Success Stories By MajorProgram FY2025Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025
Extension Homemakers Help in the Community
Author: Hazel Jackson
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
The problem According to the National Institute of Health (2023), volunteering provides clear health benefits for the volunteer. It also provides clear economic benefits to organizations and acts as a bridge of welfare services to derived communities.The educational program response Rockcastle County Extension Homemakers has 80 members in 4 Homemaker clubs. Club meetings are led by officers. Each club has been actively promoting volunteerism and they have helpe
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Homemakers Partner with Local Library
Author: Katelyn Squires
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Little Libraries and Bookmobiles are a way to increase access to books for readers of all ages and backgrounds to different parts of the community. Little Libraries are growing throughout the state of Kentucky; Green County alone has nine little libraries set up at different restaurants and businesses in the community. Green County Library also utilizes the bookmobile which is a mobile library that visits various locations and organizations in Green County such as Little Lambs Preschool and many
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2024-2025 Fort Harrod Area Extension Homemaker Officer and Chairperson Training
Author: Carla Carter
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Research shows when people understand their purpose, they are more likely to engage deeply in their personal activities, such as being an Extension Homemaker. Whether you joined a homemaker club recently, or have been a member for years, now is the perfect time to refresh your perspective on what it means to be an Extension Homemaker. The Fort Harrod Area Family and Consumer Sciences Agents recognized there was a need within the area to give our Extension Homemakers a renewed since of self.The F
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Antique Shop Homemakers Organized
Author: Gregory Drake
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Describe the Issue or Situation. There has been no new homemaker club organized in Butler County for several years. Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable). Worked with existing homemaker president to recruit interested homemakers.Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience. 30 membersProvide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to d
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Fort Harrod Area Extension Homemakers' 2024-2025 Officer and Chairperson Training
Author: Jody Paver
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Fort Harrod Area Extension Homemaker 2024-2025 Officer and Chairperson Training Success Story? Research shows when people understand their purpose, they are more likely to engage deeply in their personal activities, such as being an Extension Homemaker. Whether you joined a homemaker club recently, or have been a member for years, now is the perfect time to refresh your perspective on what it means to be an Extension Homemaker. The Fort Harrod Area Family and Consumer Sciences Age
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Introduction to Photography
Author: Dylan Gentry
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Describe the Issue or Situation:In the Lake Cumberland Area, many Homemakers had an interest in photography but lacked the necessary skills to fully engage with the craft. Photography skills were seen as valuable for capturing family memories, documenting events, and entering photos into local Homemaker competitions. Many participants felt underprepared to effectively use their cameras, limiting their ability to participate in photo contests and community projects. In particular, capturing high-
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Logan County Homemakers Support Ovarian Cancer Research Program at the University of Kentucky
Author: Rachel Hance
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Ovarian cancer is one of the most common gynecologic malignancies in the United States. This year over 22,280 new cases will be detected, and 14,240 women will die of the disease. Women at highest risk to develop ovarian cancer are over the age of 50 or have a relative with ovarian cancer. One of the Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association’s main health objectives has been to assist in funding ovarian cancer screening and research a the University of Kentucky. As o
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Discovering Cake Decorating
Author: Laura-Grace Vincent
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Describe the Issue or Situation. Homemakers from 10 counties (Mammoth Cave Area) got together on 2 different days, one in Warren County and another in Barren County, for their Oct and Nov leader lesson which is over cake decorating! All Homemaker clubs in Kentucky receive educational lessons from the University of Kentucky and Extension Offices. FCS agents are responsible for getting those lessons to the clubs as well as trainings like these that allow members to effectively go back to thei
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Move Your Way MCA Homemaker Summer 2024 Leader training
Author: Lynn Blankenship
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Being physically active is an important component to overall health and contributes significantly to individuals’ physical and mental wellbeing. There is a continued need to promote physical activity among Kentucky families. According to the CDC, 29.7% of Kentucky’s adults reported that during the past month, they had not participated in any physical activity, and only 21.4% of Kentucky children and teens were physically active for at least 60 minutes per day on each of t
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Establishing the Calloway County Shooting Sports Homemaker Club
Author: Debra Hixon
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Describe the Issue or Situation. In Calloway County, a community-driven need led to the creation of a new Homemaker club centered around Shooting Sports. A former shooting sports coach and volunteer, with extensive experience working with both adult and youth programs—including 4-H—approached our Extension office. His request reflected the community's interest in building a club that fosters skill development, safety, and personal growth through shooting sports.Describe the
