Close Resources

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Impacts

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu




Fiscal Year:
Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025


Achieving a Healthy LifestylePlan of Work

Owen County CES

County Emphasis:
Achieving a Healthy Lifestyle
Concentration 1:
Food Safety, Quality, and Access
Concentration 2:
Health and Wellbeing
Concentration 3:
Family and Youth Development
Concentration 4:
Mental Health and Well-Being
Situation:

Concentration 1: Food Safety, Quality, and Access (301)

It is proven that people who have access to and consume their daily dietary requirements of fresh fruits and vegetables are less likely to suffer from chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease and have an increased quality of life. Having the knowledge and skills to prepare or preserve fresh fruits and vegetables presents an additional barrier beyond obtaining fresh food access.

With the goal of increasing the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) aims to increase access to fresh food, as well as increase knowledge and awareness of how to select, store, safely prepare, process, and preserve these foods. CES prioritizes statewide partnership development that helps us meet our goals and objectives. We collaborate with statewide agencies including Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Community Farm Alliance, KY Farm to School Network, Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife and others to help build statewide systems that increase access and usage of fresh fruits and vegetables. These programs benefit Kentuckians because they support food access policy, systems and environmental changes in communities and across the state. They increase knowledge of how to grow, prepare, and preserve fresh fruits and vegetables.

Youth Focus

Kentucky faces significant health and economic challenges, with five of the top ten causes of death being nutrition-related. According to the Obesity Action Coalition the cost of obesity reached $36.31 billion. The rapidly changing social and economic landscape underscores the need for a healthy, productive, and engaged young people to contribute to a prepared workforce and engaged community to tackle these challenges. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension System's 2023 Community Needs Assessment identifies critical priorities, including access to affordable nutritious food, reducing youth obesity through improved nutrition and exercise, and enhancing youth wellbeing through effective coping strategies. Kentucky 4-H plays a crucial role in addressing these needs by equipping young people with essential skills in nutrition, culinary arts, financial education, and entrepreneurship. 69% of youth reported that they learned about healthy food choices in 4-H. 4-H youth report an increase in preparing meals together as a family, increase in meals eaten as a family, and confidence in the kitchen. These programs not only foster healthier, more resilient individuals, but also contribute to the development of engaged citizens prepared to navigate and thrive in a rapidly evolving world.


Concentration 2: Health and Wellbeing

The opportunities and resources available to support the health and well-being of adults and families in Kentucky vary widely. Disparities in health-promoting knowledge, resources, and infrastructure contribute to higher rates of chronic health conditions and lower quality of life. Prevention, early detection, and care are essential to maintain and/or improve quality of life. Yet, this burden is often placed on individuals to navigate the healthcare system and traditional public health entities. 

Additionally, for decades, little attention has been given to the external factors that undoubtedly affect health such as access to care, education, nutritious foods, and safe physical spaces. These same issues and concerns were echoed throughout the 2023 UK Cooperative Extension Community Assessment. Within the top 15 priority issues identified by Kentuckians, “ensuring individuals and families have access to affordable nutritious foods” was #4 and “reducing youth obesity through nutrition education and/or exercise” was #8. Guided by the Cooperative Extension’s National Framework for Health Equity and Well-being, UK Extension aims to become a critical public health partner for addressing disparities in health-promoting knowledge, resources, and infrastructure through comprehensive health, nutrition, and wellness programming that supports adult physical health and well-being.

Youth Focus

Thriving youth are healthy, productive, and engaged (Arnold, 2024). According to Kentucky Kids Count Database (AECF, 2023) 41% of Kentucky teenagers are obese or overweight. Youth are also experiencing alarming levels of negativity about themselves, their confidence in the future, and their ability to find contentment in life (McKinsey & Company, 2022). 30% of youth are chronically absent (United States Department of Education, 2024). The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service Needs Assessment (2024) identified key priority issues related to health and wellbeing as need for improved access to mental health and wellbeing resources, reducing youth obesity through nutrition education and/or exercise, minimizing bullying and/or school violence. To address these issues, Kentucky 4-H creates opportunities for youth in the five domains of physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and intellectual health and well-being.


