Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: Deborah Shepherd
Major Program: Family Development General
The problem* Illiteracy, books in the home, family dynamics and interaction, senior citizens and mental health* Local Public Library was destroyed by massive flooding and was closed for several months.The educational program response* The participants/target audience* Children, Youth, Families, Senior Citizens and community membersOther partners (if applicable)* Extension Homemakers and Extension VolunteersProgram impact or participant response.*
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 a family day out event along with a storybook walk in a local park. 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, the Bell County Extension
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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 nfographic all about the benefits of eating pumpkin, ways to preserve pumpkin and how to roast pumpkin s
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
