Family and Consumer Science Agent Kathy Revello was awarded a mini-grant to purchase the “Small Steps to Health and Wealth” course for use in her work with the community. Revello has found it difficult in the past to recruit people for classes on personal finance, given that it is a subject people typically feel uncomfortable discussing.
“I’ve had low turnout for budgeting classes,” says Revello. “[Getting people to talk about budgets] is like pulling teeth. [The Small Steps course] entices them by asking them if they want to make changes in their health. People are more open to that.” Like improving one’s financial habits, improving one’s health habits can prove difficult and frustrating. Small steps and dedication are crucial. Says Revello, “Small behavior changes make a big difference over time and are always better than taking no action at all. The focus is on setting realistic goals, identifying small steps to reach those goals, recognizing and overcoming obstacles, and setting your mind to take action.”
Revello offered the course to employees of state and county agencies. Participants included ten essential employees of Montana’s Office of Public Assistance and the Department of Labor and Industry, and thirty-four Missoula County employees.
State and county employees were targeted because of their work with low-income clients. Their feedback was used to tailor the course. They were also asked to refer low-income clients to Revello for instruction. An agreement is currently being finalized with the Missoula Workforce Center to offer the course to members of its Family Economic Security Project. Future presentations are also planned for county employees.
For further information on MSU—Missoula County Extension, please visit their website: http://www.missoulaeduplace.org/.