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Health Literacy for the Win
Author: Rachel Mattingly
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
It is estimated that only 12% of the U.S. adult population is considered fully “health literate.” This means that almost 9 out of 10 adults are at or below basic levels of health literacy. They have a hard time understanding and using basic health information to make informed decisions about their personal health. Unfortunately, those who experience poor health literacy are also more likely to experience poor health outcomes. Health literacy is a primary goal within Healthy People 20
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Homemaker Leader Lesson Extravaganza
Author: Carolina Robles
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Describe the Issue or Situation.The Homemaker Leader Lesson Day addressed several key topics relevant to family and consumer sciences, focusing on practical life skills. There was a need to educate homemakers on modern tools and practices like air fryer usage, online grocery shopping strategies, avoiding scams, and maintaining bone health to combat osteoporosis. The program also recognized the benefit of fostering inter-county collaboration, which was previously limited as past lessons were held
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Understanding Suicide
Author: Cathy Sparks
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Describe the Issue or Situation.Suicide is a serious public concern and one of the most preventable types of death. Someone dies every 11 seconds from suicide, and it is currently the 11th leading cause of death in the US in people 10-34 years of age. In Kentucky suicide is about 21% higher than the national average, only second to accidental deaths.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association are preparing it
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Volunteerism & Leadership in KEHA
Author: Nancy Doyle
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
KEHA is a volunteer organization that works to improve the quality of life for families and communities through volunteer service, leadership development, and education. The organization operates in partnership with the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. County Extension agents for Family and Consumer Sciences work closely with KEHA members and clubs to provide educational programming and coordinate community activities.The Simpson County Extension Homemakers are an acti
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Homemaker Leader Lessons
Author: Heather Toombs
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Describe the Issue or Situation.Recently, the Louisville Area Family and Consumer Science Agents transformed the structure of the Homemaker Leader lessons. Previously, FCS agents traveled to seven counties to deliver these lessons, which members then taught to their clubs. However, declining participation prompted a reevaluation of this approach. The result was the creation of a centralized one-day Homemaker leader lesson seminar. This new format featured four engaging lessons and provided lunch
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WHAAMM Leadership (Wayne Homemaker Active Association Membership Movement)
Author: Deborah Shepherd
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Strong leadership skills are important for a vital Extension Homemaker and Family & Consumer Sciences Extension program. These learned leadership skills also benefit other community organizations in which members participate. Extension Homemakers reported difficulties in recruiting new officers, maintaining membership interest in club activities and membership recruitment. They had also reported still feeling a lack of connection. Wayne County Extension Homemakers p
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Fort Harrod Area Officer and Chairperson Training
Author: Tara Duty
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Fort Harrod Area Extension Homemaker 2024-2025 Officer and Chairperson Training Success StoryResearch shows when people understand their purpose, they are more likely to engage deeply in their personal activities, such as being an Extension Homemaker. Whether you joined a homemaker club recently, or have been a member for years, now is the perfect time to refresh your perspective on what it means to be an Extension Homemaker. The Fort Harrod Area Family and Consumer
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Homemaker Leader Lesson Seminar
Author: Jane Proctor
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
The Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association (KEHA) is a dedicated volunteer organization committed to enhancing the quality of life for families and communities through leadership development, volunteer service, and education. Local and state Cooperative Extension professionals partner with KEHA to provide research-based education and guidance as members design and implement impactful educational programs and projects. Strong community leadership is vital for sustainability and development, he
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Healthy Home, Body, and Mind
Author: Asa Conkwright
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Radon is an odorless, tasteless, and colorless naturally occurring radioactive gas that is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the Unites States. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Surgeon General’s office estimates that more than 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year. Kentucky leads the nation in new lung cancer incidences at 84.8 cases per 100,000 people while the national average is 54.6 per 100,000 people. To promote and improve health, the Northern Kentucky
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The Lincoln Trail Homemakers Kick-off with Create Welcoming Clubs
Author: Lynnette Allen
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
As their membership ages, the Kentucky Extension Homemakers recognize the challenge that is facing their mission of providing education, community service and leadership development. To address this challenge, the Lincoln Trail Area Extension Homemaker Kick-off program is held annually to build excitement and provide resources for the new program year. In planning for the 2024 event, the LTA Homemakers Council applied, and they were awarded a $500 KEHA Development Grant to sponsor the kick-off.
