Developing Life SkillsPlan of Work

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Magoffin County CES

Title:
Developing Life Skills
MAP:
Growing Self-Sufficient Families
Agents Involved:
Courtney Jenkins, FCS Agent, Lacy May
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Home & Consumer Horticulture
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Food Preservation
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Local Food Systems
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Family and Consumer Sciences 4-H Core Curriculum
Situation:
Magoffin County consistently records one of the state's highest unemployment rates. In February 2016, Magoffin County ranked the highest at 21.6%, an alarming rate considering the second highest county rated 13.7%, evidencing a considerable deficit (www.kylmi.ky.gov).
Many factors have contributed to the county's high unemployment rate in recent years, namely the decline in the coal industry, resulting in an increasing number of the population seeking assistance in becoming more self-sufficient by developing life skills and honing in on home gardening, food preservation, sewing and financial education as a means of reducing costs and providing for their families.
The County Extension Council and local leaders recognized this and identified a need for general life skills education to reduce the economic burdens placed on families in the community during these tough times.
Long-Term Outcomes:

*Individuals will become competent in home gardening and food preservation, as well as become more financially stable as a result of their acquired skills.

*Individuals will make positive contributions to the community and share their skills with others to sustain better quality of life.

Intermediate Outcomes:
*Participants will become more proficient in utilizing the skills learned to become more self-sufficient.
*More individuals will begin growing and preserving their own food.
*Individuals will share their knowledge with others.
Initial Outcomes:

*Individuals will learn life skills (i.e. home gardening, food preservation, basic sewing, and financial management)  through Extension programs.

*Participants will learn the importance of self-sufficiency and financial education.

Evaluation:
Initial Outcome: Increased knowledge of home gardening, food preservation, sewing and financial education.
Indicator: Number of clients attending and being actively engaged in educational sessions.
Method: Observation and informal surveys
Timeline: Upon completion of the educational sessions.

Intermediate Outcome: Participants will begin utilizing the life skills they have learned.
Indicator: Increased communication on the subject in which clients demonstrate an understanding of the subject matter.
Method: Written surveys
Timeline: Upon completion of an educational series.

Long-term Outcome: Individuals reporting greater financial stability.
Indicator: Dollars saved on food-related purchases and other savings as a result of learned skills.
Method: Written surveys
Timeline: 6-12 months after completion of educational series
Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Adults and Youth

Project or Activity: Gardening Classes

Content or Curriculum: Home Vegetable Gardening & Master Gardener

Inputs: UK CES Agents, CES Publications, Grant Funds

Date: Spring/Summer/Fall


Audience: Adults

Project or Activity: Food Preservation Classes

Content or Curriculum: Food Preservation Publications

Inputs: UK CES Agents, CES Publications, Grant Funds

Date: Summer


Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: Reality Store

Content or Curriculum: "It's Your Reality" & "Dollars and Sense" Curriculums

Inputs: UK CES Agents

Date: Fall/Spring


Audience: Adults and Youth

Project or Activity: Country Ham Project

Content or Curriculum: CES Country Ham Publications

Inputs: UK CES Agents, UK CES Specialists, CES Publications

Date: January-August


Audience: Adults and Youth

Project or Activity: Beginner's Sewing

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Sewing

Inputs: UK CES Agents, Volunteers, CES Publications

Date: January-March

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