University Outreach and
Extension
St. Louis County
Plan Of Work
2000-2003
Table of Contents
Rationale for the Program Plan _______________________________________________ 4 Background Information _____________________________________________________ 4 Concerns __________________________________________________________________ 5 Program Theme #1: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT _______________________ 6
Community Development ____________________________________________________ 6 Kaleidoscope – Combining the Colors __________________________________________ 6
Community Re-Entry _______________________________________________________ 7 H.O.M.E. (Home Ownership Made Easier) ______________________________________ 8 HomeWorks _______________________________________________________________ 8 Program Theme #2: ECONOMIC COMPETITIVENESS:_____________________ 9
Business and Industry _______________________________________________________ 9 Starting A New Business _____________________________________________________ 9 Home-Based Businesses ______________________________________________________ 9 Retention and Expansion of Existing Businesses ________________________________ 10 Workforce Preparedness/ Educated Workforce _________________________________ 10 Labor Education Program __________________________________________________ 11 WorkABLE St. Louis _______________________________________________________ 11 The School-to-Work Labor Partnership _______________________________________ 12 WorkWays _______________________________________________________________ 12 Workkeys: ________________________________________________________________ 13 Preparation of Educators of Adults ___________________________________________ 13 Program Theme #3: CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILY ____________________ 14
Talking with TJ Conflict Resolution __________________________________________ 14 True Colors _______________________________________________________________ 14 Youth Development ________________________________________________________ 15 Conflict Management_______________________________________________________ 15 Violence Prevention ________________________________________________________ 16 Youth Financial Planning ___________________________________________________ 16 Clubs/Councils ____________________________________________________________ 16 Embryology_______________________________________________________________ 17 Volunteer Training ________________________________________________________ 18
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Practical Parenting Partnerships _____________________________________________ 18 Family Strengths -- Child Care Provider Education. _____________________________ 19 Educational Programs for Parents and their Children ___________________________ 19 Educational Programs for Successful Aging ____________________________________ 20 Health and Wellness ________________________________________________________ 20 Comprehensive School Health Nutrition and Food Safety Education and Services ____ 21 Nutrition and Food Safety Education _________________________________________ 21 Family Nutrition Education Program _________________________________________ 22 Resource Management______________________________________________________ 23 Life-skills _________________________________________________________________ 23 Program Theme #4: ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND NATURAL
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ___________________________________________ 24
Master Gardener Program __________________________________________________ 24 Market Development Technical Assistance _____________________________________ 25 Missouri Buy-Recycled Initiative _____________________________________________ 26
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ST. LOUIS COUNTY PLAN OF WORK 2000-2003
The St. Louis County University Outreach and Extension Center is the county's tie to the University of Missouri System and to Lincoln University. University Outreach and Extension is part of a unique partnership between federal, state, and local governments. This partnership offers access to the research-based resources needed to provide high quality educational programs on issues of highest priority to meet the needs of the citizens of Missouri.
Rationale for the Program Plan
The 2000-2003 Plan of Work development process for St. Louis County began in the fall
of 1998 with four deliberative group sessions involving 49 county residents who met to identify the issues they believed to be of wide public concern to the citizens of St. Louis County. These meetings were augmented by information gathered through the deliberative group process at four organizational meetings attended by another 106 county residents. The results of these group meetings were combined with strategic information accumulated by St. Louis County Councilmen and local government officials in area town hall meetings, attended by approximately 170 county residents who discussed issues of concern to them. In all, input from 325 residents was compiled to develop the list of needs analyzed and addressed by Extension Council members in forming the priorities for our next four years of programming efforts.
Background Information
Overall, population growth for St. Louis County was a flat 1% between 19 90 and 1996, and only showed 2% growth between 1980 and 1990. St. Louis County's population was estimated at 1,003,807 in 1996. This is the slowest growth rate of the ten counties in the East Central Region. Between 1990 and 1996 the African-American population of St. Louis County increased by more than 20,000 (14.2%) while the African-American population of St. Louis City declined by more than 8,000 (-4.3%). St. Louis County has the largest concentration of Asian Americans in the region (18,600), and the largest gain, from 14,400 to18,600. St. Louis County also has the largest Hispanic population in the region -- almost 2,000, a growth of 26% between 1990 and 1996.
In contrast to 1990, 1996 showed a decline in the number of children under 5 years of age. There was also a significant decline in the number of 18-24 year-olds (9,407 less). Much of the loss may be attributed to families with young children and young adults relocating to adjoining suburban counties, as reflected by increases of these age groups in these counties. These changes will have implications for school enrollment and the size of the future entry-level work force.
In the adult population, the age group of 25-64 increased by 2,490 while the age group 65 and over grew by 12,790, a 9.9% increase in that group. The increase in the elderly population is the result of the general aging of the part of the population that is not inclined to move to new surroundings.