Concentration 3: Family and Youth Development

Family and Youth Development programming is essential for fostering healthy, supportive environments where both children and adults can thrive. By offering structured activities and educational workshops, UK Extension aims to build strong family bonds equipping young people and older adults with critical life skills. Guided by the Cooperative Extension’s National Framework for Health Equity and Well-being, our programming also addresses social and emotional needs throughout the lifespan, promoting resilience and positive relationships which are two of the key concerns identified in the top 15 needs of Kentucky’s statewide needs assessment. Investing in such programs can prevent future challenges by supporting early intervention and personal growth. Ultimately, these initiatives contribute to the well-being of individuals and the stability of communities, making them a vital component of social development.


Concentration 4: Mental Health and Wellbeing

More than ever before, people are feeling the burden of stress on their wellbeing. More than 1 in 5 adults in the United States lives with a mental illness; in Kentucky, 43% of adults report signs or symptoms of anxiety or depression across their lifespan. At the same time, suicide is a leading cause of preventable death in Kentucky for individuals aged 10-34, and those over the age of 59.

 Concern over the state of mental health and access to care was echoed in the Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment, where respondents listed “improved access to mental health and wellbeing resources” as one of the top 6 priority issues. Kentuckians are aware of their need for knowledge and skills to recognize and respond to a mental health challenge, whether it be their own or to help someone else, and the ability to advocate for more mental health resources in all areas of the state.

 Cooperative Extension is poised with the research and evidence-based resources needed to serve as a beacon of hope in times of distress through our ability to help overcome stigma, connect people to care, and amplify the voices of many to advocate for better quality of life for all.

 Youth Focus

Kentucky’s youth population deserves safe and nurturing environments that foster their growth and wellbeing. Unfortunately, mental health challenges affect a significant portion of our youth, with 17% of those aged 6-17 experiencing mental health disorders, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (2023), and only 50% receiving treatment. The impact is profound, with one person in the U.S. dying by suicide every 11 minutes, and in Kentucky alone, 800 lives were lost to suicide in 2022. Recognizing the urgency, the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service’s 2019 and 2023 statewide programming issue surveys highlighted mental health and wellbeing as priority areas. Nationally, 45% of 4-H participants reported high stress in a 2023 survey by 4-H.org. The University of Kentucky Community Needs Assessment (2023) indicates priorities of improve access to mental

health and wellbeing resources, minimizing bullying and/or school violence, stronger parenting and relationship-building skills, and social, emotional, and/or behavioral education for adults working with youth. 

 To address these concerns, the 4-H Program provides evidence-based educational programs focused on positive mental health and self-care, aiming to empower youth with decision-making and critical thinking skills, fostering resilience and overall wellbeing. By emphasizing mental health and offering targeted educational initiatives, we can create a brighter future for Kentucky’s youth.

County Situation:

Concentration 1: Food Safety, Quality, and Access (301)

In Owen County, access to fresh fruits and vegetables can be inconsistent due to limited grocery options and transportation barriers. Many residents rely on processed foods, contributing to higher rates of chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension (UK CES Needs Assessment, 2023). A lack of food preparation and preservation knowledge adds to these challenges. Extension will partner with local producers, schools, and agencies to improve food access and provide educational programming on selection, storage, and safe preparation of fresh foods. 


Concentration 2: Health and Wellbeing

Owen County ranks below the state average in health outcomes, with limited wellness resources and recreational infrastructure (UK CES Needs Assessment, 2023). Residents face challenges related to nutrition, chronic disease, and preventive care. Extension will offer programs to promote healthy lifestyles, form partnerships with health entities, and educate residents on physical activity, nutrition, and chronic disease prevention.


Concentration 3: Family and Youth Development

Many Owen County families experience barriers to strong intergenerational connections due to economic stress and limited access to family-focused resources (UK CES Needs Assessment, 2023). Extension will provide programming to improve parenting skills, strengthen family bonds, and promote healthy youth development through structured learning and social-emotional skill building.


Concentration 4: Mental Health and Wellbeing

Owen County lacks adequate access to mental health services and experiences strong stigma around seeking support. With 43% of Kentucky adults shows signs of anxiety or depression (NAMI,2023) and suicide being a leading cause of preventable death (CDC, 2022), local families face a growing need for awareness and early intervention. Extension will promote mental health literacy, teach coping skills, and reduce stigma through education and outreach (UK CES Needs Assessment, 2023).

