Extension
It Starts With Us
Improving Basic Lifeskills, Well-being, and Quality of Life
Strengthening Community Lifeskills
Connor Cooper, Erika Wood, and Katie Mills, FCS, ANR
Active Living and Health Promotions General
Agriculture
Communications and Expressive Arts
According to CEDIK statistics, in Hopkins County, 17% live below the poverty line, 28% of adults report only fair or poor overall health, and 39% of the total population is considered obese. Regarding education, only 6% male and 8% female of Hopkins County residents hold a Bachelor's degree or higher, 85% hold a high school diploma or GED, and the average household income falls behind the national average by almost $14,000 annually. As a result of the demographic data, and availability of Extension resources and programming, the County Extension Council and Area Program Councils recommend that children and families in Hopkins County are in need of life-skill education, including the knowledge and skills to lead a healthy lifestyle, communicate effectively, and manage household resources.
A decrease in the number of obese and overweight children, youth, adults and elderly
Improvement in the overall health and wellbeing of residents, which indicate quality of life.
Increase in adults and families living above the poverty line.
Increase in education and workforce placements.
Maintain appropriate calorie balance and activity level during each stage of life: childhood, adolescence, adulthood, pregnancy and breastfeeding and older age.
Practice healthy lifestyle decision-making that strengthen individuals’ ability to cope with normal life stressors.
Increased practice of skills that increase employability and educational attainment.
Change in knowledge needed to make informed choices regarding healthy lifestyle choices and basic life skills.
Change in opinions and attitudes needed to make informed choices regarding healthy lifestyle choices and basic life skills.
Change in learned skills needed to make informed choices regarding healthy lifestyle choices and basic life skills.
Initial Outcome: Change in knowledge needed to make informed choices regarding healthy lifestyle choices and basic life skills.
Indicator: increased knowledge of healthy choices and life skills
Method: pre-test/post-test, surveys, NEERS data
Initial Outcome: Change in learned skills needed to make informed choices regarding healthy lifestyle choices and basic life skills.
Indicator: increased skills that facilitate healthy choices and life skills
Method: pre-test/post-test, surveys, NEERS data
Intermediate Outcome: Increased practice of skills that increase employability and educational attainment.
Indicator: surveys, use of local resources including employment workshops and programs
Method: pre-test post test data, surveys of use of local resources
Intermediate Outcome: Practice healthy lifestyle decision-making that strengthen individuals’ ability to cope with normal life stressors.
Indicator: surveys, NEERS data, use of local resources, including mental health
Method: pre-test post test data, surveys of use of facilities
Intermediate Outcome: Maintain appropriate calorie balance and activity level during each stage of life: childhood, adolescence, adulthood, pregnancy and breastfeeding and older age.
Indicator: surveys, use of local recreational facilities
Method: pre-test post test data, surveys of use of facilities
Long-term Outcome: A decrease in the number of obese and overweight children, youth, adults and elderly.
Indicator: CDC and CEDIK data on population weight distribution
Method: data comparison over years
Long-term Outcome: Increase in adults and families living above the poverty line.
Indicator: CEDIK data of household income and poverty statistics
Method: data comparison over years
Long-term Outcome: Increase in education and workforce placements.
Indicator: CEDIK data of employment statistics and educational attainment
Method: data comparison over years
Audience: Producers, Business Owners, and Future Clients
Project or Activity: Budget, Management, Mental Wellbeing and Workforce Preparedness
Content or Curriculum: Moneywise, FarmStart, Consumer In Me, Mini-Society and other content based programming.
Inputs: Extension Agents, Specialists, Community leaders, and Extension publications.
Time Frame: Spring
Audience: Teens and Families
Project or Activity: Suicide Prevention Coalition, FitBlue Challenge, Cooking Lessons, Gardening and Your Health
Content or Curriculum: UK Healthcare specialists, Cooking 101-401, Learn Grow Eat Go
Inputs: Health Dept., community partners, school system, faith-based communities, UK Specialist
Time Frame: Spring
Audience: Youth, Families and Individuals
Project or Activity: 4-H Pinterest Club, Babysitting Program, Softskills Tips and Tricks, Professional Etiquette for Everyone, Mindfulness, Addiction 101
Content or Curriculum: UK publications and Extension information, Communications Curriculum, Mini-Society, Homemaker Lesson, Training for healthcare & social work professionals
Inputs: Extension agent, UK publications and Extension information, community volunteers
Time Frame: All Year
Audience: Hopkins County Homemakers
Project or Activity: Homemaker lessons, local, area, and state-wide KEHA activities
Content or Curriculum: KEHA curriculum, area Homemaker monthly lessons
Inputs: KEHA curriculum, UK specialists and curriculum
Time Frame: All Year
Author: John (Connor) Cooper
Major Program: Leadership
Univeresity of Kentucky : College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment Kentucky 4-H Summit 2022 West Kentucky 4-H CampDr. Rachel N. Guidugli According to research, middle school is a time where young people find their place in this world, they are exploring where their strengths and interests align (Fagell. P.L., 2019). Therefore, it is impreative to provide positive experiences where young people may explore the world in a safe environment. Historically, there is a decline in en
Author: John (Connor) Cooper
Major Program: Camping
4-H camp has always been a successful program for Hopkins County 4-H. Many people have attended as youth, teen,s and then even come back as adults. Camp has always been welcomed in Hopkins County. However, as much as camp is loved, there was fear that the lasting effects of Covid-19 along with record inflation would hinder the number of individuals that camp would impact this summer.Along with the ongoing pandemic and failing economy, our community was also affected by a devastating EF4 leaving
Author: Katie Mills
Major Program: Camping
4-H Camp has been a historically successful program for Hopkins County 4-H. Many of the volunteers whether a Councilor in Training, Teen or Adult, have attended 4-H Camp as a camper and wanted to give back. Even with the historic numbers, it was a fear that Covid-19 and now inflation would impact Hopkins County 4-H Camp numbers negatively. Along with Covid-19 and inflation, the Hopkins County community was affected by an EF4 tornado that destroyed homes and spirits. With all the negatives t
Author: Katie Mills
Major Program: Agriculture
The 2021 Hopkins County Madisonville Fair was able to have its fair rides, livestock shows and projects again for the community to enjoy even though Covid-19 was still in full force. Hopkins County Extension partners with the fair for the Home and Garden Show and the Livestock exhibits to give helping hands. The year was a success with the Hopkins County community crowding the ground to enjoy all aspects. Hopkins County 4-H was no different for people participating.The youth brought around 200 i
