Through assisting families and youth with educational information and community resources, we will help individuals and families to improve their quality of life. University of Illinois Extension and the Family Life Education Program are there to provide answers to your questions on raising responsible kids, talking with kids about death, getting credit card debt under control, or a recipe for dinner.

Bureau County Family Life Education Programs:

Healthy Lifestyles Nutrition

University of Illinois Extension - Bureau County Family Nutrition Program curriculum is used to promote Healthy Living Concepts. Program staff prepare a healthful snack or meal for the group. Materials are provided along with recipes prepared in the class.

Positive Parenting

Positive Parenting is a class taught through a grant from Illinois Association for Home and Community Education (H.C.E.). Positive Parenting is designed to build upon families' strengths. By using "I" statements, the class teaches to emphasize the great things their kids are doing! Examples and materials are used from the "Principles of Positive Parenting" curriculum at University of Illinois Extension - Bureau County.

Communication Listening

Family Communication and Problem Solving skills are presented in this class, which comes from our "More Than Words" curriculum at the University of Illinois Extension - Bureau County. The class is designed for leaders of parent support groups. "More Than Words" provides skills to help families communicate their hopes, fears and thoughts and feelings. The class also emphasizes that listening is just as important as talking.

ABC's for Problem Solving

This presentation is from our "More Than Words" curriculum at the University of Illinois Extension - Bureau County. The class explores problem-solving and decision-making processes. The class also looks at alternative methods of solving problems. Using our ABC's, we can learn to Ask, Brainstorm, Consider, Decide, and Evaluate.

Balancing Work & Family Life

This class helps one begin to look at their "POL", Plan of Life. Balance is necessary for daily life to go smoothly. Using the University of Illinois Extension - Bureau County Curriculum "Intentional Harmony" you can begin to evaluate daily stress and coping solutions. Setting limits and defining your role in the family and workplace are discussed. Participants will begin to develop their own "POL's.

Grandparenting Support

Nation-wide research indicates that approximately 42% of grandparents are raising their grandchildren. Raising grandchildren is an important responsibility. The child faces unique challenges. University of Illinois Extension - Bureau County offers grandparents educational materials and monthly support groups through our "Grandparents Raising Grandchildren" curriculum. Please call the Extension Office at 815-875-for the date of the next Grandparenting Support Group.

Training Seminars

The Family Life Education Program offers training seminars taught by University of Illinois Extension Educators. These seminars provide each participant with a certificate of completion. They are available for agency and/or community workers, teachers, and persons interested in becoming volunteers of Extension's Family Life EducationProgram.

Volunteer Opportunities

Family Life Education Volunteers will receive training and begin the important job of delivering specific education and wellness information in their own communities. Volunteers will also be able to help individuals and families find resources and referral references. Through the gift of your time we will be able to help families. If you would like to become a volunteer, offering Family Life Education Program presentations and information in your community, we welcome you!