Life Skills Development
Strengthening Indviduals & Families
Courtney Brock, Rita Stewart
Embracing Life as We Age (general)
Securing Financial Stability (general)
4-H Youth Development Programming
4-H Health Core Curriculum
With the continued struggles in the economy, it is becoming increasingly important that community members develop important life skills that will help them become more educated, contributing members of society. Kentucky consistently lags behind other areas of the U.S. in household income indicators, including personal income, population living below the poverty line, unemployment line, and unemployment and revolving debt loads. Schools are putting less emphasis on important life skills as they strive to meet state academic expectations. Youth also receive less training in basic home and consumer skills at home since many live in households where both parent/guardians work. According to the 2010 Census, of families in Lincoln County with their own children, 17.8 percent are single-parent families. In 2013, the median household income in Lincoln County was $35,092.14.87% of the county’s population is age 65 and older. It is imperative that we help individuals manage the challenges and discover the positive aspects of life transitions and growing older. It is also imperative that we empower individuals and families to secure and manage their basic human needs of food, clothing, and shelter; and articulate and apply smart financial behaviors related to goal setting, budgeting, analysis of credit and contracts, risk management, saving and investing, and use of financial services.
Families will become more self-sufficient. Youth and adults will utilize various skills to increase self-worth and self-esteem, to manage resources efficiently, and to improve their economic situation. This could include better jobs, better investments and savings, better more independent aging, overall improved economic well-being, and a more secure, stable home environment and quality of live--resulting in stronger families.
Youth, families, and adults will improve communication, financial management, social interaction and decision-making skills in order to become strengthen their family situation. Individuals will adopt short, mid, and long-term financial planning strategies and will practice one or more resource management behaviors resulting in increased savings or investments. Life skills attained will prepare youth, families and adults to meet the challenges of everyday life
Families and individuals will learn life skills that are necessary to maintaining and improving their household situation. They will be capable of locating local resources and how to use them while also improving social interaction skills. Participants will increase financial literacy related to savings and investments. They will show increased knowledge and skills related to managing available financial and non-financial resources. Youth will demonstrate mastery of basic life skills such as food preparation, public speaking, budgeting, resume-building and providing childcare
Initial Outcome: Families and individuals will learn life skills that are necessary to maintaining and improving their household situation, including budgeting, resource management, and healthy independent aging.
Indicator: Youth and adults will show increased knowledge and skills related to managing financial and non-financial resources and healthy independent aging.
Method: Program evaluations
Timeline: Continuous
Intermediate Outcome: Youth, families, and adults will utilize communication, financial management, social interaction and decision-making skills in order to better strengthen their family situation.
Indicator: Number of students and/or adults reporting personal changes as a result of Extension programming
Method: Program evaluations and case histories
Timeline: Spring
Intermediate Outcome: Individuals will adopt short, mid, and long-term financial planning strategies and will practice one or more resource management behaviors resulting in increased savings or investments.
Indicator: 50% of program participants report aspirations to change at least one resource, management, or behavior resulting in increased savings or investments as a result of Extension program(s)
Method: Evaluation
Timeline: End of program evaluation; follow-up with evaluation six months to one year from program end (only used with select programs)
Long-Term Outcome: Youth and adults will utilize various skills to increase self-worth and self-esteem, to manage resources efficiently, and to improve their economic situation.
Indicator: Youth use skills learned in 4-H programs to obtain employment.
Method: Surveys, case histories, evaluations.
Timeline: 3-5 years
Audience: 6th Graders
Activity: 4-H Dollars & Sense
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum and local business and community leaders
Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, volunteer leaders, local schools, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals, Lincoln County Schools.
Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary).
Date: Spring
Audience: 3rd – 12th grade
Activity: 4-H Robotics Program
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum and local business and community leaders
Inputs: Volunteer leaders, local schools, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals, Lincoln County Schools.
Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary).
Date: September – May
Audience: 3rd – 12th grade
Activity: 4-H Drama Program
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum and local business and community leaders
Inputs: Volunteer leaders, local schools, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals, Lincoln County Schools.
Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary).
Date: September – May
Audience: County Youth
Activity: 4-H Camp and Cloverbud Camp
Content or Curriculum: 4-H curriculum
Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, physical therapy offices, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals.
Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local doctors’ offices, local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds.
Date: Summer
Audience: 8th Graders
Activity: 4-H Reality Stores
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum and local business and community leaders
Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, physical therapy offices, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals.
Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local doctors’ offices, local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds.
Date: Spring
Audience: Youth ages 9 and up
Activity: 4-H Communications Events
Content or Curriculum: 4-H curriculum
Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, physical therapy offices, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals.
Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local doctors’ offices, local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds.
Date: all year
Audience: Youth
Activity: 4-H Project Workshops
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum
Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, physical therapy offices, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals.
Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local doctors’ offices, local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds.
Date: all year
Audience: Youth
Activity: 4-H Day Camps
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum
Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, physical therapy offices, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals.
Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local doctors’ offices, local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds.
Date: Summer
Audience: 4-H Teen Club
Activity: 4-H International Program
Content or Curriculum: 4-H'ers and families in other states
Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, physical therapy offices, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals.
Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local doctors’ offices, local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds.
Date: Summer
Audience: Youth
Activity: 4-H Club Meetings, classroom and community clubs
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum
Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, physical therapy offices, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals.
Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local doctors’ offices, local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds.
Date: Continuous throughout year
Audience: General Public
Activity: Newsletters
Content or Curriculum: Current 4-H, FCS & Ag information
Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, physical therapy offices, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals.
Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local doctors’ offices, local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds.
Date: Quarterly
Audience: General Public
Activity: Radio Programs and Social Media Efforts
Content or Curriculum: Current 4-H, FCS & Ag information
Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, physical therapy offices, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals.
Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local doctors’ offices, local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds.
Date: Daily
Audience: General Public
Activity: Quilting Workshops/Retreat/Lock-in
Content: FCS Publications
Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, physical therapy offices, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals.
Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local doctors’ offices, local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds.
Date: All Year
Audience: General Public
Activity: Beginning Quilting Workshop
Content: FCS Publications
Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, physical therapy offices, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals.
Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local doctors’ offices, local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds.
Date: July
Audience: General Public
Activity: Small Steps to Health and Wealth (online challenge)
Content: FCS Curriculum
Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, physical therapy offices, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals.
Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local doctors’ offices, local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds.
Dates: Winter
Audience: Youth
Activity: 4-H Shooting Sports
Content or Curriculum: Certified Leaders and 4-H Curriculum
Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, physical therapy offices, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals.
Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local doctors’ offices, local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds.
Date: Continuous throughout year
Audience: General Public, Extension Homemakers
Activity: Scams Educational Program
Content or Curriculum: Money Habitudes Cards/Curriculum, FCS Publications
Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, Lincoln County Public Library,
livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, physical therapy offices, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals.
Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local doctors’ offices, local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds.
Date: Fall
Audience: General Public, Limited Resource Families
Activity: Stretching Your Holiday Dollar
Content or Curriculum: FCS Curriculum
Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, Lincoln County Public Library,
livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, physical therapy offices, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals.
Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local doctors’ offices, local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds.
Date: Fall
Audience: General Public
Activity: Managing in Tough Times "Bits and Tips" -- Web and SocialMedia Effort
Content or Curriculum: MITT: Moneywise Curriculum
Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, Lincoln County Public Library,
livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, physical therapy offices, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals.
Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local doctors’ offices, local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds.
Date: Throughout the year
Audience: General Public
Activity: Alzheimers Disease or other Dementia Programs
Content or Cirriculum: Uk Publications and other Community Resource Materials
Inputs: Health Dept, Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center in Stanford and Danville, Kentucky Cancer Program, American Cancer Society, local doctors’ offices, Kentucky State University, home health agencies, Lincoln County Senior Citizens Center, Elementary Schools, Lincoln County Public Library, Family and Youth Service Centers, Lincoln County School System, Community Leaders.
Date: All Year as requested
Audience: General Public/Extension Homemakers
Activity: Planning Your Digital Estate
Content or Curriculum: FCS information
Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, physical therapy offices, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals.
Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local doctors’ offices, local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds.
Date: February
Audience: General Public
Activity: Budgeting and Resource Management
Content or Curriculum: FCS Curriculum
Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, physical therapy offices, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals.
Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local doctors’ offices, local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds.
Date: Spring
Author: Courtney Brock
Major Program: 4-H Leadership Core Curriculum
Young people who are involved in extracurricular activities are more likely to become productive members of their community. Over the past year, the 4-H Agent has worked to help foster a productive, independent, and self-governed teen club. The 4-H agent, in cooperation with the Teen Club officer team, planned and implemented various leadership activities as well as opportunities for teens to conduct service-learning projects. The Lincoln County 4-H Teen Club holds monthly meetings and the offic
Author: Courtney Brock
Major Program: 4-H Communications and Expressive Arts Core Curriculum
When the COVID-19 global pandemic forced Kentuckians into quarantine, youth and families began spending more time at home, minimizing opportunities for youth to engage in typical extracurricular activities. Due to this situation the Kentucky 4-H Program began the Kentucky 4-H Virtual Experiences on social media platforms. The goal of the Kentucky 4-H Virtual Experiences was to maintain ways for youth and families to engage with 4-H projects, events and activities while learning new life skills t
Author: Rita Stewart
Major Program: Real Skills for Everyday Life
When we think about estate planning, we most often think of planning for traditional assets like money and property. In today’s digital world, we also need to have a plan for our digital information. This Family and Consumer Sciences Agent taught the Planning Your Digital Estate program in eight counties. Participants increased their understanding of the difference between a traditional estate plan and a digital estate plan, created an inventory of their digital assets, and com