Family and Consumer Sciences

Family and Consumer Sciences programs, such as Financial Education, Nutrition Education, and Parent Education provide informal education that increases knowledge, influences attitudes, teaches skills, and inspires aspirations. Through the adoption and application of these practices, the quality of individual, family, and community life is improved. Family and Consumer Sciences brings specialist, agent, and volunteer expertise together to address the needs and priority issues facing Virginia's families. Five specific goals are addressed:

  1. To provide education from numerous disciplines addressing societal issues of concern to individuals and families;
  2. To assist communities in analyzing the status of families and identifying appropriate community action to meet the needs of families;
  3. To train volunteers and program assistants to assist the Family and Consumer Sciences program;
  4. To motivate people to become involved in community issues and to develop leadership potential in those people;
  5. To collaborate with other Extension program areas, and form partnerships with other agencies, community organizations, and educational groups.

For more information on the individual Family and Consumer Sciences, please visit the following web links for each service:

Financial Education

We provide education and counseling to help families and individuals help themselves manage personal finances. Programs are conducted by Virginia Cooperative Extension staff and trained volunteers.We offer education and confidential counseling for a variety of financial needs:

• You want to buy a home.
• You want to learn more about managing your money effectively.
• You have no savings, regardless of how much money you make.
• A temporary decrease in income would cause major financial problems.
• You are considering a home equity or consolidation loan to pay debts.
• You are obtaining cash advances on your credit card.
• You are having trouble making your mortgage or rent payments.

For more information on the Financial Education programs, please visit the following web link at VCE Financial Education.

Nutrition Education

Our Nutrition Education Program provides education to help families and individuals understand how to best manage their food resources, maintain their personal health and to reduce food related risks.This service is offered to residents of Prince William County and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park by trained volunteers and Virginia Cooperative Extension staff.

Educational resources are available to assist individuals and families in identifying local food resources, answering food handling concerns and understanding dietary needs, such as:

• You want to learn how to plan and prepare meals.
• You want to shop smart with food stamps and food vouchers.
• You are searching for economical and nutritious food choices.
• You want to learn how to properly store and handle food.
• You prepare and serve food for community and volunteer activities.
• You want to become a certified safe food handler.

For more information on the Nutrition Education Program, please visit the following web link at VCE Nutrition Education.

Parent Education

Being a parent is a very important job, and yet very little training is available to prepare us.  In a group with parents who share similar concerns, you are supported and encouraged in your efforts to parent effectively. Our concerned volunteers and staff understand the challenges of parenting. We want you to be the best parent possible! Virginia Cooperative Extension offers a variety of parenting programs at little cost to you. Our programs are open to all residents of Prince William County and the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park.

Virginia Cooperative Extension’s classes offer you an opportunity to discuss practical and realistic approaches to the challenges of parenting:

• You want to know more about the next stage in their development.
• You’re getting no cooperation at home.
• You’re concerned about your child’s self image.
• You’re looking for new ways to work together as a family.
• You want some new discipline techniques.

 To register for a class and for more information, please visit the following the web link at VCE Parent Education or call 703-792-6288.