Success Stories By MajorProgram FY2024Jul 1, 2023 - Jun 30, 2024
Wayne County READS
Author: Deborah Shepherd
Major Program: Family Development General
Illiteracy and the lack of books in the home is a concern in Wayne County. The local Public Library was destroyed by massive flooding and was closed for several months greatly limiting the communities access to free books.The Family and Consumer Sciences Agent recruited volunteers to build outdoor book cases located at the Extension Office. Extension Homemaker volunteers painted the book cases with artistic flair. Extension Homemakers and local community members quickly filled
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Family Day Out
Author: Rebecca Miller
Major Program: Family Development General
In efforts to reach underserved audiences and provide them with information and activities to keep their families engaged in physical activity and spending time together, the Bell County Extension Service hosted three family day out events along with storybook walks in two local parks in our county. Studies from the Cabinet for Health and Services show that 79% of children do not exercise the amount required weekly. To get families outdoors and moving
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4 Generations attends Crafts and Crumbs Program
Author: Britney Poe
Major Program: Family Development General
Crafts & Crumbs is a monthly program designed to allow community members to come together to socialize and unwind all while participating in a craft project and tasting healthy recipes from Plate it Up Ky. I wrote another success story how this program has become a business venture for one other community member but this story is different. Crafts & Crumbs has now grown into more than just a fun evening. It's giving entire families the chance to spend quality time with one another. I
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Kickstart the Holidays
Author: Katelyn Squires
Major Program: Family Development General
In a successful holiday preparation event, 55 participants joined county extension agents from the Lake Cumberland Area for "Kickstart the Holidays," a day-long holiday prep event. "Kickstart the Holidays" covered a range of holiday-related topics. Holiday preparation classes are crucial for various reasons, enabling individuals and families to better manage their finances during the holiday season, thus helping them avoid overspending and financial stress. Additionally, thes
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Meeting you where you are
Author: Amanda Dame
Major Program: Family Development General
University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) programs are designed to reach audiences across the lifespan. Many individuals in the 20-50 age desire to learn about the topics FCS provides but do not attend traditional programming for a variety of reasons: they are too busy, too embarrassed, too intimidated, etc. To bridge the gap for these individuals, we must pivot and offer re
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Candyland Program
Author: Abbigale Gray
Major Program: Family Development General
The Candyland program proved to be a resounding success, bringing together 30 families and a total of 195 individuals in a heartwarming display of community and office collaboration. This initiative, marked by its inclusive and festive spirit, not only fostered a sense of togetherness but also showcased the remarkable dedication and efforts of our community members. Through this joint endeavor, we not only created lasting memories but also strengthened the bonds that make our community vibrant a
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Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Ag Day
Author: Linda Brown-Price
Major Program: Family Development General
A display depicting Family and Consumer Sciences was set up and staffed at the Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Ag Day event held on September 7, 2023. The Area Director from Northern Kentucky and Area FCS Agent answered questions on career opportunities in Family and Consumer Sciences to attendees. Two interactive games, a hand toss, and Nutrition wheel were the main attractions and prizes. 120 adults and youth participated. Some questions were “I did
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Guardians Appreciate Friends Forever
Author: Rebecca Woodall
Major Program: Family Development General
There are minimal resources available in Crittenden County. This is especially true for our population who have developmental disabilities. Hard-working adults with developmental disabilities have lost their employment because of behaviors that were associated with their disabilities. After hearing the complaints of many parents of adults with disabilities and from some of those adults who have disabilities, the Crittenden County Extension Office started a club to support these individuals.
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Healthfair and Readifest
Author: Bryce Roberts
Major Program: Family Development General
The 2023 Healthfair/Readifest was a collaborative program planned by the Spencer County Cooperative Extension Service and the Family Resource/Youth Service Center. There were several other groups who helped sponsor the event with monetary and time donations. Churches and other local businesses also donated school supplies. For the past 2 years, the program has been a walk through outdoor event. T
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Pumpkin Fun
Author: Tara Duty
Major Program: Family Development General
The Mercer County FCS Agent partnered with the Mercer County Horticulture Agent and Senior NEP Assistant to offer a Halloween themed family fun and educational night all about PUMPKINS.The program was geared towards families to encourage family fun without screens or distractions. The NEP Assitant prepared simple, healthy foods which included pumpkin in the recipe, the FCS Agent created a fun infographic all about the benefits of eating pumpkin, ways to preserve pumpkin and how to roast pumpkin
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Family Dinner Night
Author: Alexandra Sallie
Major Program: Family Development General
Bath County is made up of 100 % rural communities, and for 2023 was ranked amongst the least healthy counties within the state ranking 94 out of 120. Of the population, 19% report not having a reliable food source, with the closest large grocery outlet being located 20-30 minutes away. About 23% of the population are in poor health with 39% of adults considered obese. Children need daily fruits and vegetables to support healthy growth. Yet, in 2021, National Survey of Children's Health
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Kids and Families Resource Fair
Author: Marsha Hagler
Major Program: Family Development General
The problemAs the population of Nelson County increases, so does the need for additional opportunities and support for families and children. However, during this same time our community has lost it's skating rink, movie theatre and bowling alley. Families throughout the community have expressed through surveys and through social media post, that they have a desire for more to offer youth in the community. The city and county are working to address this with some long term soluti
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Logan County Youth Get Kindergarten Ready
Author: Megan Treadway
Major Program: Family Development General
According to the Governor’s Office of Early Childhood, only 44.1% of Kentucky children and 43.5% of Logan County children were ready to enter kindergarten in 2022. The Kentucky State University Area Agent for Family and Consumer Science and the Logan County Cooperative Extension Service, in partnership with the Allen, Logan, and Simpson County Early Childhood Council, seek to improve kindergarten readiness in Logan County by engaging and educating families with children ages three to five.
