Lincoln County CES

Title:

Life Skills Development 2020-24

MAP:

Strengthening Individuals & Families

Agents Involved:

Courtney Brock, Tyler Miller, Jody Paver

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

21st Century Skills (Career & Workplace Development)

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Family Development General

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Financial Education - General

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

FCS Employment Skills

Situation:

With continued economic struggles, it is more important than ever for community members to develop important life skills that will help them become more educated, contributing members of society. Kentucky consistently lags behind other states in household income indicators, including personal income, percent of population living below the poverty line, unemployment, and revolving debt.

In the US, only one-third of high school seniors are college-ready, and only one-third of high school graduates are work-ready (US Dept of Education). In Kentucky, nearly 45 percent of graduates do not attend college and only 5 percent obtain technical training (Kentucky Dept of Education). Schools continue to place less emphasis on life skills development as they strive to meet state academic expectations. Youth also receive less training in basic home and consumer skills at home since many live in households where both parents/guardians work.

 

According to the 2019 Kentucky Extension Community Assessment Report, participants identified increased job skills training and life skills training programs as important areas of focus for the Extension Service.

More than 27% of Lincoln County families with children live below the poverty line and over 20% of those age 65 and over live below the poverty line (Kentucky: By The Numbers Report).

It is imperative that we help individuals manage the challenges and discover the positive aspects of life transitions and growing older. It is also imperative that we empower individuals and families to secure and manage their basic human needs of food, clothing, and shelter; and articulate and apply smart financial behaviors related to goal setting, budgeting, analysis of credit and contracts, risk management, online and personal safety, saving and investing, and use of financial services. 

Long-Term Outcomes:

• More self-sufficient families
• Youth and adults increase self-worth and self-esteem and manage resources efficiently, to improve their economic situation 
• More effective employees and community leaders, as well as increased career enjoyment
• Better investments and savings, better/more independent aging, overall improved economic well-being, and a more secure, stable home environment and quality of life--resulting in improved financial capabilities for stronger families

Intermediate Outcomes:

• Youth, families, and adults improve communication, financial management, social interaction and decision-making skills in order to strengthen their family and financial situation.
• Individuals will adopt short, mid, and long-term financial planning strategies and will practice one or more resource management behaviors resulting in increased savings or investments.
• Youth will demonstrate increased college and career-readiness and completion of other post-secondary programs.
• Life skills attained will prepare youth, families and adults to meet the challenges of everyday life. 

Initial Outcomes:

• Families and individuals will learn life skills that are necessary to maintain and improve their household situation.
• Families and individuals will be capable of locating local resources and how to use them while also improving social interaction skills.
• Participants will increase financial literacy related to savings and investments. They will show increased knowledge and skills related to managing available financial and non-financial resources.
• Increased knowledge and skills related to managing financial resources, including savings, credit, and financial planning. 
• Youth will demonstrate mastery of basic life skills such as food preparation, public speaking, budgeting, resume-building while also attaining higher graduation rates and increased entry into post-secondary programs.
• Change knowledge, opinions, skills, and aspirations, to improve employability through work and practical living skills and continuing education practices. 
• Individuals will learn employable skills setting them apart from the rest of the field.

Evaluation:

• Initial Outcome: Increased knowledge and skills related to managing financial resources, including savings, credit, and financial planning. 

Indicator: Survey results

Method: Survey

Timeline: At conclusion of programs

Intermediate Outcome: Individuals will adopt short, mid, and long-term financial planning strategies and will practice one or more resource management behaviors resulting in increased savings or investments.? 

Indicator: Increased number of families utilizing financial planning strategies

Method: Survey

Timeline: 2+ years

Long-term Outcome: More effective employees and community leaders, as well as increased career enjoyment.? 

Indicator: Survey results

Method: Survey

Timeline: 4+ years

Learning Opportunities:

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES: 

Audience: 6th Graders 

Activity: 4-H Dollars & Sense 

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum and local business and community leaders 

Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, volunteer leaders, local schools, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals, Lincoln County Schools. 

Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary). 

Date: Spring or Fall 

 

Audience: 3rd – 12th grade 

Activity: 4-H STEM Programs

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum and local business and community leaders 

Inputs: Volunteer leaders, local schools, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals, Lincoln County Schools. 

Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary). 

Date: September – May 

Audience: 3rd – 12th grade 

 

Audience: County Youth 

Activity: 4-H Camp and Cloverbud Camp 

Content or Curriculum: 4-H curriculum 

Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, physical therapy offices, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals. 

Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local doctors’ offices, local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds. 

Date: Summer 

 

Audience: Youth ages 9 and up 

Activity: 4-H Communications Events 

Content or Curriculum: 4-H curriculum 

Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, physical therapy offices, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals. 

Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local doctors’ offices, local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds. 

Date: all year 

 

Audience: Youth 

Activity: 4-H Creative Clovers

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum 

Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, physical therapy offices, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals. 

Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local doctors’ offices, local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds. 

Date: all year 

 

Audience: Youth 

Activity: 4-H Day Camps 

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum 

Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, physical therapy offices, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals. 

Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local doctors’ offices, local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds. 

Date: Summer 

 

Audience: 4-H Teen Club 

Activity: 4-H International Program 

Content or Curriculum: 4-H'ers and families in other states 

Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, physical therapy offices, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals. 

Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local doctors’ offices, local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds. 

Date: Summer 

 

Audience: Youth 

Activity: 4-H Club Meetings, classroom and community clubs 

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum 

Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, physical therapy offices, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals. 

Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local doctors’ offices, local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds. 

Date: Continuous throughout year 

 

Audience: General Public 

Activity: Newsletters 

Content or Curriculum: Current 4-H, FCS & Ag information 

Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, physical therapy offices, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals. 

Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local doctors’ offices, local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds. 

Date: Quarterly 

 

Audience: General Public 

Activity: Radio Programs and Social Media Efforts 

Content or Curriculum: Current 4-H, FCS & Ag information 

Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, physical therapy offices, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals. 

Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local doctors’ offices, local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds. 

Date: Daily 

 

Audience: General Public 

Activity: Quilting Workshops/Retreat/Lock-in 

Content: FCS Publications 

Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, physical therapy offices, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals. 

Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local doctors’ offices, local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds. 

Date: All Year 

 

Audience: General Public

Activity:  "Makers' Classes

Content or Curriculum: FCS information 

Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, physical therapy offices, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals. 

Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local doctors’ offices, local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds. 

Date: All Year

Audience: General Public 

Activity: Beginning Quilting Workshop/Assistance 

Content: FCS Publications 

Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, physical therapy offices, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals. 

Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local doctors’ offices, local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds. 

Date: As requested by clients 

 

Audience: General Public 

Activity: Monarch Way Stations and You

Content or Curriculum: FCS Curriculum

Inputs: Health Dept, Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center in Stanford and Danville, Kentucky Cancer Program, American Cancer Society, local doctors’ offices, Kentucky State University, home health agencies, Lincoln County Senior Citizens Center, Elementary Schools, Lincoln County Public Library, Family and Youth Service Centers, Lincoln County School System, Community Leaders, Boneyville Baptist Church and AME Church. 

Date:  Summer/Fall

Audience: Youth 

Activity: 4-H Shooting Sports 

Content or Curriculum: Certified Leaders and 4-H Curriculum 

Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, physical therapy offices, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals. 

Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local doctors’ offices, local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds. 

Date: Continuous throughout year 

 

Audience: General Public, Extension Homemakers 

Activity: Swedish Weaving

Content or Curriculum: FCS Publications, 4-H Curriculum, AG Curriculum 

Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, Lincoln County Public Library, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, physical therapy offices, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals. 

Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local doctors’ offices, local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds. 

Date: October

 

Audience: General Public, Limited Resource Families

Activity: Organizing Your Space 

Content or Curriculum: FCS Curriculum 

Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, Lincoln County Public Library, 

livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, physical therapy offices, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals. 

Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local doctors’ offices, local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds. 

Date: October

 

Audience: General Public, Extension Homemakers 

Activity: Procrastination and Productivity 

Content or Curriculum: FCS Curriculum 

Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, Lincoln County Public Library, 

livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, physical therapy offices, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals. 

Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local doctors’ offices, local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds. 