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The overall educational level of those 25 and older in St. Louis County is greater than that of the region as a whole, with higher than average percents of college attendees or graduates. Sixteen of the 24 St. Louis County school districts report a high-school dropout rate below the state average of 6.8%, with eight reporting a higher average
The St. Louis County economic base consists of a mixture of small to large businesses, though the vast majority employs less than twenty people. While St. Louis County has seen only a small increase in total numbers of businesses -- including a loss in the numbers of medium and large businesses -- the number of home-based businesses has grown dramatically from 1715 in 1995 to 3315 in 1997. These numbers do not include the many home-based business owners who have not legally registered their businesses.
Between 1990 and 1995, the annual payroll in St. Louis County increased 12.2% from $13,706,402 to $15,384,414; the number of employees grew by 6.4% to 734,748; and unemployment remained below the national average of 4%. St. Louis County has the highest per capita income in the state. It accounts for 19% of Missouri's population, but generates 27% of the state's personal income.
Environmental, community, and housing issues addressed included aging housing stock, deteriorating neighborhoods, lack of recycling initiatives and opportunities, and diminished green space.
Concerns
St. Louis County residents see a densely populated county facing urban sprawl, growth and expansion of some communities, and dwindling populations and resources in others. They see a need for more cooperation between the 91 municipalities, as well as the 24 school districts located in the county. Participants were especially concerned about the need for neighborhood revitalization, and expressed concern about continuing economic growth, the availability of jobs, and support for families and young people in a variety of situations, most especially those on temporary assistance that will be effected by "Welfare to Work" legislation.
The needs expressed and the priorities emerging from the process, along with our analysis of the current conditions in the county, and the major socio-economic trends in the area provided the basis for the final plan developed by University Outreach and Extension staff working closely with St. Louis County Extension Council members.
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Program Theme #1: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Community Development
As St. Louis County changes, the need for effectively community planning and
cooperation at every level is critical if resources are to be used efficiently and the county is to remain economically healthy. University Outreach and Extension will work with
elected officials, community organizations and residents to foster cooperation and to
assist in supporting community improvement initiatives. Assistance provided will
include technical assistance in strategic planning, meeting facilitation, citizen
engagement consultations, staff and volunteer training, assistance with the development of management and organizational structures, and related support.
Measurable Objectives:
1. In each program year, a minimum of twenty municipalities or
community/neighborhood organizations will receive assistance from University
Outreach and Extension and will design and implement community improvement
projects and/or plans.
2. In each program year, a minimum of three municipalities or
community/neighborhood organizations will form a partnership to develop a
comprehensive community improvement plan. The plan will include benchmarks and
short-term project goals, to be achieved by the university/community partnership.
Specification of Outcome Indicators:
1. Number of programs/projects designed and implemented; achievement of specific
community-defined goals.
2. Completion of three comprehensive neighborhood improvements plans, with
achievement of short-term project goals.
Baseline Data: University Outreach and Extension will work with communities who have not yet
developed a comprehensive improvement plan or implemented specific community
improvement projects. Data on conditions prior to project implementation will be
recorded. Data sources, including the UM Office of Social and Economic Data Analysis,
St. Louis County Government, and East-West Gateway Coordinating Council, will also
be utilized to analyze changes in baseline social and economic data for each selected
community.
Kaleidoscope – Combining the Colors
Kaleidoscope is a multipurpose program addressing earning styles as they relate to
communication, diversity, conflict resolution, leadership and a variety of other issues. This program focuses primarily on perceptions and their resulting consequences in
relationships, whether in the home, the workplace or the community. Emphasis is on
individual change.
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Measurable Objectives:
A. To create awareness in individuals regarding the influence perceptions have on
relationships with others.
B. To provide basic tools to assist in the improvement of relationships in all
environments.
Baseline Data: The Kaleidoscope program has been very popular in spite of the fact that no marketing
has been done. Dozens of sessions with teachers, union members, accountants, hospital
personnel, students, council members and others have been presented across the state. Good relationships with others is key to a more productive, pleasant environment.
Indicators:
Written evaluations are obtained at the end of each session and have been extremely
favorable. New sessions are continuously being requested.
Community Re-Entry
This program is a community-based program for men and women who have served a
period of incarceration and are returning to the St. Louis area. Operating under the
auspices of Lutheran Ministries Association of St. Louis, CRE provides practical
assistance and support designed to help ex-offenders increase their self-worth and self-
confidence through transitional CARE TEAM employment, resource awareness, in-
service training, and support sessions. University Outreach and Extension’s role is as
board member, trainer, educator, and consultant.
Measurable Objectives:
A. To offer resources and support to individuals re-entering the community after a
period of incarceration.
B. To provide opportunities to learn on-the-job skills in a safe environment.
C. To provide sufficient support to prevent recidivism.
Baseline Data:
The St. Louis metropolitan region is faced with a high crime rate and an even higher
recidivism rate. Individuals transitioning to society from a prison environment find few supports to help lead a crime-free life. CRE targets ex-offenders who are seeking a
positive re-entry process.
