Breckinridge County CES

Title:

Building life skills among all ages

MAP:

Youth and Families

Agents Involved:

Allen, Hinton, Tucker

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Financial Education - General

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Agriculture

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Communications & Expressive Arts

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Farm Management, Economics and Policy

Situation:

Learning to create and live within a budget, nurture children, create a safe and pleasant home environment, form relationships with others, problem solve, express oneself in a positive manner, and communicate effectively with others are basic to everyday life in our global society. The ever-changing landscape of the family and the consumer highlights the need for a responsive and innovative Extension program while also providing the basic needs that all families have as they navigate life’s many challenges. Financial education, communications programming, expressive arts education, and other life skills development is key.  Breckinridge County community members were surveyed in 2019 and the results of the Kentucky Extension Community Assessment identified the top three priorities for life skills development among all ages. Results indicated 28% of respondents identified the need for more youth life skills training (e.g. money management, life decision making, etc.), 17% identified the need for better family skills in reducing debt, increasing savings and financial planning, and 16% identified the need for more affordable, quality elder care options. Additionally, Breckinridge County is a rural community with 1,509 farms (91.6% family or individually operated farms) and 37.4% of the population’s primary occupation is farming. As commodity prices continue to decline or remain steady, farmers are faced with the dilemma of continuing to produce crops in times of higher input costs.  Landowners and tenants are faced with keeping the natural resources in balance, as well as, remaining profitable. Stress on families and the increase in farmer related suicides is astonishing and local resources need to be identified to increase the overall well-being of the farm family.  Providing youth with the ability to enhance and develop communication skills is of great importance in Kentucky. Public speaking is among the greatest fear of individuals; however, communication skills are a necessary life skill to be successful in the workforce and in the home. The development of communications skills is one of the preeminent skills necessary to grow as an individual, a community member and a leader. Using age appropriate activities selected from the approved Kentucky 4-H Communication & Expressive Arts Curriculum, educators can maximize the ability of youth to develop their writing, reading and personal communication capacities.  This in turn creates a solid foundation for positive youth development (Jones, K. R. 2006). Research shows a positive association between arts participation and well-being, including a number of desirable academic and social outcomes, such as, school grades, test scores, enrollment in post-secondary education, attainment of a bachelor’s degree, and higher levels of literacy and civic engagement (Child Trends, 2012). 4-H programs significantly increase life skills in youth through a variety of activities and delivery modes (e.g. camp, project clubs, independent projects, school programs, etc.). In a study by Olson, Croymans and Ji (2014), 4-Hers reported that participating in one (1) or two (2) educational opportunities influenced the development of critical thinking and decision making skills, and participating in six (6) to eight (8) opportunities significantly increased the program’s influence by adding development of life skills in leadership, planning/organization, wise use of resources, useful/marketable skills and accepting differences Breckinridge County Extension seeks to meet these needs through working with youth and families in a variety of situations to increase their consumer awareness, financial management, effective communication, and development of life skills.

Long-Term Outcomes:

• Adults and youth will be responsible and contributing individuals and family members.
• Individuals will gain and maintain employment through life skill development.
• Individuals will contribute to a safe, pleasant and productive home and family.
• Individuals will be reporting improved family financial stability and economic well-being leading to an improved quality of life and a stronger family.
• Natural resources remain stable.
• Youth will be agriculturally literate. Youth will be advocates for agriculture and natural resources.
• Youth will utilize the skills gained to serve as leaders in 4-H and other organizations.
• Participants will share the elements of the music, dance, drama and visual arts with their community. Participants will be advocates for the arts.