Long-Term Outcomes:

Concentration 1: Food Safety, Quality, and Access (301)

  • Individuals and families of all income levels have access to affordable and nutritious foods
  • Family farms become economically viable.
  • Youth report reduced risk for poor health, developmental delays, obesity, and malnutrition.
  • Youth decrease poor overall health.


Concentration 2: Health and Wellbeing

  • Routinely meeting guidelines and recommendations for health behaviors that promote wellness and quality of life
  • Community environments that equitably support health-promoting behaviors where people live, learn, work, and play
  • Kentucky 4-H members report decreased obesity.
  • Youth will increase contributions to their communities through applying critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication learning in the 4-H Health and Well-Being Core Content Area.


Concentration 3: Family and Youth Development

  • Increased meaningful social connections
  • Increased support network
  • Increased kindergarten readiness rates in the county and state
  • Increased caregiver preparation


Concentration 4: Mental Health and Wellbeing

  • Reduced incidence of mental health crises and suicide
  • Increased access to mental health care and resources for all
  • Kentucky 4-H members report a reduced number of youth that are considering suicide. 
  • Youth will increase contributions to their communities through applying critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication learning in 4-H Health and Well Being
Intermediate Outcomes:

Concentration 1: Food Safety, Quality, and Access (301)

  • Increase and/or strengthen statewide and regional partnership to address community food system issues.
  • Improved dietary habits through consumption of more fruits and vegetables, a variety of proteins and the number of meals prepared at home.
  • Youth will practice making wise nutrition choices.  
  • Youth will practice food safety.  


Concentration 2: Health and Wellbeing

  • Increased health-promoting behaviors that support family, community, and occupational health and safety
  • Increased and/or strengthened partnerships to address community health or safety issues
  • 4-H members will practice general wellness habits.
  • Increased self-reflection and exploration of personal values and beliefs related to health and well-being among 4-Hers.


Concentration 3: Family and Youth Development

  • Increased healthy relationships across generations that support healthy community, nurturing behaviors, and quality time together.
  • Enhanced community partnership that equitably support family health (e.g., FRISC, Health Depart., DAIL, AAA,)


Concentration 4: Mental Health and Wellbeing

  • Increased use of self-care and other coping strategies
  • Increased advocacy for mental health and wellbeing resources
  • 4-H members will practice general wellness habits.
  • Increased self-reflection and exploration of personal values and beliefs related to mental health and wellbeing among 4-Hers.
Initial Outcomes:

Concentration 1: Food Safety, Quality, and Access (301)

  • Increased awareness of Extension resources and programs supporting food access.
  • Improved skills related to safe food preparation and food preservation.
  • Youth will learn how to make wise nutrition choices.
  • Youth will learn the importance of food safety.  

Concentration 2: Health and Wellbeing

  • Increased knowledge about health-promoting behaviors.
  • Increased awareness of community resources to support health-promoting behaviors.
  • Increased knowledge and awareness of healthy habits and practices among 4-Hers.
  • Improved attitudes and beliefs towards healthy habits and practices among 4-Hers.  


Concentration 3: Family and Youth Development

  • Increased knowledge about nurturing parenting and caregiving across the life span.
  • Increased awareness of community resources to support healthy families.
  • Increased confidence making decisions related to parenting and caregiving.
  • Increased confidence and motivation to reduce loneliness and social isolation.


Concentration 4: Mental Health and Wellbeing

  • Increased ability to recognize and respond to a mental health concern
  • Increased knowledge of mental health and well-being resources (interpersonal and community-based)\
  • Increased knowledge of positive mental health practices 
  • Increased knowledge and awareness of healthy habits and practices among 4-Hers.  
Evaluation:

Concentration 1: Food Safety, Quality & Access

Outcome: Improved skills related to safe food preparation and food preservation. (initial)

Indicator

  • Number of individuals who reported increasing their knowledge, skills, or intentions regarding the safe storage, handling, preparation and/or preservation of food through Extension programs and resources.  
  • Number of individuals who reported supplementing their diets with healthy foods that they grew, harvested, or preserved (e.g. community or backyard gardens, fishing, hunting). 

