Developing Responsible Youth and FamiliesPlan of Work

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Letcher County CES

Title:
Developing Responsible Youth and Families
MAP:
Youth & Families
Agents Involved:
Nanette Banks, Crystal Smith, Shad Baker
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Financial Education - General
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Community Engagement
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Communications & Expressive Arts
Situation:

According to the 2019 Census, Letcher County's population was 21,553 with the median household income of $29,886 (with Kentucky at $50,589). In 2019 unemployment in Letcher County was 7.8% (with Kentucky at 5.2%).   As many families in Letcher County live within broken homes, with 236 of every 1000 juveniles incarcerated, 236 of every 1000 youth in foster care, and 31% of Letcher County living at or below the poverty level (36% of youth live at or below the poverty level in Letcher County), the need for both youth and families to gain valuable life skills has never been greater.  How we live is ever-changing but learning basic life skills is still as important as ever. Learning to create and live within a budget is basic to everyday life. Reality is that today's youth and adults are busier than ever. These basic life skills are not consistently taught to youth at home or at school.   4-H is able to utilize in-school/after-school clubs and camp settings to engage and educate youth in these areas.  Additionally, the Family and Consumer Sciences program provides parents, guardians, caregivers, and young adults with parenting skills, life skills, financial education, and estate planning. The Agriculture & Natural Resources program provides parents and youth with life skills training in farming-related enterprises and marketing opportunities through Farmers Market programs.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Be responsible and contributing individuals and family members


Gain and maintain employment through life skill development


Contribute to a safe pleasant and productive home and family


Intermediate Outcomes:

Utilize and practice life skills in projects and life situations


Project a positive image and self-confidence


Practice responsible consumer and financial decision-making


Practice healthy eating choices


Make choices that lead to responsible and beneficial results


Adopt habits and skills that contribute toward employability in the future

Initial Outcomes:

Gain knowledge and develop skills in Family & Consumer Sciences projects and programs


Understand the decision-making process


Gain skills in setting a goal and developing a plan of action


Learn to read and follow instructions

Evaluation:

Outcome:  Participants will become more responsible through adult-youth mentorship

Indicator:  Lifestyle Changes and Decision Making

Method:  Observation

Timeline:  2022-2024




Outcome:  Participants demonstrate a desire to advance their living situations and future goals

Indicator:  More Positive Self-Esteem

Method: Surveys and Observation

Timeline: 2022-2024


Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Youth & Families


Project or Activity:  Girls Positive Self-Esteem

                        Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum

                        Inputs: 4-H Agent and Assistant

                        Date: Fall 2024


Project or Activity:   Adult Wellness Program (KRCC Wellness, KRCC Solutions, East Kentucky Support Services, Letcher County Senior Citizens Center, ARC), MCCC

                        Content or Curriculum: FCS Curriculum, ANR Materials

                        Inputs: Extension Agents, KRCC Wellness, KRCC Solutions, East Kentucky Support                                Services, Addiction Recovery Center, Letcher Co. Senior Citizens

                        Date: Monthly


                        




Success Stories

Appalachian Heritage Days

Author: Crystal Smith

Major Program: Family and Consumer Science

Whitesburg- Letcher County is very rural and in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains many of the youth have no clue how much work it takes to produce food or where food comes from. The partnership with both school systems, Gear-up, promise zone, and the  FRYSC at each of the schools Appalachian Heritage Days is being revamped in Letcher County. Wood crafters, coal miners, farmer's, local artist, beekeeping, foresters, quilters, and firefighters. Each youth was able to sample fresh mad

Full Story
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