Intermediate Outcomes:

• Adults and youth will utilize and practice life skills in projects and life situations.
• Adults and youth will project a positive image and self-confidence. 
• Adults and youth will practice responsible consumer and financial decision-making. 
• Youth will adopt habits and skills that contribute toward employability in the future. 
• Participants will practice resource management behavior(s) resulting in increased savings or investments. 
• Landowners and tenants will utilize services, such as, soil testing and pest management. 
• Farmers will investigate Kentucky Farm Financial Management Program. 
• Participants will apply practical living skills to advance education or employ-ability. 
• Farmers and local businesses will increase knowledge on how to recognize when a farmer is in trouble and find them resources to manage finances, and/or emotional issues.
• Youth will explore the role of agriculture in daily life
• Youth will practice life skills in 4-H agricultural and natural resource projects, clubs, and life situations
• Youth present before their family, a group of their peers (such as, at a 4-H club meeting), a school or county qualifying event. Youth demonstrate an increased level of confidence when presenting in front of groups. Youth use their communication skills to assume a leadership role in 4-H or other organizations. Youth will construct a speech that has a clear introduction, body and closing.
• Youth apply elements of music, dance, drama and visual arts in creating and performing.

Initial Outcomes:

• Participants will show increased knowledge and skills related to managing available financial and non-financial resources.
• Participants will simulate life situations to recognize importance of education and employable skills.
• Participants will identify short, medium and long-term personal goals and objectives related to maintaining and improving their financial stability and awareness of severe signs of stress.
• Youth will gain knowledge and develop skills in Agriculture and Natural Resource projects and programs.
• Youth will understand sustainable agricultural systems.
• Youth will gain skills in setting a goal and developing a plan of action.
• Youth will gain knowledge in researching, preparing and presenting a speech or demonstration.
• Youth can identify key elements of music, dance, drama and visual arts.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Increased awareness, knowledge and skills relating to Agriculture and Natural Resources, Communications, and Arts Indicator: Increased attendance and participation in Agriculture and Natural Resources, Communications, and Expressive Arts programming Method: Curriculum and program evaluation tools including 4-H Common Measures Surveys Timeline: At time of program implementation  Initial Outcome: Participants will gain an increased awareness and knowledge about family resource management.  Indicator: Increased participation and use of resource management tools  Method: Monthly statistical reports, surveys    Timeline: At time of program implementation Intermediate Outcome: Positive development of life skills related to Agriculture and Natural Resources, Communications, and Arts Indicator: Participants demonstrating improved communication skills, utilizing technologies, and setting goals and developing action plans Method: Follow-up surveys, personal interviews and observations  Timeline: 1-3-month follow-up to program implementation  Intermediate Outcome: Individuals and families will utilize goal setting and budgeting to manage financial resources for future planning and practice responsible financial decision making.  Indicator: Individuals attending financial management programs and work force preparation program.   Method:  Follow-up surveys, personal interviews and observations  Timeline: End of program survey and 1-3 month follow-up surveys Long-term Outcome: Youth will gain and maintain employment through life skill development. Youth will contribute to a safe, pleasant and productive home and family. Youth become more comfortable sharing their thoughts with others. Youth develop into competent, capable, contributing adults as a result of programming.  Indicator: Participants contributing to their family and community in service and leadership roles, and successfully obtaining and maintaining employment  Method: Follow-up surveys, personal interviews and observations  Timeline: 6 months to 1 year follow-up to program implementation  Long-term Outcome: Individuals and families will demonstrate financial literacy and sound basic financial practices to transition through life.  Indicator: Individual and families will use one or more resource management behaviors resulting in increased savings.  Method: Post program surveys  Timeline: 6 month to 1 year following program participation  Long Term Outcome:  Individuals will implement and learn more about the sessions that they attend on farm business management and estate planning.  Indicator: Follow up visits to answer questions on estate planning and Farm Business management.  Method: Access data and statistics  Timeline: 6 months to 1 year following program participation.  Long Term Outcome:  Individuals will implement a Disaster Emergency Plan across generations in families. Placement of window clings that will show their 911 addresses. Indicator:  Follow up with EMT and Fire Departments on the efforts of all family members to know and relay their 911 addresses to all homes and farms.   TImeline 6 months to 1 year following program participation

Learning Opportunities:

As needed, the Extension Service will provide “Grab-N-Go" kits, virtual programs, and other alternative formats due to Covid-19.

