Extension
It Starts With Us
Improve Individual and Family Development
Thriving Individuals, Strong Families
Moses (Community Arts), Burgard (FCS), Jones (4-H), Prewitt (Horticulture)
Family Development General
Family and Consumer Science
Leadership
Civic Engagement
The definition of families has changed throughout time. Family circles and bonds are just as important as ever. 69% of households in Whitley County that define themselves as a family and family unit, according to the U.S. Census. There are an average of 3 people living in a household in Whitley County.
Kids Count data shows that Whitley County ranks 27% children living in low-income situations. It also shows that almost 31.5% of Whitley County students enter college with academic needs. The aging population is increasing in number and by the year 2030, it is projected the population of those who are aged 65 and older will increase by 44%.
Educating the family on how to make important decisions concerning aging, school readiness, health, and finances is a key role that Extension plays in each of these homes. It is imperative to educate both individuals and youth how to be dependable leaders by teaching leadership through serving as part of a team, club or council. These individuals take the leadership skills and education learned from Cooperative Extension programs and have more successful homes, careers, and relationships that impact the future.
Community environment promotes healthy behaviors where people live, learn, work, and play
Better family money management skills, such as reducing debt, increasing savings, and financial planning.
More effective employees and community leaders.
Developing ways for youth to serve as positive role models in their communities
Implement one or more practices that will improve:
· Disaster preparedness
· Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
· Home Safety
· Leadership
· Healthy Aging
· Parenting skills
Resiliency in children
Participate in an activity or event that improves building stronger families.
Change knowledge, opinions, skills, and/or aspirations in understanding of issues related to:
· Disaster preparedness
· Pest management
· Going green
· Home safety
· Money Management
· Leadership
· Healthy Aging
· Parenting Skills
- 4H Leadership
- 4H Volunteer
Long Term Outcome: Create strong and safe homes within environments that promote and support the physical and mental well-being of families throughout the life cycle.
Indicator: Number of individuals who implement the practice of positive physical and mental activities in their lifestyle.
Method: Pre/Post Written evaluation. Change in the health/disease data from Kentucky County Healthcare Profile (CEDIK).
Timeline: 5-8 Years
Intermediate Evaluation:
Outcome: Demonstration of skills that would improve family issues relating to Money Management, Aging, Parenting, etc.
Indicator: Number of families attending classes related to family issues and communicating understanding of topic.
Method: Pre/Post Written Evaluations, Attendance Sheets
Timeline: 2-3 years
Initial Outcome Evaluation:
Outcome: Families identify practices that will improve health and well being of both them as individuals and as a family.
Indicator: Number of families and individuals who respond to classes offered to help implement positive lifestyle changes.
Method: Pre/Post Written Evaluation, Oral Evaluations
Timeline: Immediate at delivery of program
Audience: School Age Individuals
Project or Activity: 4H Community Clubs, 4H Camp, School Clubs
Content or Curriculum: Leadership, Steps for Healthy Teens, Mindful Me, Health ROCKS
Inputs: 4-H Agent, 4-H Program Assistant, Teachers, Volunteers
Date: School Year, School Enrichment Programs
Audience: 4-H club members & other youth
Project or Activity: Speech
Content or Curriculum: 4-H curriculum, Speak Up
Inputs: Teachers, volunteers, agent
Date: Spring
Audience: 4-H club members & other youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Demonstrations program/Poster Program
Content or Curriculum: 4-H communications curriculum
Inputs: Teachers, volunteers, agent
Date: Spring
Audience: Whitley County Families
Project or Activity: Parent Child Art Classes
Content or Curriculum: UK curriculum, CEDIK
Inputs: Community Arts, 4-H, FCS
Date: ongoing 2024-2025
Audience: Children
Project or Activity: Youth Art Classes and Camps
Content or Curriculum: Art to the Heart-KET, Community Arts Curriculum
Inputs: Community Arts, UK, Volunteers
Date: Summer 2024-2025
Audience: 13-19 Youth
Project or Activity: Teen Cooking Clun
Content or Curriculum: SNAP-ed, Plan Eat Move
Inputs: 4-H Agent
Date: Monthly at the Public Library
Audience: Pre-K Children and their Caregivers
Project or Activity: Laugh and Learn Classes
Content or Curriculum: Laugh and Learn curriculum
Inputs: FCS Agent, FCS Program Assistant
Date: Bi-Monthly 2024-2025
Audience: Whitley County Extension Homemakers
Project or Activity: Grandchildren Becoming Grandcooks
Content or Curriculum: UK Publication
Inputs: FCS Agent
Date: March 2025
Audience: Whitley County Extension Homemakers
Project or Activity: Self-Care - Tips for Managing Stress
Content or Curriculum: UK Publication
Inputs: FCS Agent
Date: May 2025
Audience: Whitley County senior community
Project or Activity: Cognitive Development and Embracing Aging Workshops
Content or Curriculum: Wits Workout Curriculum, Stress Release Activities, Senior Socials, UK Publications
Inputs: FCS Agent, FCS Program Assistant
Date: Ongoing monthly year round
Audience: Whitley County Residents
Project or Activity: Whitley County Extension Homemakers Leader Training
Content or Curriculum: Leadership development
Inputs: FCS Agent
Date: annually - September
Audience: Whitley County Residents
Project or Activity: Holiday Cooking 4-H Cookbook
Content or Curriculum: UK pubs, National 4-H Foundation
Inputs: Community Arts, 4-H, FCS
Date: Began December 2024-2025