Method: Pre/post participant evaluations from: NEP agent-led curricula, Champion Food Volunteer, Food Preservation;

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration; annual fiscal year (food system impact survey)

 

Outcome: Medium Term  

Indicator

  • Number of youth who reported that they applied skills and/or knowledge to prepare healthy snacks for self or family.  
  • Number of youth who reported that they practiced safe food handling and preparation.  
  • Number of youth who reported that they practiced kitchen safety. 
  • Number of youth who reported that they have used the skills   and/or knowledge gained to complete a Family Consumer Sciences Project. 

Method: Standard Evaluation Tool for Family Consumer Sciences: Survey

Timeline: End of the program year

 

Concentration 2: Health & Wellbeing

Outcome: Increased knowledge about health-promoting behaviors (e.g., how to prepare nutritious foods, benefits of routine vaccinations/screenings) (initial)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported/demonstrates improved knowledge, skills, opinions, or confidence regarding a health-promoting behavior as a result of a participating in a health and well-being program

Method: Observation by Agent or self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration 

 

Outcome: Medium Term

Indicator

  • Number of youth who reported that they have used knowledge and/or skills learned in health and wellbeing programs to complete a project.   
  • Number of youth who reported that they have used nutrition as a way to improve their overall health.  
  • Number of youth who reported that they have taken steps to pursue gaining more knowledge for a job in health and wellbeing based on their interests. 

Method: Standard Evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing: Survey 

Timeline: End of Club/Program Year 

 

Concentration 3: Family and Youth Development

Outcome: Increased knowledge about nurturing parenting and caregiver support across the lifespan (e.g., how often you read to your child, benefits of spending time together, identifying selfcare behaviors, enhance communication) (initial)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported increased knowledge of nurturing parenting and/or caregiver support practices.

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration

Outcome: Increased confidence and motivation to engage in nurturing parenting and caregiver support (e.g., how often you read to your child, benefits of spending time together, identifying selfcare behaviors, enhance communication) (initial)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported they have used nurturing parenting and/or caregiving strategies to improve their skills

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration or follow up evaluation

 

Concentration 4: Mental Health and Wellbeing

Outcome: Increased knowledge of self-care and other coping strategies

Indicator: Number of participants who intend to adopt self-care strategies to improve their own mental health and well-being.

Method: Post-participation survey/evaluation results

Timeline: On-going; Surveys should be administered immediately after a program

 

Outcome: Medium Term 

Indicator

  • Number of youth who adopted self-care strategies to improve their own mental health and wellbeing.
  • Number of youth who adopted strategies to support or promote mental health and wellbeing in their community.
  • Number of youth who reported behavior change as a result of participation in mental health and wellbeing programming.

Method: Survey 

Timeline: 3-6 Months post-program 

Learning Opportunities:

Concentration 1: Food Safety, Quality, and Access

Audience: Individuals & Farmers

Project or Activity: Nutrition Education

Content or Curriculum: Nutrition Education Program, SNAP-Ed toolkit, Publications, Faithful Families, Cook Together Eat Together, Savor the Flavor, Dining with Diabetes, Plate it up! Kentucky Proud, Food as Health Toolkit, Family Mealtime, maternal and child health program materials, www.planeatmove.com, Super Star Chef, Farm to School, Hunger in Kentucky

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, community partners, volunteers, faith-based organizations, health coalitions, healthcare Providers and local clinics, health department, non-profits, schools, company health & wellness, 4-H, Homemakers, farmers’ markets, local farmers/growers/producers, commodity groups, community centers, etc. 

