addressed community needs through strategic partnerships Reached diverse audiences through outreach efforts

Extended nutrition education for underserved families

Strengthened organizations through strategic planning

Improved financial literacy and building community strengths

Expanded access to the resources of the University of Wisconsin

UW-Extension Washington County Your county extension office

2014 Annual Report Page | 1

office do for you? What can your county extension

Your county extension office… Increases Access to Knowledge

“Excellent seminar. I increased my knowledge in all 5 topics.”

-Participant comment received at Farm

Management for Ag Professionals Workshop

Agriculture- Farm Business

Educator: Alan Linnebur

Farm Business Management Educational opportunities were planned and organized by Alan Linnebur to increase Tri-County Area Farmers’ financial and business management knowledge and skills. Examples of workshops conducted include: Dairy Business Update

Workshop-19 area farmers learned corn silage processing and storage, how to increase milk production, the economics of crop insurance in Wisconsin, and implications of the Farm Bill debates.

Human Resource Management on the Farm-50 farmers and students learned the facets of employee productivity and how to be more effective employee managers.

Pesticide Applicator Training-34 producers learned the laws and regulations regarding restricted-use pesticides, safe handling procedures, dealing with emergencies and how to calibrate their machines to apply an accurate and safe amount of product.

Farm Management Update for Ag Professionals-75 participants gained knowledge on grain and dairy markets; farm tax law updates; financial impact of dairy facility improvements; a look at the crop provisions in the new Farm Bill. The implications of appropriate cattle handling protocols were also addressed.

Youth Livestock Projects Alan coordinated and facilitated the committees of adult and youth volunteers that organize the youth livestock projects. One hundred thirty-four youth participated in the Beef, Sheep, Swine, and Dairy Projects, managing 335 project animals. Roughly 77 adult and youth volunteers planned, organized, and administered these projects and, most importantly, provided project education. Master Gardeners Alan advised and facilitated the Washington County UW-Extension Master Gardener Group’s educational and association activities. The Master Gardener Volunteers brought research-based, home horticultural information to the area’s residents and provided 1,929 hours of community service and horticulture education in 2014. The group also organized several popular public educational events and attended 422 cumulative hours in training to improve their knowledge and skills. Home horticultural questions were answered by trained volunteer plant health advisors.

2014 Annual Report Page | 2

Tractor applying pesticide to

crops

Your county extension office… Supports Healthy Families

“I will share some of the information I’ve learned with my staff so we can better serve our children and families.”

-Early Childhood Seminar participant, October 2014

Strengthen Families Family Living partnered with family-serving organizations to address parent education and child development; to strengthen families through coalition building and resource sharing; and to coordinate and provide professional development opportunities for child care providers. In 2014, this included: Coordinating Celebrate Families

which involves 15+ local organizations. Over 35 county family-serving organizations shared resources with families.

Coordinating and conducting workshops for over 60 early childhood professionals and facilitating a countywide network of 15 child care center directors.

Training volunteers and administering the Wisconsin Bookworms™ program serving 265 Washington County children.

Enhance Family Financial Security The path to financial security depends on what people know. It also requires that they take action to apply what they’ve learned, obtain access to financial products and services, and are able to navigate the set of influences they’ve gained from prior experiences, attitudes and behaviors.

Washington County organizations continue to identify financial security as a significant challenge for families they serve. To address these issues, Family Living programs implemented the following efforts: Programming with Head Start

and Early Head Start by offering financial workshops and a series of 8 financial newsletters for parents; and a poverty awareness in-service was provided for staff.

Coordinating with jail staff by providing financial education and coaching opportunities for Huber inmates who are transitioning back into employment.

Programming with Casa Guadalupe by offering bilingual financial education.

Collaborating with financial community partners, the Washington County Money Smart Week committee offered financial literacy opportunities for community members. Events included “The Big Read” library story time for 130 children; Fraud Bingo highlighting identity theft prevention for seniors; financial workshops for adults; document shredding in West Bend, Hartford, and Slinger with over 200 households participating; and financial skill-building activities for over 35 UWWC students.

2014 Annual Report Page | 3

Family Living

Educator: Carol Bralich

“Fraud Bingo” at Cedar Ridge during Money Smart Week 2014

Your county extension office… Provides Nutrition Education to Those in Need

In 2012, 47% of all Wisconsin deaths were due to heart disease, cancer and diseases clearly linked to diet.