Date: November/December

 

Audience:  General Public 

Activity: Yarn, Hook and Needles Group 

Content or Curriculum: UK Publications and other Community Resource Materials 

Inputs: Health Dept, Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center in? Stanford and Danville, Kentucky Cancer Program, American Cancer Society,? local doctors’ offices, Kentucky State University, home health? agencies, Lincoln County Senior Citizens Center, Elementary Schools,? Lincoln County Public Library, Family and Youth Service Centers, Lincoln? County School System, Community Leaders. 

Date: Monthly 

 

Audience: General Public 

Activity: Alzheimer’s Disease or other Dementia Programs 

Content or Curriculum: UK Publications and other Community Resource Materials 

Inputs: Health Dept, Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center in? Stanford and Danville, Kentucky Cancer Program, American Cancer Society, local doctors’ offices, Kentucky State University, home health? agencies, Lincoln County Senior Citizens Center, Elementary Schools, Lincoln County Public Library, Family and Youth Service Centers, Lincoln? County School System, Community Leaders. 

Date: All Year as requested 

 

Audience: General Public, Farm Families

Activity: Farm Taxes/Record-keeping 

Content or Curriculum: FCS information 

Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, physical therapy offices, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals. 

Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local doctors’ offices, local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds. 

Date: Fall

 

Audience: General Public 

Activity: Living with Loss

Content or Curriculum: FCS Materials

Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, physical therapy offices, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals. 

Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local doctors’ offices, local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds. 

Date: April/May

 

Audience: General Public 

Activity: Budgeting and Resource Management 

Content or Curriculum: FCS Curriculum 

Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, physical therapy offices, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals. 

Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local doctors’ offices, local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds. 

Date: Spring 

 

Audience: Youth, Adults 

Activity: Vehicle Safety & Maintenance Basics 

Content or Curriculum: 4-H, AG, & FCS Curriculum 

Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, physical therapy offices, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals. 

Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local doctors’ offices, local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds. 

Date: Fall

Audience: General Public

Activity: Sewing Expo

Content or Curriculum:  FCS Materials 

Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, physical therapy offices, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals. 

Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local doctors’ offices, local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds. 

Date: April

Audience: General Public

Activity: Come Sew with Us Programs 

Content or Curriculum: FCS Materials 

Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, physical therapy offices, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals. 

Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local doctors’ offices, local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds. 

Date: All Year

Audience: General Public

Activity: Fort Harrod Area Craft Day Event 

Content or Curriculum:  FCS Materials

Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, physical therapy offices, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals. 

Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local doctors’ offices, local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds. 

Date: October

Audience: General Public

Activity:  QuiltWorx Quilting Classes

Content or Curriculum: FCS information 

Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, physical therapy offices, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals. 

Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local doctors’ offices, local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds. 

Date: All Year

Success Stories

Cloverbud Camp Success

Author: Courtney Brock

Major Program: Agriculture & Natural Resources

The overall purpose of the Lincoln County 4-H Cloverbud Program is to foster the development of life skills that are essential for the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of youth ages 5 to 8. Additionally, the Area C1-C4 4-H Cloverbud Camping Program is designed with specific educational objectives, ensuring youth are able to participate safely, enhance personal development, learn new skills, foster positive relationships, learn responsibility, and have fun. The time you

Full Story

Tasty Tidbits

Author: Jody Paver

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

As the new Lincoln County Cooperative Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent, my main focus for the first 6 months has been to host online and in person needs assessments and discussion sessions with community members, Volunteers, Extension Homemakers, Elected Officials, Stake Holders, and community partners.   Money management, budgeting, stretching a food budget, and mental health have been in the top concerns.   Food insecurity, food desserts,  homelessness

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Savor the Flavor: Cooking with Herbs

Author: Jody Paver

Major Program: Food Preparation and Preservation

Research shows that people who prepare and cook meals at home are more likely to eat the recommended fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains needed in a balanced diet. Building skills and cooking knowledge increases the likelihood that people choose to prepare home-cooked meals. To encourage more home-prepared meals, the Lincoln County Extension Office hosted the workshop Savor the Flavor: Building Flavor with Herbs. The Savor the Flavor program focused on flavoring dishes with herbs. E

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