Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: Glenna Wooten
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Homemaker club members, Extension staff, and volunteers came together virtually to fill a need in the community when the COVID-19 pandemic started. The District Health Department requested face masks for use in nursing homes, local health departments, first responders, and others who were working closely with the public. The Extension office, led by the Family and Consumer Sciences agent, stepped up to start the process. Using appropriate fabrics that has been donated to the Ex
Author: Amanda Broderick
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
The COVID-19 virus closed many businesses and placed a strain on health care providers worldwide creating a high demand for personal protection equipment for health care workers. With such a demand on personal protection equipment, items such as isolation gowns were not available. During this time, the Lewis County Extension Office was contacted by Primary Plus asking if we had anyone that could sew isolation gowns for their 9 offices in Lewis, Mason, Fleming, Bracken, Greenup, Carter, and Boyd
Author: Peggy Jones
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
2020 Mask MakersTwenty-Twenty offered an entire new look to Volunteers in Extension. Homemakers in Rowan County did not hesitate with what they do best, “Volunteering.” Two Homemakers got a mask pattern, got their sewing equipment out and set up a cutting room in their kitchen, an ironing and sewing station in their living room. Donations of elastic, fabric and thread started pouring in to assist on the production of supplying mask to those in need. Mask
Author: Sarah Drysdale
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
This school year came with uncertainty whether students would be in the classroom. As COVID-19 has brought many new changes within the school system; facial coverings for all students and staff being the biggest change. As part of the Face Coverings for Kids Initiative, Ballard County Extension Homemakers and FCS agent made seven hundred twenty-two (722) sewn cloth face coverings for Ballard County Elementary School students. Which were delivered before class began on August 26th. All the
Author: Nellie Buchanan
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Volunteers helping front line workers in 2020. Morgan County Extension Agent was initially contacted by a local nursing and rehab facility as the realization of a need for PPE was evident. Early response by the employee and administrators requesting cloth face coverings be constructed by local volunteers "who knew how to sew" to protect residents, employees and all their families made a huge impact for front line workers. The facility remained Covid-19 free nearly seven mon
Author: Denise Wooley
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Graves County Extension Homemakers continued to work hard during the pandemic by making close to 500 items of PPE (masks, hats, gowns) for the community. Members contributed to the “Coverings for Kids” face covering initiative that provided homemade masks to the two local school systems. The group volunteered 16,908 documented hours within the past year. The value of a volunteer hour is worth $27.20 meaning Graves County Extension Homemakers contributed $459,8
Author: Esther "Susan" Turner
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
The COVID-19 Pandemic presented a number of challenges for school systems. One of those challenges was ensuring that children who attended in-person classes would have a face mask. The Monroe County Superintendent contacted the Monroe County Homemaker organization and asked if the group would be willing to sew face masks for the students entering the school system in September. The fabric and elastic was provided by the school system. The masks were cut by a local clothin
Author: Linda Combs
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
·National data indicates that Covid-19 has caused a negative impact on mental health; causing stress, grief and anxiety. During the late summer of 2020 the Knott County Homemaker council met using Facebook messenger rooms. During the meeting council members discussed the impact of Covid-19 on county homemakers. Homemakers were isolating themselves from even the sun – it was revealed that many were so depressed they had not even sat on their porch or stepped outside
Author: Andrea Slone
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
In March 2020, Floyd County Extension Homemaker program almost came to a complete halt due to the 2020 pandemic of COVID-19. For the first time, there was not an annual meeting at the County, Area, or State level. Club meetings were no longer able to be face to face until the Summer months and many Homemakers were still weary of meeting in person. This forced the Floyd County Extension Homemakers to step out of their comfort zone and explore new ways to program.The Floyd County Homemaker Extensi
Author: Leslie Workman
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
True leadership reveals itself in difficult times. During the 2020 homemaker year, most KEHA clubs were unable to meet in person due to COVID-19 restrictions. Pike County Homemakers enjoyed their last regular county council meeting on Feb 15, 2020. After that point, club meetings were reduced to phone calls, social media interaction and lesson materials delivered by paper or electronic means. Because Pike County Homemaker officers, chairman and leaders are trained as Extension
Author: Heather Cheek