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Relatives Raising Relatives
Author: Delaney Eubanks
Major Program: Family Development General
Kentucky holds one of the highest rates of children in the care of grandparents and other relatives (around 6%). In Jackson County, there are many children being raised by related family members that aren't their parents. Families may not understand the resources available to them in their community. A support group for Relatives Raising Relatives was established to provide families in Jackson County a place to meet to get emotional support from other families going through similar experienc
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Encouragement for Kinship Families in Marshall County
Author: Vicki Wynn
Major Program: Family Development General
According to Kinship Families Coalition of Kentucky, 96,000 Kentucky kids live in kinship care. Kinship care may be informal or may involve the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS). In many cases, grandparents and even great-grandparents have stepped up to help raise children when they cannot remain safely with their parents.The Marshall County Family & Consumer Sciences agent, Family Resource Youth Services Center directors and the Marshall County Resiliency Center are working tog
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Life Simplified
Author: Ashley Board
Major Program: Family Development General
University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) programs are designed to reach audiences across the lifespan. Many individuals in the 20-50 age range need the skills taught by Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) agents, but do not attend traditional programming due to other commitments, life phases, or real or perceived stigma. To reach these individuals, FCS agents in Caldwell, Christian, Hopkins, and Livingston knew they must pivot and offer research-based in
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Mothers and Daughter Bonding Over Blooms
Author: Holly Bowman
Major Program: Family Development General
With parents and children engrossed in their mobile devices for hours on end, face-to-face interactions have declined, hindering relationship development. It's crucial to acknowledge how technology, among other factors, has driven a wedge between loved ones, emphasizing the problem of prioritizing meaningful relationships over technology. A hanging basket workshop was held at the Bracken County Extension Office to bring family members together to encourage the missed bonding while creat
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Active Parenting
Author: Ashley Board
Major Program: Family Development General
The quality and diversity of family relationships play a significant role in shaping health and well-being across the life course. Today, family life is changing in unprecedented ways—from single parenting, same-sex marriage, marriage without children, relatives raising children, to delayed retirement, caregiving, and living longer. Investing in child development and positive parenting fosters healthy relationships, enhances social emotional skills, and promotes healthy behaviors across th
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Best Start Family Event
Author: Keller
Major Program: Family Development General
The mission of the Governor’s Office of Early Childhood is to provide leadership and direction for the Commonwealth with the goal of maintaining a comprehensive and sustainable prenatal to age five early childhood educational system that ensures a strong foundation for all children. The Four River Counties Regional Collaborative has provided high quality early childhood education for over 20 years in Ballard, Carlisle, Fulton, and Hickman counties. The Best Start Family Event was created w
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Best Start Family Event
Author: Sarah Drysdale
Major Program: Family Development General
The mission of the Governor’s Office of Early Childhood is to provide leadership and direction for the Commonwealth with the goal of maintaining a comprehensive and sustainable prenatal to age five early childhood educational system that ensures a strong foundation for all children. The Four River Counties Regional Collaborative has provided high quality early childhood education for over 20 years in Ballard, Carlisle, Fulton, and Hickman counties. The Best Start Family Event was created w
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Wits Workout proves helpful for adults
Author: Diane Mason
Major Program: Family Development General
About 11% of the U.S. older adult population is at risk for or suffers from subjective cognitive decline. Intellectual challenge and social interaction are important for brain health (University of Illinois Extension).Wits Workout, developed by the University of Illinois Extension is a holistic, multi-modal workshop series that offers adults ages 50 and older facilitated, interactive dialogue and activities about behaviors that promote brain health. A 10-week series of "Wits Workout&qu
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Best Start Family Event
Author: Brooke Hogancamp
Major Program: Family Development General
The mission of the Governor’s Office of Early Childhood is to provide leadership and direction for the Commonwealth with the goal of maintaining a comprehensive and sustainable prenatal to age five early childhood educational system that ensures a strong foundation for all children. The Four River Counties Regional Collaborative has provided high quality early childhood education for over 20 years in Ballard, Carlisle, Fulton, and Hickman counties. The Best Start Family Event was created w
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Second Time Around Parenting Group
Author: Rebecca Miller
Major Program: Family Development General
