Extension
It Starts With Us
Thriving Individuals, Strong Families
Nurturing Families
Messenger
Substance Use Prevention and Recovery General
Family Development General
People are living longer. Kentucky’s current population of seniors (65+) is 16.4% (2019 Census Data). By 2040 it is projected that every district will see an increase in the percent of the population that is age 65 and older (Zimmerman/KY by the Numbers). As baby boomers are entering retirement, between 2010 and 2025 the population ages 65 and over in Cumberland County are projected to increase by 20.5%. While we may be adding years to life, there is concern about life quality. Kentucky FCS can help individuals and families establish healthy lifestyle behaviors and relationships throughout the lifespan as way to positively influence optimal aging and help reduce issues such as chronic disease, obesity, opioid and alcohol abuse, and mental illness. On the other end of the spectrum, “school-readiness” is a broad term that refers to multiple precursor cognitive, physical, and social-emotional skills that indicate young children are prepared to learn and thrive in the school environment. A wide body of research shows a strong foundation in school readiness is indicative of school success. However, in the state of Kentucky only 50% of children are deemed “school-ready” when they enter Kindergarten. These numbers indicate a need for more activities that support school-readiness by building multiple skill sets simultaneously. Finally, the recent statewide needs assessment identified substance use prevention and recovery as the most urgent priority for Cooperative Extension. Moreover, substance use was the focal point of the CES Advisory Council Meeting in early 2019. Taken together, youth KIP survey data and data from the CES needs assessment demonstrate the need to address substance use prevention, recovery, stigma, and impact on families and communities.
Kentuckians improve health span through lifestyle choices and behaviors related to overall health and well-being.
Increase the number of children who are “kindergarten ready” in the state of Kentucky.
The prevention/reduction of substance use and its related consequences.
Kentuckians of all ages adopt healthy lifestyle choices, including diet and physical activity.
Increase the number of children who are “kindergarten ready” in Cumberland County.
Decrease in the number of individuals cited for alcohol and substance abuse.
Individuals learn how to make healthy lifestyle choices.
Individuals learn about resources to enhance life quality, safety and to support aging families.
Improve child’s early literacy skills including phonological awareness, print awareness, and vocabulary.
Increase knowledge of substance abuse prevention, addiction and recovery.
Initial Outcome: Learn about prevention and how to adopt healthy lifestyles.
Indicator: Total number of individuals and families reached with information to improve healthy lifestyle choices specifically related to aging/longevity.
Method: Lesson evaluations and 3-6 month post evaluations
Timeline: Ongoing
Intermediate Outcome: Increased knowledge of substance use and improved social skills in KY youth
Indicator: Number attending substance use related programs and number of students undergoing Botvin
Method: Pre and post evaluations
Timeline: Ongoing
Long-term Outcome: Parents/Guardians/Caregivers learn fun, age appropriate activities to aid in their child's healthy development.
Indicator: Increase in the number of Cumberland County children that are "kindergarten ready"
Method: Pre and post evaluations
Timeline: Ongoing
Audience: General Public; Extension Homemakers
Project or Activity: Adopting Healthy Lifestyles
Content or Curriculum: Keys to Embracing Aging; AARP Prepare to Care; Alzheimer's Association-10 Warning Signs
Inputs: Lake Cumberland Community Action, Center on Aging, Caregiver Support Group
Date: Ongoing
Audience: Preschool aged children and parents/caregivers
Project or Activity: Early Learning Bags; Caregiver Programs; Headstart and Summer Smart Start Academy
Content or Curriculum: LEAP; Parenting a Second Time Around; Laugh and Learn
Inputs: Local Daycares; Headstart, Caregiver Support Group, GRANDS Support Group
Date: Summer and Fall 2022
Audience: Cumberland County Youth and Adults
Project or Activity: Botvin LifeSkills Curriculum, Truth and Consequences; Recovering Your Finances/Drug Court
Content or Curriculum: Botvin LifeSkills Curriculum, Truth and Consequences; Recovering Your Finances
Inputs: KY-ASAP, Drug Court, Cumberland County High School
Date: Fall 2022 and Spring 2023
Audience: Farm Families
Project or Activity: Farmer's Dinner Theatre, QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer)
Content or Curriculum: Farmer's Dinner Theatre Curriculum, QPR Curriculum
Inputs: UK Specialists
Date: Fall 2023
Author: Deborah Messenger
Major Program: Recovering Your Finances
Financial stress can put individuals in recovery from substance use disorder at risk for relapse, particularly during early stages of recovery. This increased risk is due, in part, to financial stress that people in recovery from substance use disorder often encounter. Through comprehensive financial education training we can expand the capacity of recovery centers and other partners in the community that work with individuals in recovery thereby reducing the likelihood of relapse. To addre