-UW-Extension Family Living Specialists,

March 2015 Report, Wisconsin Nutrition

Education Program: An Investment in Wisconsin

SNAP-Ed/WNEP

Nutrition Coordinator: Renee Vertin

Nutrition Educator: Ana Bourgeois

Low-income families are particularly susceptible to heart disease, cancer and diseases clearly linked to diet. Inadequate diets and less knowledge about nutrition recommendations place low-income families at higher risk than families with more financial resources. SNAP-Ed/WNEP—one of Extension’s evidence-driven, community-based education programs—responds to local needs . It contributes to a system-wide approach to help prevent disease and illness before they occur among low-income residents. Healthy lifestyle choices The American Diabetes Association reports that people of Hispanic origin are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes and related cardio-metabolic abnormalities.

In FY14, SNAP-Ed/WNEP made 81 educational contacts in Hartford and West Bend to Hispanic participants of the Casa Guadalupe Education Center, Inc. Evaluations revealed:

100% of the learners reported they learned something that would help them to make healthier beverage choices, and 88% planned to apply what they had learned.

Before instruction, 44% chose healthy snacks often; post lesson 81% intended to choose healthy snacks more often.

“Today I learn good ideas for snack healthy. Thank you."

"Really interesting information about how to choose healthy snack and now (how) often we should take it."

Following food-safety recommendations

SNAP-Ed Educators provided lessons on microwave oven use and safety at ADRC’s congregate meal sites for older and disabled adults.

34 participants learned how microwave ovens work, how usage affects health and food quality, and recommended safety precautions for the appliance. A hands-on activity engaged learners to sort various containers into classifications of food-safe, use with care, or don’t use in the microwave.

Evaluation results: 91% learned something new, and 74% plan to use their ovens differently. One learner commented, “Very good discussion – I really learned a lot, especially safety and containers.”

SNAP-Ed/WNEP programs help learners live longer, more productive lives, and aid in reducing their healthcare costs.

2014 Annual Report Page | 4

Make half your plate fruits and vegetables

Your county extension office… Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders Today

“It was important for them to hear our stories and learn about an aspect of their state that they may not have known about.”

-Khia Kurtenbach, Washington County

4-H Youth Delegate to 4-H Day at the Capitol Event

4-H Youth Development

Educator: Brianna Stapleton Welch

Staff Assistant:

Megan Buehler

Celebrating 100 Years of Wisconsin 4-H 2014 was the centennial year for University of Wisconsin-Extension 4-H Youth Development. Washington County 4-H celebrated this milestone through community service, civic engagement, and recognition of outstanding volunteers. To mark 100 years of Wisconsin 4-H, each Washington County club set a goal to carry out at least 100 hours of service in its communities. Five clubs met the challenge. Projects included donating hours of companionship to local senior centers, and tending to vegetable garden beds that yielded 3,000 pounds of produce that were donated to a food pantry. Sixteen youth and adults from Washington County learned about civic engagement as they participated in the 4-H Day at the Capitol event. Approximately 400 adults, youth, and UW-Extension staff from around the state converged at the Capitol to speak with elected officials about the impact of UW-Extension 4-H programs. Prior to their visit to the Capitol, delegates researched the backgrounds of their elected officials and wrote “elevator speeches” about the skills they have learned from 4-H.

While at the Capitol, youth and adults met with elected officials. They also learned about careers in public service. For 7 out of the 10 youth delegates who participated, it was their first time representing an organization while meeting with an elected official. All 10 youth delegates reported an increased interest in getting involved in local government after participating in the program. The centennial year concluded with the inaugural Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame induction celebration. Washington County was honored to have four individuals welcomed into the Hall of Fame. Barb and Norb Yogerst were recognized for building 4-H shooting sports and environmental education programs. Agnes Wagner was celebrated for her years of 4-H program support at the club, county, and state level. Former 4-H agent Bob Stodola was also acknowledged for his outstanding work as a youth development professional. Washington County 4-H members and volunteers who attended the Hall of Fame induction stated that they were inspired to deepen their own commitment to the program.