Dates: Ongoing


Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: Nutrition and Food Preparation 

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Cooking: 101, 201, 301, 401 

Inputs

  • 4-H Family and Consumer Sciences programs in which youth experience a sense of belonging, and developmental relationships, explore their spark, and actively engage in meaningful opportunities.  
  • Accredited and certified volunteers in 4-H FCS projects. 
  • Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association  
  • Four residential camping facilities.  
  • Cooperative Extension Educational facilities.  
  • Utilization of approved research-based curriculum. 
  • Outreach of the Cooperative Extension Land-Grant System.  
  • Funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc.  
  • Funding from local, state, and federal sources.  
  • Engagement of youth and volunteers in program delivery. 
  • Engaging communities in identifying and implementing programming based on local needs 

Dates: September 1 – August 30 

 

Concentration 2: Health & Wellbeing

Audience: Families and Individuals

Project or Activity: Family & Community Health

Content or Curriculum: Publications, presentations, trainings, demonstrations, Health Bulletins, Pathways to Wellness, resources for early care and education settings, Health Literacy for the Win, Health Family Guides, Healthy Homemakers, Vaccine and on-site clinic opportunities, chronic disease prevention programs and materials, health fairs, hygiene education

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, health coalitions, healthcare providers, health departments, non-profits, faith-based organizations, schools, company health & wellness, community centers, etc. 

Date: Ongoing

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: Nutrition and Food Preparation 

Content or Curriculum: Jump Into Food and Fitness 

Inputs

  • 4-H Family and Consumer Sciences programs in which youth experience a sense of belonging, and developmental relationships, explore their spark, and actively engage in meaningful opportunities.  
  • Accredited and certified volunteers in 4-H FCS projects. 
  • Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association  
  • Four residential camping facilities.  
  • Cooperative Extension Educational facilities.  
  • Utilization of approved research-based curriculum. 
  • Outreach of the Cooperative Extension Land-Grant System.  
  • Funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc.  
  • Funding from local, state, and federal sources.  
  • Engagement of youth and volunteers in program delivery. 
  • Engaging communities in identifying and implementing programming based on local needs 

Date: September 1 – August 30 

 

Concentration 3: Family & Youth Development

Audience: Families and Individuals

Project or Activity: Parenting Education

Content or Curriculum: Active Parenting 4th ed., Parenting A Second Time Around, Parent Express Newsletter, Laughter in Marriage is a Must, Information releases and Publications, Am I Lying to My Child When I Say the Tooth Fairy is Real?; Navigating Trauma After a Natural Disaster; Understanding Suricide; Living with Loss: Self-Care and Managing Grief; Entertaining Little Ones; Pathways to Wellness: Navigating the people, places, and spaces that influence health; Inspiring Grandchildren to become Grand Cooks; Emergency Health Information Cards; Time Well Spent: Organizing Tips for Increased Productivity; In the Face of Natural Disaster Toolkit; Athletic Performance (Nutrition); Cook Together, Eat Together; Eating for Health; Faithful Families; Food Safety; Family Mealtime; Increasing Powerhouse Vegetables; Making Health Lifestyle Choices; Making the Most of Meals while Traveling; Maternal and Child Health; Vegetables for Wellness; Home is Where the Health Is; Piecing it Together: Essential Skills for Single Parent Families; How to Help Military Families; Feed Hungry Young Minds through Storybook Adventures; Life Story/Memory Banking; Understanding Risky Adolescent Behavior and Health Brain Development; Building Your Preschooler’s Financial Capacity; Traveling Light; Grandparent and Grandchildren Together; Parent Express; Keys to Great Parenting 

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, Family Resource Youth Support Coordinators; Department of Community Based Services, health departments, non-profits, faith-based organizations, schools, company health & wellness, community centers, etc. 

Date: Ongoing

 

Audience: Families and Individuals

Project or Activity: Kindergarten Readiness

Content or Curriculum: Laugh and Learn Playdates, Understanding Disability, Information Releases, and Publications

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, community partners, volunteers, faith-based organizations, HeadStart/daycare organizations, healthcare providers and local clinics, health department, non-profits, schools, Homemakers, community centers, etc.

Date: Ongoing

 

Concentration 4: Mental Health & Wellbeing

Audience: Families and Individuals

Project or Activity: Mental Health Education Programming

Content or Curriculum: Adult Mental Health First Aid, QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer), CODE RED, ACT (Awareness, Communication, and Triage and Treat) for Farm Families, Understanding and Coping with Trauma after Natural Disasters, After the Storm, Blue to You  

Inputs: Programmatic materials, state specialist support, staff training, facilities, community partners (health coalitions, schools, local non-profits, etc.) UK Healthcare mental health resources, 988 community resources.