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Over the past 43 years, the Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association has raised money to help support the Ovarian Cancer Research program at the University of Kentucky. Every year, the Mason County Extension Homemakers host at least 3 fundraisers to support their financial contribution to the Ovarian Cancer Research program. Unfortunately, in 2020, they were unable to hold any of their usual fundraisers due to the Covid-19 pandemic. With budget cuts on the University level, the Extension H
Author: Catherine Jansen
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
It is hard enough during the cold winter months and Holiday season to not get blue and depressed. Add to that the Covid 19 outbreak and many people in the community develop depression.The Carroll County Homemakers decided to do a community service project to reach some of the elderly seniors and shut ins. The homemakers partnered with a men's home, an assisted living facility, Senior Center and two nursing homes, reaching over 260 individuals.Several of the homemakers met, using Covid-19 saf
Author: Caroline Hughes
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
The Homemakers organization was established in Robertson County in 1947 when a full time Home Demonstration Agent was assigned to the county. Initially seven clubs were organized and over time several members came to claim fifty years or more of membership. As people’s lifestyles changed, some clubs were discontinued or assimilated into others, but the Homemaker organization in Robertson County continues to be of viable service to the community. Traditional club lessons h
Author: Jessica Hunley
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Madison County Extension Homemakers have struggled with isolation and lack of networking throughout the pandemic, due to the numerous closures and restricted meetings. Some members of our clubs and the Homemaker Board noted in their conversations, that something they missed the most about not seeing their club members, aside from their trades and crafts, was the social interaction and engagement with one another. Due to parameters set on account of the COVID pandemic, we initiated a
Author: Roger "Darrell" Simpson
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Ovarian cancer does not stop just because of a pandemic. This disease ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women according to the American Cancer Society. A woman has a one in seventy eight chance of getting ovarian cancer during her lifetime also according to the American Cancer Society. The UK Markey Cancer Center Ovarian Cancer Screening Program has been in existence since 1987 and has been and is currently working to combat this “silent killer.” The screening program provides free
Author: Dayna Fentress
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Over the last year, 5 Hardin County Homemakers have taken on new area leadership roles, including Area President. Three years ago, the Hardin County FCS Agent shifted how officer trainings took place. For many years, officer trainings were simply a day to go over the paperwork and new programs of work for KEHA. Knowing that many of her Homemakers had star leadership potential, the FCS Agent decided to stop reading forms to them and make officers trainings leadership trainings instead. With
Author: M. Elizabeth Coots
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
The Woodford County Extension Homemakers partnered with Pivot Brewing Company in Lexington, Kentucky to make homemade cloth face coverings for the Kentucky Children's Hospital and University of Kentucky Hospital. The Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association was asked to help support the effort of making cloth face coverings for health care workers. At the same time, Pivot Brewing Company, closed for business, wanted to utilize their resources and give back to the community so they reached o
Author: Sherri Broderick
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Extension Homemakers work to improve the quality of life for their families and communities through leadership development, volunteer service and education. Gallatin County Extension Homemakers are active and involved with the Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association at the Northern Kentucky Area and State level. Gallatin County Extension Homemakers give back to our community. One way is through the Gallatin County Extension Homemaker Scholarship that gives a $1,000 annual scho
Author: Lora Davidson
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Volunteers are always needed in the world of Extension and during the COVID-19 Pandemic, we saw how much our volunteers contributed to the communities. The Harlan County Homemakers pulled together with the FCS Agent to supply mandated face mask to a multitude of organizations. The Homemakers of Harlan County worked vigorously to put in the hours to get as many face coverings as possible out to the communities. Following CDC guidelines and patterns that were distributed to the Homemakers, they we
Author: Kelly Burgess
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
In Allen County, only 14.6% (+/- 2.1%) of the population 25 years of age and older have a bachelor’s degree or more. With the median household income being estimated as $44,624, and a poverty rate of 17.3%, paying for a college education is a barrier to many families (Kentucky by the Numbers 2019 County Data Sheets). Allen County Extension Homemakers have a tradition of providing a $500 scholarship to an Allen County Scottsville High School student pursuing a Family and Consumer Sciences (
Author: Christina A. Martin
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
During the on-going pandemic, the Homemaker Clubs were not able to meet, but that didn’t stop them from participating in educational opportunities and community service. Homemaker members participated in the following state FCS programs: Big Blue Goals challenge, estate planning series, and the How of Happiness book club. Additionally during the pandemic, the Homemakers made law enforcement appreciation bags, grab and go food bags for EMS personnel, and 28 fidget mats for
