Interactive Website for Tough Times

Extension Launches Interactive Learning Website for Managing Tough Times

 Hard times are hitting families, farmers, businesses and communities that are struggling to stay on their feet. Iowa State University Extension can help put some balance back into these times. At Managing Tough Times, www.extension.iastate.edu/answers,  ISU Extension brings together facts, tools and experts so individuals, businesses and communities can answer the hard times with solutions. Most of these resources are no cost or low cost.

“ISU Extension can help Iowans weather and survive the economic challenges facing our state and our nation,” said Jack Payne, vice president for ISU Extension and Outreach. “We’re bringing together many ISU Extension resources on one Web site so Iowans can take advantage of ‘one-stop shopping’ when they’re looking for help. This multiplies the outreach of our campus, county and field staff.”

The Managing Tough Times Farming in Today’s Changing Economy section offers calculators, articles, videos and expert contact information for the traditional farmer, as well as transitioning farmers and small scale farmers. Farmers who want help creating an in-depth financial plan to guide their decisions can connect with ISU Extension associates through the Web site. Farmers considering transitioning out of farming can watch a video that explains the help available through the Beginning Farmer Center.

Help lines, interactive Web sites, experts and publications that address family issues are available under the heading For Families and Households. Help is categorized under finances, nutrition and health, and coping with stress. Use the recipes, tips and expert blogs to provide nutritious meals on a limited budget. Find out how to connect with a listening and understanding ear through help lines like Iowa Concern (800) 447-1985 and Teen Line (800) 443-8336.

Businesses and communities experience special challenges during tough times, but knowing where to go for assistance makes it possible to manage those times. Managing Tough Time’s Surviving Economic Uncertainty link lists resource centers, experts, Web sites and current programs that can make a difference any time, but especially right now. Businesses that want to understand the market potential of government procurement or reduce the barriers inherent in government contracting are linked to contacts. A survey that can be used to better understand residents’ food security needs is linked to the site. It isn’t impossible to develop community and business leaders during these times; go to the site for a list of ISU Extension leadership programs.

Continually updated to meet changing needs, the Managing Tough Times Web site www.extension.iastate.edu/answers delivers the best available resources from Iowa State University Extension, land-grant universities and other reliable resources. With links to eXtension, Managing Tough Times is an interactive learning environment delivering the best, most researched knowledge from the smartest land-grant university minds across America.

Contacts:

Willy Klein, Extension Communications and External Relations, (515)294-0662, wklein@iastate.edu