According to the Kentucky Extension Community Needs Assessment survey conducted in Bell County, the need for stronger parenting and relationship building skills was one of the top 15 priority issues identified as a need. Due to an increase of substance abuse, grandparents and other relatives are attempting to hold their families together by raising children when their parents cannot. In efforts to support and educate them in their journey of raising r
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Traveling the World with EC Extension
Author: Laura-Grace Vincent
Major Program: Family Development General
The problem Learn the cultural history and origins of the craft. Inspire global exploration. Develop fine motor skills in carving and painting. Increase cultural awareness, recycling, and creativity. Learning experience with family members to promote togetherness and bonding.The educational program response Introduce youth to some simple cultural traditional crafts/recipes from around the world. Journey around the continents, learning how to make simple crafts/recipes and having fun creati
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“Hardin County & LaRue County Community Baby Shower Brings New Connections for Families” -June 2024
Author: Chandra DeRamus
Major Program: Family Development General
“Hardin County & LaRue County Community Baby Shower Brings New Connections for Families”On this year, Hardin County residents faced many challenges as inflation has changed things for families. Some of the changes that have occurred within Hardin County include increased prices on food, gas, utilities, insurance, and rental costs. With those changes, it can impact household budgets and how much families can contribute to the necessary things that are needed especially for familie
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World's Greatest Baby Shower
Author: Natalie Green
Major Program: Family Development General
Prenatal and newborn health is an important subject for Webster County residents. There are many soon to be parents and new parents who seek out resources on topics such as feeding, changing, car seat safety, and overall health of their children. In response to the above issues, Webster County Cooperative Extension, alongside FRYSC and Early Childhood Council, held the World’s Greatest Baby shower. The baby shower was a free educational, informative and interactive program for expecta
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Families Reading Every Day
Author: Marla Stillwell
Major Program: Family Development General
According to data compiled by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, learning to read and write are skills that are essential to a child's success in school and later life. Research has found that one of the most important activities parents can do to help their child to acquire these necessary literacy skills is to read to and with them frequently. Therefore, through a collaboration with one of the local elementary schools Family Resource Youth Service Center Coordinators in
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Children Youth and Families at Risk Professional Development and Technical Assistance
Author: Kerri Ashurst
Major Program: Family Development General
Dr. Ashurst has been a Federal Coach for USDA's Children, Youth and Families at Risk (CYFAR) Professional Development and Technical Assistance (PDTA) Center since January 2019. This is a multi-state subcontract with the University of Minnesota and Pennsylvania State University as the national leads. During the reporting period, Dr. Ashurst had a contract for 45% of her time as a federal coach. She was assigned to oversee grants in Vermont, Rhode Island, Maryland, North Carolina, Wisconsin, N
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Best Start Family Event
Author: Anna Morgan
Major Program: Family Development General
The mission of the Governor’s Office of Early Childhood is to provide leadership and direction for the Commonwealth with the goal of maintaining a comprehensive and sustainable prenatal to age five early childhood educational system that ensures a strong foundation for all children. The Four River Counties Regional Collaborative has provided high quality early childhood education for over 20 years in Ballard, Carlisle, Fulton, and Hickman counties. The Best Start Family Event was created w
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UK Camp Kesem 2024
Author: Kerri Ashurst
Major Program: Family Development General
Camp Kesem is a nationwide community, driven by passionate college student leaders working with children and families who are coping with the aftermath of a cancer diagnosis of a parent. They are the largest national organization dedicated to this unique population with over 100 college chapters in the country. There are 5 million children coping with a parent's cancer diagnosis. Kesem supports these children through and beyond their parent's cancer with free and creative prog
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Planner Hours
Author: Elizabeth Evans
Major Program: Family Development General
In an increasingly fast-paced world where time is both a precious commodity and a constant challenge to manage, the role of a planner extends beyond mere scheduling; it becomes a pivotal tool for cultivating both organization and creativity. The art of planning not only structures our days but also shapes our thoughts, allowing us to harness our creativity effectively. Intentional planning can lead to lasting effects on both professional endeavors and personal aspirations. However, with the time
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CYFAR Activity
Author: Hardin Stevens
Major Program: Family Development General
As part of the CYFAR (Children, Youth & Families At-Risk) grant this past year, we were in the Family & Consumer Science class at a local middle school. In the last class of each eight-week session, we close with the Trust Walk activity. We tape various paths on the classroom floor. Students partner up and one student is blind folded while the other student leads their partner thru the classroom using only their voice. They cannot touch their partner. The students then return to the begi
