Welfare reform policy has substantially changed the dynamics of how people cope with poverty. Programs that educate, inform and empower families and communities are taking on unprecedented importance. In Pennsylvania, Penn State Cooperative Extension provides educational programs that enhance the capacity of service agencies to help assistance clients gain and retain employment. Job preparedness and interviewing skills, how to select quality child care, and managing money are essential to success in the workforce. Programs on financial management are crucial for a broad cross-section of the population as well.
Life skills training.
The new welfare system focuses on getting people into the workforce, but success requires more than just job skills. Eight months later, participants had assumed more control in their lives, were either still employed or seeking work, and perceived their lives with a positive perspective. To reach more people, extension agents teach caseworkers basic life skills such as nutrition and stress management, family communication, financial management, home maintenance and safety. Child care training. Because an extreme need exists for child care, Penn State Cooperative Extension trains assistance clients interested in becoming child care providers.