Audience:  Youth and Families

Project or Activity: Laugh and Learn program 

Content or Curriculum:   Laugh and Learn and other early childhood Extension publications

Inputs:  Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service staff and facilities, Extension volunteers, community partners, 

Early childhood Council grant, school supplies 

Date:  Fall 2024 and Spring 2025

Audience: Youth 

Project or Activity: 4-H Summer Camp 

Content or Curriculum: Annual camp program based on the Kentucky 4-H Camping program and policies 

Inputs: Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) staff and facility, public schools, community action, family resource and youth service centers, volunteer leadership, curriculum and program resources, local organizations and business sponsorship 

Date: Summer 2025 

Audience: Youth 

Project or Activity: 4-H School Clubs and Afterschool Programs 

Content or Curriculum: Kentucky 4-H approved core curriculum (Project WET, Project WILD, Citizenship - Public Adventures, Civic Engagement - Afterschool Activities for Citizenship, Leadership, Music & Movement and Service, etc.) 

Inputs: Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) staff and facility, public schools, family resource and youth service centers, volunteer leadership, curriculum and program resources, local organizations and business leaders 

Date: 2024-2025 program year 

Audience: Youth 

Project or Activity: 4-H Choir 

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Treble Chorus Club, 4-H Music Project, Performing Arts

Inputs: Extension staff and facility, public schools, family resource and youth service centers, volunteer leadership, curriculum and program resources, local organizations and business leadership 

Date: 2024-2025 program year 

Audience: Youth 

Project or Activity: 4-H Art Clubs (Home School Club, Art Project Club, Advanced Art Club)

Content or Curriculum: Portfolio Pathways curriculum and other Kentucky 4-H approved expressive arts curriculum 

Inputs:  Extension staff and facility, public schools, family resource and youth service centers, volunteer leadership, curriculum and program resources, local organizations and business leadership 

Date: 2024-2025 program year 

Audience: Youth 

Project or Activity: 4-H Cloverbud Club and Programs 

Content or Curriculum: KET Toolkit, Big Book of Cloverbud Activities, Mindful Me curriculum, and other Kentucky 4-H approved curriculum for Cloverbuds and 4-H Exploration 

Inputs: Extension staff and facility, public schools, family resource and youth service centers, volunteer leadership, curriculum and program resources 

Date: 2024-2025 program year 

Audience: Expecting and New Parents 

Project or Activity: Community Baby Shower 

Content or Curriculum: NEP curriculum , Keys to Great Parenting, Ages and stages 

Inputs: Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) agents, program assistants, and volunteers 

Kentucky CES publications and resources 

Community partners and resources 

Date: April 2025

Audience: Local Youth 

Project or Activity: Club Lessons 

Content or Curriculum: Money Power: Wise Decisions About Your Money & Your Life for College Students 

Inputs: Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) agents, program assistants, specialists and volunteers 

Date: Spring 2025

Audience: Local Youth 

Project or Activity: 4-H Financial Literacy

Content or Curriculum: It's Your Reality curriculum, Dollars and Sense Curriculum, Small Steps to Health and Wealth

Inputs: Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) agents and facilities, public schools, family resource centers, volunteer leadership, community and business leadership 

Date: 2024-2025 program year 

Audience: Local Youth 

Project or Activity: 4-H Project Clubs, School Clubs, and Workshops

Content or Curriculum: Kentucky 4-H approved core curriculum and record books 

Inputs: Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) agents and facilities, public schools, family resource centers, volunteer leadership, community and business leadership 

Date: 2024-2025 program year 

Audience: Meetings with the Young Farm Families and Farm Business Analysis 

Project or Activity: Meetings to work on farm and labor management 

Content or Curriculum: Work with specialists in the area of Farm Business Analysis and Estate Planning 

Inputs: Local farm and homeowners, Young Farmer Organizations 

Date: 2024-25 program year 

Audience: Adults

Project or Activity: Extension Homemakers

Content or Curriculum: CEC FCS publications, Healthy Holiday meals on a budget, 

Inputs: Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) agents and facilities, volunteer leadership, community resources

Date: 2024-2025 program year 

Audience:  Adults

Project or Activity:  Migrant Education classes

Content or Curriculum: Farm and Home safety, disaster preparedness, 

Inputs:  Extension Council and Farm Safety Committee designed window clings for 911 address location of farms and homes in their daily operations. 

Success Stories