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Understanding Disabilities Story Hour Learning
Author: Lynn Blankenship
Major Program: Family Development General
The problem:Metcalfe County is a small, rural community with a public library that provides a Preschool Library Story Hour once monthly, while public school is in-session. Children who are not enrolled in preschool or childcare programs, participate with adult family members. Learning activities provided by library staff primarily focus on learning colors, numbers, days of the week, months of the year, holidays, seasons, weather, preschool songs/finger plays, and interacting in a gro
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Grant and Contract Funding for FCS Extension
Author: Kerri Ashurst
Major Program: Family Development General
During the reporting period, Dr. Ashurst directly received 4 grants/contracts totaling $1,663,389. One grant for $140,000 (year 5 amount; 5 year grant) was for a Children, Youth and Families at Risk (CYFAR) grant to provide life skills programming for at-risk youth. Grant sites are in Fayette and Hardin Counties. A second grant for $185,559 was received for the Military Teen Adventure Camp program to hold camps for service members and their teenage children to attend together to reconnect a
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Storybook Walk
Author: Lora Davidson
Major Program: Family Development General
The FCS Agent and FCS Team at the Laurel County Extension office decided to host a StoryWalk as a unique and engaging way to promote early literacy and physical activity among the children in their community. The CDC recommends that adolescents who are between the ages of 6-17 years of age, receive at least 6o minutes of physical activity a day. The FCS team recognized the potential of this innovative concept and were able to host this event for the 3rd year in a row that would leave a las
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Adulting 101
Author: Nancy Doyle
Major Program: Family Development General
According to a recent survey by YouScience 75% graduates reported they felt “moderately, slightly, or not at all prepared” for what might come next after high school. To help better prepare our local students, the Family Resource and Service Center along with the Simpson County Extension FCS Agent, 4-H agent, and two KSU agents along with volunteers from the community hosted an Adulting 101 day for the graduating seniors. 186 Students rotated through six rotations
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Dare to Care: Safe Gardening
Author: Carolina Robles
Major Program: Family Development General
The problem: Adults with disabilities lack knowledge and resources needed to live an independent life. The educational program response: Program seeks to encourage independent living skills. This months program focused on how to garden safely and starting a gardening club at the Jefferson County Extension Office. The participants/target audience: Young and older Adults with disabilities Other partners (if applicable): Dare to CareProgram impact or participant response: The p
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Owen County Preschool Days
Author: Chelsea Young
Major Program: Family Development General
Kentucky has reported that only 39% of children attending kindergarten in Owen County are prepared and equipped to succeed. In many Kentucky counties, limited resources or the environment may hinder healthy lifestyle choices related to early childhood development and physical activity. As an innovative strategy to improve early childhood development skills and increase kindergarten readiness with Owen County residents, the Family and Consumer Science
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CYFAR Uplift Project Year 5
Author: Tyrone Atkinson
Major Program: Family Development General
The CYFAR “Uplift: Empowering Today’s Youth for Tomorrow’s Future” project collaborates with Kentucky State University and the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension program. The purpose is to provide comprehensive life skills development programming to Middle and High school youth. Utilizing Botvin Life Skills curricula as the primary tool, the Uplift team delivered life skills programming in urban and rural settings. The Life Skills focus has been primarily on Tra
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Children Youth and Families at Risk Professional Development and Technical Assistance
Author: Tyrone Atkinson
Major Program: Family Development General
Mr. Atkinson has been a Federal Coach for USDA's Children, Youth and Families at Risk (CYFAR) Professional Development and Technical Assistance (PDTA) Center since April 2023. This is a multi-state subcontract with the University of Minnesota and Pennsylvania State University as the national leads. During the reporting period, he was assigned to oversee grants in Indiana, North Dakota, Minnesota and Oklahoma. He was also assigned in May 2024 to new awards in Missouri and Wisconsin. Atkinson
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KY Military Teen Adventure Camps 2023-2024
Author: Tyrone Atkinson
Major Program: Family Development General
With over 12 years of funding the UK Military Teen Adventure Camp continues to serve military service members and parents along with teens from all over the country. The MTAC program was initiated through a grant opportunity funded by the Department of Defense between the Office of Miliary Community and Family Policy and the USDA NIFA. The goal has been to get military youth involved in 4-H experiences by way of High Adventure programming. Through Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, we
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