Author: Jordan Crain
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
In an effort to encourage positive thoughts and safely engage clientele during uncertain times, the Lake Cumberland Area FCS Agents offered Kentucky Extension Homemakers the opportunity to become involved in a Pen Pal Program. The Pen Pal Program consisted of participants completing a survey that allowed them to share their hobbies, like and dislikes, etc. Once each County had time to gather surveys from those who wished to participate, participants were paired up with a person with similar inte
Author: Lora Howard
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Community Leaders and Volunteers are important in building engaged and empowered communities. Clay County Homemakers Mission is to improve the quality of life for families and communities through education, leadership development and volunteer service. Women are known leaders in their communities. They can provide the needed incentives, influence, and leadership to improve the lives of their family, organizations and communities. The growth and well-being of the organization depends
Author: Karen Denniston
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
COVID-19 has impacted the lives of everyone. Some of the impacts have been positive and some not so positive. The Bourbon County Extension Homemakers, in typical Homemaker fashion, have stepped up during this pandemic to support and assist our community in overcoming some of the day-to-day obstacles presented. In the middle of face masks shortages, the Homemakers took on the task of making handmade masks for Bourbon Community Hospital, Paris Independent Elementary Schools, and local
Author: Natalie Taul
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Developing effective leaders is critical for the future and success of any organization and the Grayson County Extension Homemakers are no exception when it comes to developing leadership and growing membership. In the midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Grayson County Homemakers took a chance on a new way to reach people (and stay connected amongst themselves) and have seen some success though the Pen Pal and Out and About programs. Nearly 50% of current homemaker members participated in a
Author: Sally Mineer
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association Leadership Academy-I worked with the KEHA Leadership Academy planning committee to have a 2 day leadership academy in March 2020. Over those 2 days we had 25 leaders from across the state attend and learn more about the following: communication skills, leadership styles, parliamentary procedure, understanding personalities and accessing the future of their organization. The 6 person planning committee plus 2 advisors that included myse
Author: Cecelia Hostilo
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
In the Pennyrile Area of Kentucky, grain milling is a rich part of the agricultural history. In order to help Homemakers in the Pennyrile area better understand how wheat growth, production, and processing fit into the local food system, an area seminar entitled Mills to Meals was offered. The seminar was presented by the Pennyrile Area Homemakers in partnership with several guest speakers. Alissa Keller from the Pennyroyal Area Museum in Hopkinsville talked about the history
Author: Valerie Holland
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Members of the Jefferson County Extension Homemakers Association are very diverse and capable leaders who are not afraid of a challenge. And they did face a huge challenge with the 2020 COVID 19 pandemic! Jefferson County rated in the highest case level of the state, but their tenacious spirit led them to find any way they could help and serve during this pandemic. Throughout the year, the Extension Homemakers have contributed time, talent and dollars to the community both on a county, are
Author: Tiffany Bolinger
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Three years ago, the Christian County Extension Homemakers launched the Jr. Homemakers program. One major goal of the program was to begin growing the Homemaker organization from the ground up by recruiting youth ages 9-18. The program has been very successful quickly growing to over 30 members in the second year. However, like all other in person programming, COVID-19 threatened to stop the program in its tracks.The Christian County Extension Homemakers and Family & Consumer Sciences Agent
Author: Dayna Fentress
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
When First Lady Britany Beshear requested individuals make masks and donate them to their local schools in her "Coverings for Kids" initiative as schools began to open back up, the Hardin County Extension Homemakers got to work. They immediately took the pattern and organized an efficient material pick up and drop off system. Hardin County Schools brought fabric to the office, a group of Homemaker volunteers cut out mask patterns. Then individuals or clubs could come pick up as many pr
Author: Deborah Shepherd
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Strong leadership skills are important for a vital Extension Homemaker program. Twenty-eight Wayne County Extension Homemakers participated in Officer and Leadership Training Event. Participants reported before and after knowledge, skills and confidence of key leadership skills via paper survey. 99 % reported a gain in knowledge in KEHA Programming emphases.100% reported a gain in understanding the importance of KEHA reporting.100% reported a gain in KEHA membership campaigns an
