Extension
It Starts With Us
Promoting personal development of the adult and child
Enchancing the Development of Youth and Adults
Renata Farmer, FCS
Aging-General
Family Development General
Communications and Expressive Arts
Family and Consumer Science
Healthy adult and children relationships leads to family stability which benefits the well being of both adults and children. Today's family structure is more complex than ever before and face many challenges. 35% of individuals in Knox County live in poverty, near 20% of the population is 65 and older, and more children are being cared for by grandparents than ever before. In the 2019 Community Assessment, Knox County individuals emphasized the importance of strengthening the home and family. By providing research-based information and resources for grandparents or relatives raising children, providing positive youth development programs that promote the growth of the child, and sharing knowledge to our community across all ages and family demographics, we can encourage the growth of family and interpersonal relationships within our community.
Knox County youth and adults are able to:
- care for the physical and mental health and well-being of each individual over the long term.
- build personal strengths and self control, interpersonal communication, life skills including wise decision-making.
- Youth will be able to learn skills like team work and decision making in other areas than 4-H
- families will set family rules, routines and limit screen time.
- eat family meals four three or more times a week.
- reduced stress levels, made time for selves, and/or made wise decisions about money, time, et
- use knowledge gained to enhance optimal aging
- Commits to set family rules regarding eating together, limiting screen time, active play and exercise, set routines.
- Intends to manage stress; make time for self; listen, talk, bond with family members; read with child daily; teach responsibility in use of money, time, etc.
- Gain knowledge on what makes up a healthy relationship among peers and family
Initial Outcome: Youth and adults will gain knowledge on what makes up a healthy relationship among family and peers.
Indicator: Youth and adults will gain knowledge on how to accept differences, how manage stress, how to work with their family and peers.
Method: Pre - post test, observation, testimonials, 4-H Common Measures Survey tool
Timeline:Monthly meeting
Intermediate Outcome: Youth and adults will practice skills to strengthen relationship by working consistently as a team with family/peers, having effective communication and learning about overall development and how to promote it.
Indicator:
Method: Pre-post test, observation, testimonials, 4-H Common Measures Survey Tool
Timeline: 2021
Long Term Outcome: Adults will regularly interact with their children in a positive manner and build a support system with other adults
Indicator:Youth will form a successful support system and use skills learned in 4-H and other areas.
Method:Pre-post test, observation, testimonials, 4-H Common Measures Survey Tool
Timeline:2021-2022
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Character Education
Content or Curriculum: Bullying, Character Counts
Inputs: agent, assistant , volunteers
Date: August - March
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Cloverbud & Art Club
Content or Curriculum: Expressive Arts Curriculum, Cloverbud
Inputs: Agent, Assistant, volunteers
Date: September - May
Audience: youth
Project or Activity: school clubs, school enrichment
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Core
Inputs: agents, assistant, volunteer
Date: August - May
Audience: youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Summer Camp / 4-H Cloverbud Camp
Content or Curriculum: 4-H curriculum or activities
Inputs: agent, assistant, volunteer, camp staff
Date: June/July
Audience: Older adults
Project or Activity: Beautiful Minds, Beautiful Lives
Content or Curriculum: Aging
Inputs: Agent, Assistant,
Date: September- April
Audience: Adults
Project or Activity: Make it Monday
Content: Repurposing, Textiles
Inputs: Agent/ Assistant
Date: September - April
Author: Renata Farmer
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
With the onset and spread of COVID-19 throughout Kentucky and our county, the Knox County 4-H program moved swiftly to deliver our message and reach our clientele in a new way. After conversations with the Knox County 4-H Council, it was imperative to continue to reach youth with positive research-based programming and to do it remotely while continuing to be hands-on. The Knox County 4-H program responded by offering virtual programming and also project kits that allowed youth to co
Author: Renata Farmer
Major Program: 21st Century Skills (Career & Workplace Development)
A recent study by AIPCA revealed that only 13 percent of parents talk to their children about money matters regularly. 3 out of 10 parents never talk about money at all with their children. According to the study, parents are more likely to talk about good manners or about the dangers of drugs and alcohol more than they are about financial literacy. The Knox County 4-H program responded to requests by teachers for financial literacy/work-force prep programs by collaborating with the
Author: Renata Farmer
Major Program: Camping
According to the American Camping Association, camp provides the opportunity for children to discover and explore their interests, values, and talents. 4-H Camp is an exciting opportunity for youth to make new friends, build self-confidence, gain independence, strengthen problem-solving skills, and step out of their comfort zone. Knox County 4-H camping numbers have continued to increase. In 2018, 68 campers, teens and adults attended 4-H camp. While at camp, participants gained know
Author: Renata Farmer
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Sewing camps are more than needles and thread. Learning basic sewing skills provides youth with not only an ability to do basic alterations on their clothing but also allows them to practice motor skills, follow directions, learn patience, engage creatively, and practice communication skills. With the support of our Knox County Extension Homemaker volunteers, 4-H & FCS Agent and program assistant, Sewing Camp 101 has taught approximately 50 youth
