Whitley County CES

Title:

Improve Individual and Family Development

MAP:

Thriving Individuals, Strong Families

Agents Involved:

Moses (Community Arts), Burgard (FCS), Jones (4-H), Prewitt (Horticulture)

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Family Development General

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Family and Consumer Science

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Leadership

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Civic Engagement

Situation:

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.

Long-Term Outcomes:

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 

Intermediate Outcomes:

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.

Initial Outcomes:

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

Evaluation:

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 

Learning Opportunities:

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

Success Stories