Livingston County CES

County Emphasis:

Building financial literacy and/or resource management skills

Concentration 1:

Small Farm Development

Concentration 2:

Family and Youth Development

Concentration 3:

Financial Security and Economic Well-Being

Concentration 4:

Work and Life Skill Development

Situation:

1. Kentucky Cooperative Extension will continue to aid small farm owners by providing educational opportunities and increasing awareness of resources offered through various programs and online platforms. This includes developing new and improved practices to reduce production costs, protect and improve soil and water resources, and offer options for specialty crop production. Extension personnel will also promote whole farm plans, estate planning, farm transitions, risk management, and market opportunities. The development of small farms is imperative for the health of Kentucky’s agricultural sector, rural communities and emerge urban agriculture.

2. 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.

3. A disproportionate number of Kentuckians live in economically distressed communities (39% of Kentuckians, compared to 15% nationally). Further, most Kentucky households are concerned with financially sustaining a quality of life that allows them to survive and thrive in an economically challenged society. From housing to grocery expenses, the cost of living continues to rise, and households are ill-equipped to adjust. Securing financial stability is vital for the well-being of state constituents. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) is committed to improving the financial security and economic well-being of families across the Commonwealth. Related CES programming is designed to help Kentuckians become more economically resilient by promoting financial literacy education, comprehensive family resource management skills, and small business engagement and support. In a 2023 University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment, with nearly 28,000 responses from across the state, Building Financial Literacy and/or Resource Management Skills was among the top 10 state-identified priority issues reported by Kentuckians, and Efforts that Support Local & Small businesses was among the top 10 Community & Economic Development needs in the state.

4. Kentucky household income statistics are concerning, with the median household income in Kentucky on a downward trend (i.e., approximately $55,100, which is 74% of the U.S. median income). Most alarming, it is estimated that nearly 62% of Kentucky households do not generate sufficient income to meet living wage standards given the state’s average cost of living. The Kentucky Center for Business and Economic Research (2024) projects that, “a key for Kentucky’s future economic growth is to identify and successfully implement programs that increase the employment-population ratio, particularly for working-age adults.” The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) is committed to improving the work and life skill development of adults across the Commonwealth by offering programming designed to increase the human capital of constituents. This includes providing education and training on topics such as workforce preparation, job readiness, financial literacy, soft skills, and professionalism, among others.

County Situation:

In our county, many families and individuals are working hard to build financial stability despite the challenges of rising living costs and limited income growth. While nearly 62% of Kentucky households earn below the living wage, our community has shown strong interest in gaining the knowledge and tools needed to improve their financial well-being. By expanding access to financial education and resource management support, we can empower residents to make informed decisions, strengthen family finances, and contribute to the overall vitality of our rural communities. 

In response to these issues, our county Cooperative Extension program prioritized Building Financial Literacy and Resource Management Skills as a central focus. This decision was strongly influenced by the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment, which identified financial literacy and support for local and small businesses among the top concerns of Kentuckians. Additionally, local data showed that many residents were unprepared to adapt to increasing financial pressures, underlining the need for workforce readiness, budgeting education, and small business support.

Our County Extension Council and program-specific advisory groups played a crucial role in shaping this program’s development. Through regular meetings and feedback sessions, advisory members—consisting of educators, small business owners, farm families, youth leaders, and local government representatives—helped identify specific financial literacy gaps in the community. Their input guided the selection of program topics, such as estate planning for small farm owners, youth money management, and workforce readiness workshops for adults. Advisory councils also helped form partnerships with local agencies and schools to increase program reach and relevance, ensuring that the programming reflects the real needs and lived experiences of our residents.

As a result, our county Extension program is delivering targeted, practical education to increase financial resilience, support small businesses, and build a stronger local economy.

Long-Term Outcomes:

• Achieve a stable economic environment where small farms are consistently profitable and competitive within both local and broader markets. 
• Establish networks of urban farms that are integral to their local food systems, providing fresh produce and fostering urban-rural agricultural links.
• Strive to have all participating small farms fully implement sustainable practices that protect and enhance natural resources. 
• Equip small farms to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of changing climate patterns, ensuring their sustainability and resilience. 
• Enhance the role of small farms in maintaining rural populations and contributing to cultural heritage, ensuring that these communities remain vibrant and connected. 
• Increased meaningful social connections
• Increased support network
• Increased kindergarten readiness rates in the county and state
• Increased caregiver preparation
• Improved quality of family life

  Adult

  • Increased financial literacy skills
  • Improved financial security and stability
  • Improved financial and economic well-being
  
  

  Youth

  • Youth will have increased economic security.  
  • Youth will make sound financial decisions. 
  • Youth will have an increased rate of savings. 