Indicators: A. Number of ex-offenders who remain outside of prison
B. Number of ex-offenders who are employed.
C. Number of re-entered individuals who attend support groups and other programs
offered by CRE.
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H.O.M.E. (Home Ownership Made Easier)
H.O.M.E. is a program, which prepares first-time homebuyers to make the complicated
decisions required in the home buying process. The program is jointly planned and
implemented by University Outreach and Extension and several other federal, state and
local agencies. The program will be taught to groups face-to-face and over interactive
television.
Measurable Objectives:
A. 200 first-time homebuyers will determine the price home they can afford.
B. 50 participants will report adoption of one or more financial management practices
recommended in the program.
C. 120 participants will purchase a home.
Indicators: A. Number of participants showing increased knowledge through the H.O.M.E.
evaluation process.
B. Number of participants reporting increased self-confidence in home buying process
through the H.O.M.E. evaluation process.
C. Number of participants reporting the adoption of one or more recommended
practices through the H.O.M.E. evaluation process.
D. Number of participants who purchase a home upon completion of the course through
the H.O.M.E. evaluation process.
HomeWorks
is a program which promotes successful homeownership through the development of
home maintenance and financial management skills related to ownership of a home.
Measurable Objectives:
A. 80 homeowners will identify preventative home maintenance practices they can do
to maintain their home.
B. 80 homeowners will identify financial management practices related to
homeownership.
Indicators: A. Number of participants showing increased knowledge through HomeWorks
evaluation process.
B Number of participants reporting increased self-confidence in maintaining their
home and managing the finances related to home ownership.
C. Number of participants reporting the adoption of one or more recommended practices through the HomeWorks evaluation process.
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Program Theme #2: ECONOMIC COMPETITIVENESS:
Business and Industry
In 1990, there were a total of 29,574 businesses in St. Louis County. By 1995, that number had increased very slightly to 29,630. With almost 30,000 businesses in the county, it is imperative for the economic well being of workers, business owners, and the citizens of St. Louis County that educational programs, business assistance and information for both new and existing businesses be available. University Outreach and Extension’s business and industry program is designed to help people who wish to start a
new business or improve existing small businesses through direct interaction, mutually beneficial partnerships and innovation to transfer skills, knowledge and services that improve management performance. Among the educational programs that will be offered in the county are the following:
Starting A New Business
Training and educational counseling activities related to "Starting a New Business" will be conducted specifically for St. Louis County residents who wish to start a small business.
Measurable Objectives:
A. University Outreach and Extension in cooperation with SCORE/SBA will provide training for 500 people through a seminar entitled "How To Start Your Own Business." B. UOE will assist at least 20 people who wish to start new businesses.
Baseline Data:
Approximately 84 percent of the businesses in St. Louis County have less than 20 employees.
Indicators:
Through a clientele survey with small business owners and managers who participate in the business and industry programs, information will be gathered that captures the change among clientele in the following area:
A. Number of potential business owners seeking information through training sessions. B. Number of individuals seeking counseling for starting a new business.
C. Number of individuals choosing not to enter new businesses based on counseling and training information.
Home-Based Businesses
Home-based businesses face additional challenges, due to their interaction with their families and the perception of the public regarding their professionalism.
Measurable Objectives: University Outreach and Extension will provide counseling and
information to 30 current and prospective home-based business owners.
Baseline Data:
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Although the growth of commercially located businesses has slowed in St. Louis County, the latest figures available show that the rate of growth of home-based businesses has increased dramatically from 1715 in 1995 to 3,315 in 1997.
Indicators:
Through a clientele survey with small business owners and managers who participate in the home-based business programs, information will be gathered that captures the change among clientele in the following area:
A. Number of clients counseled.
B. Number of start-ups following counseling.
Retention and Expansion of Existing Businesses
Revitalizing existing communities requires a comprehensive approach to community
economic development. An important component of such an approach is to conduct an organized effort to support local existing businesses. Failing to do so, the community will not only overlook a tremendous source of job creation (40-80% of net jobs created annually in the United States), it will also be generally less successful in its efforts to recruit new businesses. The University Outreach and Extension Business and Industry program will work with communities and Chambers of Commerce to assess the needs of current business owners and to provide information and counseling to address those needs.
Measurable Objectives:
University Outreach and Extension will organize and implement a Business Retention and Expansion program in St. Louis County to:
A. Five participants will improve their knowledge of factors effecting managing a successful business.
B. Two firms will become more economically competitive by participating in the Strategic Management Analysis and Review Tool (SMART)
Indicators: The outcomes will be determined through a follow up survey with participating firms. At present we are not working with Chambers of Commerce in the county. The indicators include the following:
A. Number of firms requesting information or counseling
B. Number of existing firms participating in the program.
Workforce Preparedness/ Educated Workforce
St. Louis County seeks to have quality life long learning opportunities that will enable its citizens to compete in the workplace and earn incomes above the poverty level as well as moving their incomes to a level above where it is presently. Educational programs to meet individual, business and community needs in the county include the following:
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