Children, Youth and Families 
At-Risk Project

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Bridging the Gap is an exciting new program for Mississippi youth and families administered by Mississippi State University Extension Service. The program is provided with federal resources through the university land-grant system for children, youth, and families who are considered to be "at-risk". Goals are to equip individuals with knowledge and skills necessary to meet basic needs and to lead positive, productive, and contributing lives. 

Goals 

• Enable youth to survive peer pressure. 
• Provide youth a realistic view of the workplace and what it takes to get a job. 
• Provide families with educational information on parenting, nutrition, and other life skills that will help them have a healthier life style. 

Bridging the Gap participants will: 

• Increase self-esteem. 
• Set goals for themselves. 
• Develop decision-making skills. 
• Learn ways to manage conflict. 
• Become familiar with technology. 
• Increase communication skills. 
• Become aware of job requirements and opportunities. 

To accomplish the goals and objectives of this program, Extension agents with family and youth responsibilities have been trained to identify needs and provide special programs for Mississippi's children, youth, and families at-risk. 

Ongoing Projects 

Workforce Development 

Operating in Claiborne and Jefferson Counties, this program teaches students essential skills for being successful in today's workplace. They learn to work as a team, make decisions on the job, and learn to operate new and advanced technology. At the same time, they are improving their educational and literacy levels. As a part of this project, a campaign is being developed to make students, parents, business leaders, and educators aware of the link between education and workforce preparation. 

For more information, please contact any of the following individuals by e-mail or by phone at Claiborne County Extension Office (601-437-5011) or Jefferson County Extension Office (601-786-3131).

• Doyle Banks, MSU Extension Youth Agent at either the Claiborne County Extension Office or at the Jefferson County Extension Office -- doyleb@ext.msstate.edu
• Manola Erby, Youth Development Specialist, Alcorn State University (601-857-2274) -- mcerby@lorman.alcorn.edu

After-School Programs 

The Harrison County 4-H Children, Youth, Families At-Risk (CYFAR) Program motivates youth to resist peer pressure through life-skill development. Young people benefit from hands-on fun activities and the world of 4-H opportunities. Senior adults, who are expanding their knowledge of computers and technology, are serving as mentors. 

For more information, please contact any of the following individuals by e-mail or by phone at the Harrison County Extension Office (228-865-4227).

• Sheran Watkins, Extension 4-H Youth Agent -- swatkins@ext.msstate.edu
• Charlotte McLaurin, CYFAR Educator -- charlotm@ext.msstate.edu
• Nancy Freeman, Extension Home Economist -- nfreeman@ext.msstate.edu

Oktibbeha County Family Centers 

This community program helps children, youth, and families communicate with others and motivates them to develop a healthy living environment. Participants work on improving their attitudes and interpersonal skills so that they can work effectively with supervisors, co-workers, families, and community resources. Programs are provided at several locations in Oktibbeha County: Emerson Family Center, Brickfire Daycare, J.L. King Family Center, and Pleasant Hill Family Center. 

For more information, please contact any of the following individuals by e-mail or by phone at the Oktibbeha County Extension Office (662-323-5916). 

• Grenell Rogers, Extension Home Economist -- grenellr@ext.msstate.edu
• Dorothy Hairston, CYFAR Educator -- dorothyh@ext.msstate.edu
• LaTrell Kiker, Extension 4-H Youth Agent -- latrellk@ext.msstate.edu

Project CARE -- Communities Accepting Responsibilities in Education 

Based in Grenada, Project CARE is a workforce development project that provides high school students a realistic look at the workplace - what it takes to get a job and keep it. Students at Grenada High School and Tie Plant Alternative School are eligible to participate. They learn about work ethics and personal development. Local business men and women adopt students and mentor them throughout the school year. 

For more information, please contact any of the following individuals by e-mail or by phone at the Grenada County Extension Office (662-226-2061).

• Marianne Clark, Extension 4-H Youth Agent -- mariannc@ext.msstate.edu
• Terry Jordan, CYFAR Educator -- terryj@ext.msstate.edu
• Carolyn Lott, Extension Home Economist -- carolynl@ext.msstate.edu

Funding for this project is provided from CREES-USDA and Mississippi State University Extension Service 

Project Coordinator: Rae Wilkinson, Ph.D., Box 9657, Mississippi State, MS 39762; Phone 662-325-3350; Fax 662-325-5207; E-mail raew@ext.msstate.edu

Miscellaneous 1125
Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. Joe H. McGilberry, Interim Director

rev (5M-9-01)