  Adult

  • Increased human capital among Kentuckians
  • Decrease in state unemployment rates
  • Improved quality of workforce

  Youth

  • Youth will demonstrate necessary leadership, teamwork, and communication skills needed to be successful in the workplace. 
  • Youth participation in community involvement increases.
  • Youth will serve in leadership roles in their community.
  • Youth will more effectively communicate, work with others, and contribute to driving change and shaping the future. 
  • Youth will become engaged, healthy, and productive members of their communities.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Assist small farm owners in developing and implementing comprehensive whole farm plans that address financial, production, and environmental aspects. 

Support the establishment of new farm enterprises that can offer innovative products and practices, enhancing the economic resilience of the small farm sector. 

Provide robust support for estate planning and farm transitions to ensure the longevity of small farms across generations. 

Develop and disseminate advanced risk management tools and insurance products tailored for the unique needs of small farms. 

Increase the accessibility of modern agricultural technologies to small farms, coupled with training programs that enable owners to effectively use these technologies. 

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,)

Adult

Increased sound financial decision making

Implementation of financial literacy and resource management strategies/skills

Increased savings (e.g., as a result of budgeting, saving, reducing debt, spending wisely, stretching resources)

Increased access to community financial resources

Youth

Youth will practice responsible consumer and financial management decision-making such as budgeting, actions on needs verses wants.   

Youth will practice habits and skills that contribute toward sound economic and financial well-being.

Adult

Increased implementation of employability strategies/skills

Increased salary/income

Increased employment

Youth

Youth will practice teamwork, responsibility, communication, conflict resolution techniques, and problem-solving skills.

Youth will plan and implement a service project.

Youth will choose to take on leadership roles in their community.

Initial Outcomes:

• Develop and launch targeted educational programs that focus on sustainable practices, risk management, and cost reduction specifically tailored for small farm owners. 
• Increase access to existing resources and tools including online platforms to increase awareness and usability for small farm owners. 
• Facilitate connections between small farm owners and local markets, including urban markets, to help diversify sales channels and improve income stability. 
• Implement trial programs for specialty crops that could be suitable for small farms, providing a new avenue for diversification and innovation in crop production. 
• Organize community events and workshops that foster networking among small farm owners and promote the sharing of best practices and innovations. 
• Strengthening family behaviors include, but are not limited to, spending time together, creating safe environments, engaging in positive communication, building supportive networks, showing appreciation, healthy stress management, engaging in regular selfcare, and adopting a positive outlook.
  • 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.
  • Improved skills related to nurturing parenting and caregiver support
  • Increased intentions to employ health-promoting behaviors (e.g., reading to your child, spending time together, self-care, caregiver preparation, active living).

  • Adult

    Strengthening financial literacy and well-being, including but not limited to, budgeting, spending wisely, saving, using credit responsibly, reducing debt, estate planning, fraud reduction, etc.

    • Improved financial literacy knowledge
    • Improved employability and interpersonal skills
    • Increased confidence to implement employability strategies
    • Developed strategies for maintaining a health work-life balance

    Youth

    • Youth will increase knowledge in understanding personal financial management. 
    • Youth will aspire to make SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound) economic and financial well-being decisions. 

    Adult

    Strengthening work and life skills, including but not limited to, developing workforce development skills, employability and interpersonal skills, and work-life management strategies. 

    • Developed skills related to workforce development
    • Improved employability and interpersonal skills
    • Increased confidence to implement employability strategies
    • Developed strategies for maintaining a health work-life balance

    Youth

    • Youth identify personal strengths that contribute to life and work skill development.
    • Increased knowledge of career pathways.
    • Increased knowledge of educational, training, and certification opportunities.
    • Youth will practice civic engagement, leadership and communication skills.

Evaluation:

Outcome: Increased application of recommended horticultural practices for non-commercial production 

Indicators: 

Number of people that implemented environmental stewardship. 