Date: Ongoing; 2025-2029

 

Audience: 4-Hers, Extension Professionals, Clientele 

Project or Activity: Community, Access & Engagement Programs

Content or Curriculum: 4-H LIFE utilizes the curriculum Essential Elements which is sourced from Shop 4-H. Additional curriculum and content is sourced from Shop 4-H and other Land Grant Systems. Content for Adelante 4-H has been developed by the Land Grant System and sourced from other Land Grant systems. Content for Jr. MANRRS is sourced from the MANRRS society. All curriculum and content focuses on building community, as well as increasing access and engagement of youth. 

Inputs: These programs are supported by the research base of the Cooperative Extension Land Grant System, funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc., local, state, and federal sources, grants and the engagement of volunteers, youth, communities, and external stakeholders such as civic groups. 

Date: Program Year

Evaluation:

Concentration 1: Food Safety, Quality & Access

Outcome: Improved skills related to safe food preparation and food preservation. (initial)

Indicator

  • Number of individuals who reported increasing their knowledge, skills, or intentions regarding the safe storage, handling, preparation and/or preservation of food through Extension programs and resources.  
  • Number of individuals who reported supplementing their diets with healthy foods that they grew, harvested, or preserved (e.g. community or backyard gardens, fishing, hunting). 

Method: Pre/post participant evaluations from: NEP agent-led curricula, Champion Food Volunteer, Food Preservation;

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration; annual fiscal year (food system impact survey)

 

Outcome: Medium Term  

Indicator

  • Number of youth who reported that they applied skills and/or knowledge to prepare healthy snacks for self or family.  
  • Number of youth who reported that they practiced safe food handling and preparation.  
  • Number of youth who reported that they practiced kitchen safety. 
  • Number of youth who reported that they have used the skills   and/or knowledge gained to complete a Family Consumer Sciences Project. 

Method: Standard Evaluation Tool for Family Consumer Sciences: Survey

Timeline: End of the program year

 

Concentration 2: Health & Wellbeing

Outcome: Increased knowledge about health-promoting behaviors (e.g., how to prepare nutritious foods, benefits of routine vaccinations/screenings) (initial)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported/demonstrates improved knowledge, skills, opinions, or confidence regarding a health-promoting behavior as a result of a participating in a health and well-being program

Method: Observation by Agent or self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration 

 

Outcome: Medium Term

Indicator

  • Number of youth who reported that they have used knowledge and/or skills learned in health and wellbeing programs to complete a project.   
  • Number of youth who reported that they have used nutrition as a way to improve their overall health.  
  • Number of youth who reported that they have taken steps to pursue gaining more knowledge for a job in health and wellbeing based on their interests. 

Method: Standard Evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing: Survey 

Timeline: End of Club/Program Year 

 

Concentration 3: Family and Youth Development

Outcome: Increased knowledge about nurturing parenting and caregiver support across the lifespan (e.g., how often you read to your child, benefits of spending time together, identifying selfcare behaviors, enhance communication) (initial)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported increased knowledge of nurturing parenting and/or caregiver support practices.

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration

Outcome: Increased confidence and motivation to engage in nurturing parenting and caregiver support (e.g., how often you read to your child, benefits of spending time together, identifying selfcare behaviors, enhance communication) (initial)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported they have used nurturing parenting and/or caregiving strategies to improve their skills

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration or follow up evaluation

 

Concentration 4: Mental Health and Wellbeing

Outcome: Increased knowledge of self-care and other coping strategies

Indicator: Number of participants who intend to adopt self-care strategies to improve their own mental health and well-being.

Method: Post-participation survey/evaluation results

Timeline: On-going; Surveys should be administered immediately after a program

 

Outcome: Medium Term 

Indicator

  • Number of youth who adopted self-care strategies to improve their own mental health and wellbeing.
  • Number of youth who adopted strategies to support or promote mental health and wellbeing in their community.
  • Number of youth who reported behavior change as a result of participation in mental health and wellbeing programming.

Method: Survey 

Timeline: 3-6 Months post-program