Teaching life skills in St. Helena

The Full Circle Parenting Program brought family and life skills lessons to 28 students at St. Helena Central High School, in Greensburg, as they ended the school year. 

Parent educator Delores Johnson taught the teenagers how to create functional resumes including a reference list and cover letter. They discussed the advantages of obtaining background information on a prospective employer, as well as, how and where to search for a job. With assistance from Southern University Ag Center agents, the students completed job applications to learn how to properly complete. 

During the two-hour session the students discussed practical budgeting and developed personal spending plan. They learned the importance of good credit and why they should begin the habit of checking their credit reports even as young as 16 years old.  “These youth will be in search of summer jobs. Having received the proper information they are more likely to succeed in their job search,” said Johnson.

Parent educator schedules emergency preparedness workshop series

The Southern University Ag Center's family and human development office will present a one-hour workshop on emergency preparedness, May 20, at the Southwest Center for Rural Initiatives, 232 S. Liberty St., in Opelousas. Stacey Nevills, parent educator, will explain weather bulletin information, evacuation processes, and post emergency procedures. The May 20 workshop begins at 6 p.m. 

Seating is limited to the first 25 participants. 

A second workshop is planned for 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, 2009, at the Southwest Center. To register or for more information, contact Nevills at (337) 943-2410 or stacey_nevills@suagcenter.com. The Southwest Center for Rural Initiatives is a satellite campus of the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center. Its mission is to improve the socioeconomic well-being of citizens in rural communities within a 10-parish region. 

Family service providers begin professional development Thursday in Baton Rouge

Parent educators, child care providers, and health care and other family service professionals from across the state are gathering later this week at the Baton Rouge Marriott to gain professional skills, learn methods of evaluating programs, and develop emergency preparedness plans during the Southern University Ag Center's Family and Health Conference.

The conference, “Building Healthy Foundations for Families,” explores best practices, new strategies, and effective approaches to addressing the challenges Louisiana families face, said Southern University Ag Center chancellor Leodrey Williams. “In order for our state to improve, we have to continue creating, implementing, and sustaining programs that strengthen families and empower healthier lifestyles,” Williams said.

Presenters include representatives from Southern University Ag Center, Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Louisiana Department of Social Services, LSU AgCenter, Prairie View A&M University, Woman’s Center for Wellness, Office of Public Health, and Louisiana Spirit. Read more on the family and health conference at www.suagcenter.com.