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The Lincoln Trail Homemakers Kick-off
Author: Marsha Hagler
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
As their membership ages, the Kentucky Extension Homemakers recognize the challenge that is facing their mission of providing education, community service and leadership development. To address this challenge, the Lincoln Trail Area Extension Homemaker Kick-off program is held annually to build excitement and provide resources for the new program year. In planning for the 2024 event, the LTA Homemakers Council applied, and they were awarded a $500 KEHA Development Grant to sponsor the kick-off.
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Mammoth Cave Area Annual Homemaker Meeting
Author: Sonya Carter
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
The Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association (KEHA) is a volunteer organization that works to improve the quality of life for families and communities through leadership development, volunteer service, and education. Hart County hosted the Mammoth Cave Area Annual Homemaker Meeting in October 2024. During this time, a food drive was completed for Hart County residents. Each Homemaker was asked to donate a non-perishable food for the community. Munfordville Baptist Church has a food pantry
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The Lincoln Trail Homemakers Kick-off with Create Welcoming Clubs
Author: Jennifer Bridge
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
As their membership ages, the Kentucky Extension Homemakers recognize the challenge that is facing their mission of providing education, community service and leadership development. To address this challenge, the Lincoln Trail Area Extension Homemaker Kick-off program is held annually to build excitement and provide resources for the new program year. In planning for the 2024 event, the LTA Homemakers Council applied, and they were awarded a $500 KEHA Development Grant to sponsor the kick-off.
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Holiday Bazaar Beats Attendance Record
Author: Dylan Gentry
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Success Story: Holiday Bazaar 2023Describe the Issue or SituationThe small community of Columbia had been seeking ways to support local artisans and small businesses during the holiday season. With limited opportunities for community members to shop locally and engage in festive activities, there was a clear need for a central event that could bring people together, promote local businesses, and foster a sense of holiday spirit.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners,
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Success Story: Quilt Lovers Homemaker Club Shares Warmth and Comfort
Author: Debra Hixon
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Describe the Issue or Situation. The issue or situation that inspired this success is rooted in the members’ decision to use their talents to help others navigate tough situations. By channeling their skills into meaningful service, the Quilt Lovers have turned their craft into a powerful force for good.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable). In total, 133 quilts have been lovingly created and donated by the Quilt Lovers Homemaker Cl
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Homemakers Lead The Way
Author: Rebecca Miller
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
The Bell County Extension Homemakers Organization is a very important part of this community and to the Bell County Extension Service. When our community is in need or a disaster occurs, community leaders know they can call on the Bell County Homemakers and the need will be met. With over 90 members, this group continues to improve the quality of life to the citizens in Bell County and surrounding counties through their leadership. They volunteer, donate time and items to non
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Edmonson County Homemaker Recruitment Breakfast
Author: Laura-Grace Vincent
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Describe the Issue or Situation.The Edmonson County Homemakers have been a staple in the community for nearly a century. The Edmonson County Homemakers are one of the largest civic and volunteer organizations in Edmonson County. Constantly looking for ways to better the community, the Edmonson County Homemakers strive to do their part to increase the values of lives in their communities. While there are only 3 traditional clubs in the county, they make a difference by participating i
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Fort Harrod Area Extension Homemaker 2024-2025 Officer and Chairperson Training Success Story
Author: Hannah Thornsberry
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Fort Harrod Area Extension Homemaker 2024-2025 Officer and Chairperson Training Success Story? Research shows when people understand their purpose, they are more likely to engage deeply in their personal activities, such as being an Extension Homemaker. Whether you joined a homemaker club recently, or have been a member for years, now is the perfect time to refresh your perspective on what it means to be an Extension Homemaker. The Fort Harrod Area Family and C
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Fort Harrod Area Extension Homemaker 2024-2025 Officer and Chairperson Training
Author: Sara Haag
