Extension
It Starts With Us
Developing Responsible Youth and Families--2020
Youth & Families
Nanette Banks, Crystal Smith, Shad Baker
Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Financial Education - General
Community Engagement
Communications and Expressive Arts
According to the 2019 Census, Letcher County's population was 21,553 with the median household income of $29,886 (with Kentucky at $50,589). In 2019 unemployment in Letcher County was 7.8% (with Kentucky at 5.2%). As many families in Letcher County live within broken homes, with 236 of every 1000 juveniles incarcerated, 236 of every 1000 youth in foster care, and 31% of Letcher County living at or below the poverty level (36% of youth live at or below the poverty level in Letcher County), the need for both youth and families to gain valuable life skills has never been greater. How we live is ever-changing but learning basic life skills is still as important as ever. Learning to create and live within a budget is basic to everyday life. Reality is that today's youth and adults are busier than ever. These basic life skills are not consistently taught to youth at home or at school. 4-H is able to utilize in-school/after-school clubs and camp settings to engage and educate youth in these areas. Additionally, the Family and Consumer Sciences program provides parents, guardians, caregivers, and young adults with parenting skills, life skills, financial education, and estate planning. The Agriculture & Natural Resources program provides parents and youth with life skills training in farming-related enterprises and marketing opportunities through Farmers Market programs.
Be responsible and contributing individuals and family members
Gain and maintain employment through life skill development
Contribute to a safe pleasant and productive home and family
Utilize and practice life skills in projects and life situations
Project a positive image and self-confidence
Practice responsible consumer and financial decision-making
Practice healthy eating choices
Make choices that lead to responsible and beneficial results
Adopt habits and skills that contribute toward employability in the future
Gain knowledge and develop skills in Family & Consumer Sciences projects and programs
Understand the decision-making process
Gain skills in setting a goal and developing a plan of action
Learn to read and follow instructions
Outcome: Participants will become more responsible through adult-youth mentorship
Indicator: Lifestyle Changes and Decision Making
Method: Observation
Timeline: 2022-2024
Outcome: Participants demonstrate a desire to advance their living situations and future goals
Indicator: More Positive Self-Esteem
Method: Surveys and Observation
Timeline: 2022-2024
Audience: Youth & Families
Project or Activity: STEM
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum
Inputs: 4-H Agent and Assistant, ANR Agent
Date: Monthly
Project or Activity: Girls Positive Self-Esteem
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum
Inputs: 4-H Agent and Assistant
Date: Fall 2022
Project or Activity: Saving Savvy with grocery lists and coupon application
Content or Curriculum: KEHA Lessons
Inputs: Quicksand Area FCS Agents
Date: January 2023
Project or Activity: Adult Wellness Program (KRCC Wellness, KRCC Solutions, East Kentucky Support Services, Letcher County Senior Citizens Center, ARC)
Content or Curriculum: FCS Curriculum, ANR Materials
Inputs: Extension Agents, KRCC Wellness, KRCC Solutions, East Kentucky Support Services, Addiction Recovery Center, Letcher Co. Senior Citizens
Date: Monthly
Author: Crystal Smith
Major Program: Flood Relief & Recovery
July 28, 2022 was a day that changed lives for ever in Letcher County and mush of Eastern Kentucky. The night turned to a devastating day break as many of us woke to complete and utter devastation. I was awakened to the sound of heavy rain and lightning at 2:30 A.M. the electricity had gone off at 12:00 A.M. but I didn't pay much attention as we lost power a lot during heavy storms. I looked out the window to see the water had come up some but not an alarming amount at that time so I went ba
Author: Crystal Smith
Major Program: Leadership
In 2022 after the devastating flood, I wanted to do something to help the younger youth in my county to have something special to look forward to too. So, I had the opportunity to start a Cloverbud Club in Letcher County. I started with 4-year-old and up to 8-year-old children that had an interest in 4-H. Many of the youth would come to drop off older siblings to club meetings and want to stay to see what 4-H had to offer. The first club meeting happens to fall on election day which was great fo
Author: Crystal Smith
Major Program: Agriculture
Summer Camp began at The Stables at Creekside Glen and local Letcher and Harlan County youth attended. This was a multicounty program with youth aged 12 and under. Teen’s age 13 to 19. There is such an “active” variety on the agenda for the days. Of course, there are camp songs, crafts, singing, playing games, and the best part is being introduced to horses. The kids are being introduced to the world of horse and each child enjoys some up close and personal time with the horses
Author: Crystal Smith
Major Program: Economic Development and Workforce Preparation – 4-H Youth Development
Making a difference in our people.People ask me why I want to be a 4-H agent? What makes it the best job in the world? This right here is why! When this child came to 4-H for the very first time outside of school it was for 4-H Camp. She was a shy timid child clinging to her mom’s shirt. She took my hand and walked over to her seat and waited for the other kids to gather in for the adventure to 4-H camp to start. Now she has volunteered as a just graduated senior from high school. She serv
