Extension
It Starts With Us
Thriving Individuals, Strong Families
Nurturing Families
Messenger
Substance Use Prevention and Recovery General
Family Development General
People are living longer. Kentucky’s current population of seniors (65+) is 16.4% (2019 Census Data). By 2040 it is projected that every district will see an increase in the percent of the population that is age 65 and older (Zimmerman/KY by the Numbers). As baby boomers are entering retirement, between 2010 and 2025 the population ages 65 and over in Cumberland County are projected to increase by 20.5%. While we may be adding years to life, there is concern about life quality. Kentucky FCS can help individuals and families establish healthy lifestyle behaviors and relationships throughout the lifespan as way to positively influence optimal aging and help reduce issues such as chronic disease, obesity, opioid and alcohol abuse, and mental illness. On the other end of the spectrum, “school-readiness” is a broad term that refers to multiple precursor cognitive, physical, and social-emotional skills that indicate young children are prepared to learn and thrive in the school environment. A wide body of research shows a strong foundation in school readiness is indicative of school success. However, in the state of Kentucky only 50% of children are deemed “school-ready” when they enter Kindergarten. These numbers indicate a need for more activities that support school-readiness by building multiple skill sets simultaneously. Finally, the recent statewide needs assessment identified substance use prevention and recovery as the most urgent priority for Cooperative Extension. Moreover, substance use was the focal point of the CES Advisory Council Meeting in early 2019. Taken together, youth KIP survey data and data from the CES needs assessment demonstrate the need to address substance use prevention, recovery, stigma, and impact on families and communities.
Kentuckians improve health span through lifestyle choices and behaviors related to overall health and well-being.
Increase the number of children who are “kindergarten ready” in the state of Kentucky.
The prevention/reduction of substance use and its related consequences.
Kentuckians of all ages adopt healthy lifestyle choices, including diet and physical activity.
Increase the number of children who are “kindergarten ready” in Cumberland County.
Decrease in the number of individuals cited for alcohol and substance abuse.
Individuals learn how to make healthy lifestyle choices.
Individuals learn about resources to enhance life quality, safety and to support aging families.
Improve child’s early literacy skills including phonological awareness, print awareness, and vocabulary.
Increase knowledge of substance abuse prevention, addiction and recovery.
Initial Outcome: Learn about prevention and how to adopt healthy lifestyles.
Indicator: Total number of individuals and families reached with information to improve healthy lifestyle choices specifically related to aging/longevity.
Method: Lesson evaluations and 3-6 month post evaluations
Timeline: Ongoing
Intermediate Outcome: Increased knowledge of substance use and improved social skills in KY youth
Indicator: Number attending substance use related programs and number of students undergoing Botvin
Method: Pre and post evaluations
Timeline: Ongoing
Long-term Outcome: Parents/Guardians/Caregivers learn fun, age appropriate activities to aid in their child's healthy development.
Indicator: Increase in the number of Cumberland County children that are "kindergarten ready"
Method: Pre and post evaluations
Timeline: Ongoing
Audience: Grandparents and Other Relatives
Project or Activity: Family Relationships
Content or Curriculum: Parenting a Second Time Around
Inputs: Cumberland County School System and 21st Century Program, KY-ASAP, Caregiver Support Group, Department of Families and Children
Date: Quarterly
Audience: Preschool aged children and parents/caregivers
Project or Activity: Promoting Kindergarten Readiness
Content or Curriculum: Laugh and Learn
Inputs: Local Daycares; Headstart
Date: monthly program throughout the year
Audience: Cumberland County High School Students Grade 9-10
Project or Activity: Substance Abuse Prevention
Content or Curriculum: Botvin LifeSkills Curriculum
Inputs: Cumberland County High School staff and students; KY-ASAP
Date: Fall 2023 and Spring 2024
Audience: Cumberland County Middle School Youth Grades 7-8
Project or Activity: Substance Abuse Prevention
Content or Curriculum: Truth and Consequences
Inputs: KY-ASAP, Cumberland County Middle School
Date: Fall 2023
Audience: Cumberland County Drug Court Participants
Project or Activity: Financial and Budgeting
Content or Curriculum: Recovering Your Finances; MoneyWise
Inputs: Specialty Courts and Participants
Date: monthly
Audience: Drug Court Graduates
Project or Activity: Advocates for Recovery and Prevention
Content or Curriculum: KELD Curriculum
Inputs: KY-ASAP; Drug Court Graduates
Date: Fall 2023 and Spring 2024
Author: Deborah Messenger
Major Program: Substance Use Prevention and Recovery General
According to the Commonwealth of Kentucky Court of Justice, Drug Court was Kentucky's first Specialty Court program and has a long track record of significantly reducing drug use and criminal behavior. Instead of spending time in jail, Drug Court participants choose to complete a substance use disorder program supervised by a judge. Drug Court graduates are more likely to return to productive lives and stay gainfully employed, pay child support and meet other obligations. Individuals eligibl
Author: Deborah Messenger
Major Program: Child Development General
Kentucky has reported that only 30% of children attending kindergarten in Cumberland county are prepared and equipped to succeed. In many Kentucky counties, limited resources or the environment may hinder healthy lifestyle choices related to early childhood development and physical activity. As an innovative strategy to improve early childhood development skills and increase kindergarte
