This page contains the resources to complete the VENA Training. If you have questions, please contact your Regional Nutritionist Consultant.

Using Vena to Guide WIC Services

Prior to attending the live course, please complete the prework below:

1. Watch four informational webinars

  • Part 1:  Introduction (18 Minutes)
  • Part 2 : Webinar: Assessing Protective Factors and Nutrition Risks (20 minutes)
  • Part 3: Sensitive Topics and Topics for Nutrition Services (21 min)
  • Part 4: Family Assessments and Moving from Assessment to Nutrition Services (15 minutes)

2. Please print/access the Using VENA to Guide WIC Services: Activity Workbook

a. Complete the activities listed below before the live training (trainer will ask you to reference these during the training)

  1. Activity: 1A Focus on Strengths, Not deficiencies (8 minutes)
  2. Activity: 2B Probing for Further Information (5 minutes)
  3. Activity: 3A Crafting Strong Affirmations (5 minutes)
  4. Activity: 4A Avoiding the Expert Trap (5 minutes)
  5. Activity: 5A Asking About Sensitive Topics (8 minutes)
  6. Activity: 6A Connecting the Dots (7 minutes)
  7. Activity: 7A Family Based Springboard Questions (8 minutes) 

Additional Counseling Resources

NPS- Effective Counseling Methods

Circle Charts

Dawn Clifford’s MI Tips - YouTube

USDA ‘VENA Guided Goal Setting’ Training: Log into your WIC works Percipio account to access.