Number of people that reduced pesticide applications. 

Number of community members utilizing the sites and/or amount of produce donated from sites. 

Number of trained volunteers. 

Number of self-reported volunteer hours at community sites. 

Number of producers who reported reduced production inputs/costs. 

Method: Interactions with clients, attendance at Extension educational events, direct observation and feedback 

Timeline: ongoing 

Outcome: Enhanced community partnerships that equitably support family health (e.g., FRISC, Health Depart., DAIL, AAA,)(intermediate)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported seeking support from local community organizations and/or its individual member.

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Repeated self-reported surveys and/or follow-up evaluations to capture behavior change over time

Outcome: Implementation of financial literacy and resource management strategies/skills (intermediate)

Indicator: Number of individuals who implemented at least one strategy to better manage their family finances and resources (e.g., considered wants/needs, avoided bank fees, reviewed tax forms, set savings goals, started estate plan, developed budget, increased fraud protection, etc.).

Method: Self-reported surveys, documentation, or interviews

Timeline: Follow-up evaluations to capture action/behavior change over time.

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Non-commercial urban and community gardeners 

Project or Activity: Programming for specialty crop production and management that is non-commercial 

Content or Curriculum: Publications, Fact Sheets, Workshops, Field Days, County Meetings, Regional Meetings, Field Visits, emails and phone calls 

Inputs: Extension Specialists, Kentucky Horticulture Council, USDA funding, Dept of Labor funding, county agents, KDA, professional member organizations, community advocacy and faith-based groups, schools 

Date: Ongoing/seasonal

Audience: Families and Individuals

Project or Activity: Communication/Relationships Across the Lifespan

Content or Curriculum: Pathways to Wellness, Faithful Families, Story Walks, Shared Space Agreements, Trail development, Active Community Toolkit, Be More Guide, resources for early care and education settings, food system work (e.g., farmers’ markets, backpack programs, community gardens), SNAP-Ed toolkit; Memory Banking/Life Story; Keys to Embracing Aging; AARP Prepare to Care; Kick Kentucky Cancer; Living with Loss; Mental Health Matters; In the Face of Disaster Toolkit; How to Help Military Families; Understanding Risky Adolescent Behavior and Healthy Brain Development; WITS Workout; Grandparents and Grandchildren Together.

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, community partners, volunteers, grant funds, local organizations and community partners, health coalitions, Nutrition Education Program, local farms/growers/producers, key stakeholders, elected officials, Department of Transportation, employee health and wellness, schools, etc.

Date: Ongoing

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: Reality Store

Content or Curriculum: It’s Your Reality 

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 

Clothing Volunteers 

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: April Annually

Audience: 4-Hers, Extension Professionals, Clientele 

Project or Activity: 4-H Core Program Areas (Leadership, Agriculture, Natural Resources, Communcation and Expressive Arts, Science, Engineering and Technology, Health and Wellbeing, and Family Consumer Sciences), 4-H Camp, Cloverbud, Volunteerism

Content or Curriculum: Approved Kentucky 4-H Curriculum by Core Program Area or Area of Interest

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.

Dates: Program Year 

Evaluation:

Outcome: Increased application of recommended horticultural practices for non-commercial production 

Indicators: 

Number of people that implemented environmental stewardship. 

Number of people that reduced pesticide applications. 

Number of community members utilizing the sites and/or amount of produce donated from sites. 

Number of trained volunteers. 

Number of self-reported volunteer hours at community sites. 

Number of producers who reported reduced production inputs/costs. 

Method: Interactions with clients, attendance at Extension educational events, direct observation and feedback 

Timeline: ongoing 

Outcome: Enhanced community partnerships that equitably support family health (e.g., FRISC, Health Depart., DAIL, AAA,)(intermediate)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported seeking support from local community organizations and/or its individual member.

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Repeated self-reported surveys and/or follow-up evaluations to capture behavior change over time

Outcome: Implementation of financial literacy and resource management strategies/skills (intermediate)

Indicator: Number of individuals who implemented at least one strategy to better manage their family finances and resources (e.g., considered wants/needs, avoided bank fees, reviewed tax forms, set savings goals, started estate plan, developed budget, increased fraud protection, etc.).

Method: Self-reported surveys, documentation, or interviews

Timeline: Follow-up evaluations to capture action/behavior change over time.