Engaged and Empowered CommunitiesPlan of Work

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Cumberland County CES

Title:
Engaged and Empowered Communities
MAP:
Leadership Development
Agents Involved:
Messenger
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Positive Employability
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Situation:

In 2016, Cumberland County’s official poverty rate was 25.3% (20.1% - 30.5%), compared to 18.2% (17.9% - 18.6%) for the state as a whole according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The Kentucky Extension Community Assessment Statewide Report 2019 indicates that money management for families and youth and employee “soft/essential skills” training continue to be important issues for securing financial stability statewide. Research conducted by Harvard University, the Carnegie Foundation, and Stanford Research Center indicates 85% of job success comes from having well developed soft and people skills, and only 15% of job success comes from technical skills and knowledge (hard skills).  Employers are often prepared to teach technical job skills; however, the intangible skills of being a team player, time management, and positive attitude are difficult to teach on-sight but critical to success.  Financial stability is achieved when families are able to secure and manage resources needed to supply food, clothing, and shelter. Through increased financial knowledge, families may be able to make wise financial decisions, increase buying power, avoid overextended credit, develop savings habits, and manage risks. Volunteers are invaluable in building engaged and empowered communities. KEHA - The Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association mission is to improve the quality of life for families and communities through education, leadership development and volunteer service. With membership totaling more than 13,000 statewide, KEHA members are engaged leaders and active volunteers.

Long-Term Outcomes:

More effective employees and community leaders.

Improved financial capability results in better quality of life and stronger families.

Better family money management skills, such as reducing debt, increasing savings, and financial programs.

Active and engaged volunteers address community needs.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Improve employability through practical living skills and continued education practices. 

Practice better employee “soft/essential skills” such as communication, networking, teamwork, time management, problem-solving, etc.

Adopt financial planning strategies for short-, mid-, and long-term goals.

Practice one or more resource management behaviors resulting in increased savings or investments

KEHA leaders will practice personal leadership skills through leadership roles at the club, county area and/or state level.

The number of KEHA volunteer service hours reported annually for KEHA, Extension and Community activities will increase.

Initial Outcomes:

Change in knowledge, opinions, skills, and aspirations to improve employability through work and practical living skills and continuing education practices.

Increased knowledge and skills related to managing financial resources, including savings, credit, and financial planning.

KEHA members will gain organizational knowledge through annual officer and chairman training.

KEHA members will increase knowledge and skills in personal leadership through club lessons, Extension programs and special interest workshops.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Improved workforce communication and listening skills.

Indicator: Number of individuals reporting increased levels of understanding in verbal and nonverbal communications, utilizing listening skills and professional networking.

Method: Pre and Post evaluations and follow-up evaluations

Timeline: Spring 2021

Intermediate Outcome: Increased knowledge and skills related to managing financials resources.

Indicator: Number of individuals reporting increased level of understanding in handling money issues or specific financial matters.

Method: Pre and Post evaluations and follow-up evaluations

Timeline: Ongoing


Long-term Outcome: KEHA leaders will practice personal leadership skills through leadership roles at the club, county, area and/or state level and officer and chairman trainings. Community members will increase leadership skills learned and will seek and implement ways to use leadership skills in the community.

Indicator: Number of KEHA members who held leadership roles at the club, county, area and/or state level. Pre and post-evaluations of trainings.

Method: VSU hours; Number of participants in leadership positions

Timeline: Ongoing

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Working-age adults and young adults preparing for the workforce

Project or Activity: 10 Soft Skills for Success

Content or Curriculum: Positive Employability

Inputs: Cumberland County High School; Drug Court,; FRYSC; local employers

Date: Spring 2021


Audience: Cumberland County Extension Homemakers

Project or Activity: KEHA Officer and Chairman training and Club Leader Lessons

Content or Curriculum: KEHA Training Toolkit, KEHA Manual, KEHA Leader Lesson Materials, Leading Healthy Community Connections

Inputs: FCS Agents and State Advisors, KEHA Lesson Resources and CED

Date: September-June annually


Audience:

Project or Activity:

Content or Curriculum:

Inputs:

Date:

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