RIAES RESEARCH: Sustainable and Nurturing Communities

Despite a booming economy and record-low unemployment, the number of children in poverty is increasing in all RI cities and towns. It has been noted that Rhode Islanders have limited access to social programs for youth and families, and links between service providers and families are weak.

RIAES and CE programs blend ecological and social sciences in their focus on human communities. Sustainable communities live within their natural environments. They require physical planning to integrate industrial and recreational activities with residences and natural surroundings. They also require social planning, with special attention for young people who may be at risk due to stresses from within the community such as poverty, crime, broken families, early pregnancies and others.

Too many youth and adults lack financial literacy; family debt levels are rising, with increasing defaults on credit cards and mortgages; many families have inadequate savings and no retirement funds. RIAES and CE research and outreach promote wise family management practices.

	Goal: Enhanced economic opportunity and quality of life for Americans
	Key Program Components:
	4-H youth and volunteer leadership development.
	Professional staff development training programs for agency staff and child care providers.
	Parenting and family life education.
	Children, youth, and families at risk.
	Family financial management.
	Family-run businesses.
	Community economic development policy.