2014 Annual Report Page | 5

Washington County delegates meet with Representative Pat Strachota during the 4-H Day at the Capitol event

Your county extension office… Builds Community Strengths

Nonprofit Workshops To serve as a catalyst for nonprofit collaboration and financial education, a coalition comprised of the UW-Extension, UW-Washington County, United Way of Washington County and the Volunteer Center of Washington County hosted four nonprofit workshops in 2014. The four workshops had 167 total participants and covered “Financial Training for Board Members,” “Building a Board Fundraising Culture,” “Outcome Basics,” and “Indicators and Measuring Outcomes.” A retrospective pre-then-post survey determined that participants’ knowledge increased on average 44% in nine learning objectives. Staff Development Training Paul and Carol Bralich received certification in Real Colors® facilitation in 2014. Real Colors® is a process that helps participants understand their own personality styles and the styles of others, resulting in effective communication and positive relationship building. In 2014, Real Colors® sessions were facilitated for the Washington County Planning and Parks Department and for the Washington County Aging & Disability Resource Center. Fifty-four employees participated and

through evaluation, 100% agreed or strongly agreed that the workshop increased their ability to recognize their strengths and the strengths of others. Additionally, 84% increased their ability to build rapport quickly with others, 95% increased their ability to understand how others process information, and 86% increased their ability to modify their communication to connect with others. 100% of the participants evaluated Paul and Carol’s facilitation as good or excellent. Organizational Development This past year, Paul provided community organizational development resources to: Boys & Girls Clubs Family Center Hartford Area Chamber of

Commerce Hartford Area Development

Corporation Kettle Moraine YMCA Musical Masquers Silverbrook Intermediate School Slinger Fire Department Washington County Planning &

Parks Department Outcomes were measured through evaluations. Participants evaluated Paul’s facilitation of the sessions as excellent (4.6 on a 5-point Likert Scale).

2014 Annual Report Page | 7

Community Resource

Development

Educator: Paul Roback

Small group discussions during Real Colors® facilitation

“Excellent job helping us move the organization forward with consensus!”

-Hartford Area Development

Corporation. Participant comment received

through evaluation.

Your county extension office… Collaborates for Success

Educators Recognized by State and National Peers The Educator Team was recognized by their statewide and national colleagues with three awards-the Wisconsin Joint Council of Extension Professionals (JCEP) Team Award, the Diversity/ Multi-Cultural Team Award from the Alpha Sigma Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi (ESP) and the same award from the National ESP organization. JCEP is a partnership of Extension associations. The JCEP Team Award recognizes multi-disciplinary work within their member associations. ESP is an association of Extension professionals that maintains the traditions, upholds the ideals, and stimulates the morale of Cooperative Extension Service. The Diversity/Multi-Cultural Team Award acknowledges outstanding efforts and accomplishments in developing, achieving and sustaining Extension programs and/or audiences in our diverse and multicultural society. These awards were in recognition of working with Hispanic clientele in collaboration with Casa Guadalupe Education Center. The 4-H Youth Development, Family Living and SNAP-Ed/WNEP Educators collaborated with the organization on a 7-week educational program for Hispanic youth and parents.

While youth participated in a reading program, the adults had 3-weeks of financial education followed by 3-weeks of nutrition education. Additionally, the Community Development Educator facilitated a strategic planning process with Casa’s board. Through one-on-one consultations with farmers, the Agri-business Educator referred individuals to Casa as a valuable resource to address the needs of Hispanic farm workers. These efforts have resulted in a strengthened organization, and Educators have increased their capacity in making special outreach efforts to teach traditionally under-represented people in Washington County. Team Members: Carol Bralich-Family Living

Educator Noelle Braun-Executive

Director, Casa Guadalupe Education Center

Rachel Gavin-4-H Youth Development Outreach Coordinator (Summer 2013)

Alan Linnebur-Farm Business Ag Development Educator

Paul Roback-Community Development Educator

Brianna Stapleton Welch-4-H Youth Development Educator

Renee Vertin-Nutrition Education Program Coordinator (SNAP-Ed/WNEP)

2014 Annual Report Page | 8

“UW-Extension has been one of our most integral partners in providing educational programs that align with our mission and reach out to the Hispanic community.”

-Noelle Braun, Executive Director

Casa Guadalupe

Pictured from left to right:

Brianna Stapleton Welch, Carol

Bralich and Paul Roback