Extension
It Starts With Us
Financial Stability in Henry
Securing Financial Stability
Cathy Toole, Krista Perry, Megan McCoun
Financial Education - General
Farm Management, Economics and Policy
The consequences of the Great Recession and the extended period of slow economic growth which followed, encouraged Kentuckians to become more aware of their financial situation. Kentucky consistently lags behind other areas of the United States in key household economic indicators, including: personal income, population living below the poverty line, unemployment, and revolving debt. These indicators, especially unemployment numbers became more exaggerated during the period of the Great Recession. However, at present economist are cautiously optimistic regarding future economic forecasts. It is important to acknowledge the impact of current economic conditions on family financial management. The goal of the Securing Financial Stability Initiative is to help Kentuckians understand and respond to changing economic conditions, while promoting healthy financial behaviors across the lifespan.
Maximize or extend resources to maintain or increase financial.
Number of individuals reporting improved family financial stability and economic well-being.
Number of individuals who avoided breaches in personal or financial security.
Improved the quality of their life resulting in a stronger family.
Adopt one or more short, mid and long term financial planning strategies.
Practice one or more resource management behavior(s) resulting in increased savings or investments
Apply practical living skills to advance education or employability
Examine personal and financial stability on a regular basis (at least annually).
Teenagers and adults will show increased knowledge and skills related to managing available financial and non-financial resources. (Social marketing and Program participants)
Participants will increase understanding of consumer rights and privacy protection measures.
Teens and young adults will simulate life situations to recognize importance of education and employability skills.
Participants will identify short, medium and long term personal goals and objectives related to maintaining and improving their financial stability.
Evaluation
Long Term Outcome: Members of Arts & Crafts Guild and Farmers Market create and sell items at local and regional craft shows, providing additional income to their families
Indicator: Participation in shows
Method: Art Guild
Timeline: Summer/Fall and Spring
Intermediate Outcome: Attendees develop a plan to begin with cottage style business to create extra income for the family
Indicator: Submit items to be juried to become a member of the Art and Craft Guild
Method: Fulfilling requirements to become a member of the arts and craft guild
Timeline: Throughout the year
Initial Outcome: Attend meetings of the Arts and Crafts Guild and Farmers Market
Indicator: Participation and interest in guild
Method: Sign in sheets
Timeline: Monthly
Long-term Outcome: Improving financial and personal health
Indicator: Implement one or more practices that will improve financial management
Method: Pre/Post Survey
Timeline: beginning and end of program
Initial Outcome: Participants starting the “Conversation”
Indicator: Implement one or more of the techniques to start the conversation
Method: Group Discussion
Timeline: at end of program
Initial Outcome: Senior Participants to reduce car insurance premiums
Indicator: Contacting insurance company following Senior Safe Driving Course
Timeline: at end of program in June of 2024
Audience: Local Artists and Crafters
Project or Activity: Fall, Spring and Summer Sale Opportunities
Content or Curriculum:
Inputs: Promotion, organization, training
Date: Monthly Art and Craft Guild Meetings; Harvest Showcase July 2023; Holiday Bazaar Nov. 2023; Spring Show April 2024
Audience: Senior Adults
Project or Activity: Senior Adult Safe Driving Course
Content or Curriculum: National AARP Curriculum
Inputs: Agent promotion and planning
Date: June 2024
Audience; 4Hers
Project or Activity: Reality Store
Content or Curriculum: UK approved
Inputs: promote program, enlist volunteers, work with FRC
Date: Nov. 2023
Audience: 4-H Means Business Club
Project or Activity: Entrepreneurial Projects
Content or Curriculum: Participants create their own businesses using approved curriculum from UK
Inputs: Will be attending shows and fairs to sell items, develop web pages for each business. Have speakers on how to enhance their businesses.
Date; Meets Monthly
Audience: Farmers
Project of Activity: Tax Class with a focus on Agriculture
Content or Curriculum: Specialist in the field
Inputs: One-time offering
Date: January 2024
Audience: Farmers
Project or Activity: Record Keeping using software for farms
Content or Curriculum: Specialist in a the field
Inputs: One-time offering
Date: Fall 2024
Author: Megan Wetenkamp
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
It is a common complaint amongst farmers that grant and cost-share programs are too confusing to apply for. There are many different opportunities available to farmers that they are not even aware of. The concept for the Henry County Ag Funding Workshop was created by Kendall Bowman, Owen County ANR Agent. The program was tweaked to better serve farmers in Henry. To attract more people, the event was aligned with the release of CAIP Applications and CAIP Informational Session. Additionally
