Extension
It Starts With Us
Developing Responsible Youth and Families
Youth & Families
Nanette Banks, Crystal Smith, Shad Baker
Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Financial Education - General
Community Engagement
Communications & 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: Girls Positive Self-Esteem
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum
Inputs: 4-H Agent and Assistant
Date: Fall 2024
Project or Activity: Adult Wellness Program (KRCC Wellness, KRCC Solutions, East Kentucky Support Services, Letcher County Senior Citizens Center, ARC), MCCC
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: Family and Consumer Science
Whitesburg- Letcher County is very rural and in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains many of the youth have no clue how much work it takes to produce food or where food comes from. The partnership with both school systems, Gear-up, promise zone, and the FRYSC at each of the schools Appalachian Heritage Days is being revamped in Letcher County. Wood crafters, coal miners, farmer's, local artist, beekeeping, foresters, quilters, and firefighters. Each youth was able to sample fresh mad
