Best Practices by County
Howard County
Touch and verbal description individually administered to create image for blind client.
“Columbia Gardens”, Master Gardner’s – work with public at their “public garden plots.”
“Therapeutic Horticulture,” work with disabled seniors as a very diverse clientele group.
Used “American Sign Language” translator for Howard County Mid-Winter Meeting 2003.
“Baby Sitting Class”, Increased from one to five classes by increasing number of schools participating.
“Financial Counselor Training”, Met request by local clientele to teach class at the “Morning Star Baptist” church in Baltimore County.
Prince Georges County
FCS Committee members are recruited through flyers placed in partnering agencies.
Mailing list log is organized by type of recipient (church, community agency, etc.).
Large print materials have been developed for FCS audiences.
Educator has classes and events in agencies in neighborhood settings to accommodate those who don’t drive or own a car.
Attract white audiences through drug rehabilitation partners (Second Genesis, Department of Health, Adam’s House).
Success in attracting men to finance-oriented programs has been done through the Department of Corrections Non-Violent Offenders Program; “Dads Make a Difference;” and through programs for homeless men at Bethel Church.
Neighborhood Community Grant, Spanish and English curriculum materials used in Spanish – leadership PEP.
Teen Financial Counseling – volunteers also teach program in school and faith based organizations.
Spanish language component with FCS and 4-H, “Building Strong Communities in Maryland” – 4-H/FCS.
Excellent collaborations and joint programming with community organizations and County Executive, i.e., “Weed and Seed” Partner provided scholarships to all summer camp participants.
St. Mary’s
School networking scheme utilized to recruit males into 4-H programs. “Beginning Farmer Program,” horse program, and twilight meetings attract more females and minorities to Agricultural offerings.
Accommodation for Mennonite farmers to receive public notification (posting in phone booths) and be able to attend meetings –often on foot!
Talbot
AGNR Educator has gone outside traditional programming in Initiative I to achieve greater participation from women Hosted "Women In Agriculture" program, conducted small farm classes and equine owner classes.
“Reading Buddies” curriculum in Spanish. Developed special books for use with autistic children.
Washington County
FCS uses readers, interpreters, low literacy materials, and video tapes to reach its clientele.
FCS joint activities involving children and their parent(s) make it easier for the adults to participate.
Make special arrangements to meet needs of Mennonite community (no alcohol).
Increasing the number of equine related offerings to clientele. Increases contact with many clientele new to the community as well as females.
Farm Fun Day Camp. Allows all program areas to participate and reach additional clientele.
Summer day camp and residential camp are in parity and increased their minority by seven.
Wicomico
Offered accommodations for Spanish in an EFNEP program.
Adjusted a 4-H activity for a participant with spinal bifida.