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Research shows when people understand their purpose, they are more likely to engage deeply in their personal activities, such as being an Extension Homemaker. Whether you joined a homemaker club recently, or have been a member for years, now is the perfect time to refresh your perspective on what it means to be an Extension Homemaker. The Fort Harrod Area Family and Consumer Sciences Agents recognized there was a need within the area to give our Extension Homemakers a renewed since of
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The Lincoln Trail Homemakers Kick-off with Create Welcoming Clubs
Author: Cabrina Buckman
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
As their membership ages, the Kentucky Extension Homemakers recognize the challenge that is facing their mission of providing education, community service and leadership development. To address this challenge, the Lincoln Trail Area (LTA) Extension Homemaker Kick-off program is held annually to build excitement and provide resources for the new program year. In planning for the 2024 event, the LTA Homemakers Council applied, and they were awarded a $500 KEHA Development Grant to sponsor the kick
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Homemaker Homecoming Results in New Homemakers
Author: Rebecca Woodall
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Crittenden County Homemakers often express concern that the number of Homemakers is dwindling and that there may not be a next generation of Homemakers. Their goal has been to get younger people interested in Homemakers, given that their average age is 70. They have also often expressed being tired and needing younger people to get involved to help them.The year 2024 marked the 75th anniversary of Crittenden County Homemakers. KEHA week also happened to fall on the same week as Crittenden
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Trigg County Homemaker Membership Growth
Author: Teresa Garcia
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
The Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association (KEHA) is a volunteer organization that works to improve the quality of life for families and communities through leadership development, volunteer service, and education. The origins of KEHA can be traced to the beginning of the 20th century. Through the years, the organization has grown to become an extensive network of over 11,000 women sharing information that would make their domestic lives easier including home economics, new technologies and g
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County Homemakers take on Area Pillowcase project
Author: Ruth Chowning
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
The mission was to provide a small taste of home to our deployed troops, who selflessly sacrifice so much for our safety and freedom. The United States military personnel face challenging and unfamiliar environments, making the significance of receiving handmade pillowcases far greater than just bedding. Deployed men and women often endure long periods of separation from their families and loved ones. Handmade pillowcases symbolize their connection to home, reminding them of the love and su
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A New Take on Leader Lessons
Author: M. Elizabeth Coots
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
In the past, the Louisville Area Extension Homemaker members participated in individual monthly leader lessons presented at each county's Extension office. Each lesson was taught by one Family & Consume Sciences agent who traveled to each of the seven counties in the area. However, these lessons often had low attendance, which led to concerns about the program’s effectiveness and use of resources. The Area Extension Homemaker Council recognized the nee
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Healthy Eating Around the World
Author: Hannah Thornsberry
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Food is a cornerstone of culture, shaping traditions, fostering connections, and promoting health worldwide. Recognizing this, the Fort Harrod Area Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Agents organized a multi-county leader lesson titled Healthy Eating Around the World on October 16, 2024, at the Boyle County Extension Office. The program brought together 39 Extension Homemakers and community members for an enriching experience celebrating international cuisines and dietary traditions.Participants
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A New Take on Leader Lessons
Author: Ruth Chowning
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
In the past, the Louisville Area Extension Homemaker members participated in individual monthly leader lessons presented at each county's Extension office. Each lesson was taught by one Family & Consume Sciences agent who traveled to each of the seven counties in the area. However, these lessons often had low attendance, which led to concerns about the program’s effectiveness and use of resources. The Area Extension Homemaker Council recognized the need for a more efficie
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Quicksand Area Officer Training
Author: Nanette Banks
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Describe the Issue or SituationHomemaker officers play a vital role in the Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association (KEHA) by supporting the organization’s mission and leading local clubs. However, many officers need training and support to fully understand their responsibilities, confidently perform their roles, and effectively manage club activities. A need was identified for a comprehensive training program to equip officers with the knowledge and skills necessary for success.Describe
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