Bath County CES

County Emphasis:

Life skills and Substance Use Prevention

Concentration 1:

Financial Security and Economic Well-Being

Concentration 2:

Work and Life Skill Development

Concentration 3:

Substance Use Prevention and Recovery

Situation:

A disproportionate number of Kentuckians live in economically distressed communities (39% of Kentuckians, compared to 15% nationally). Further, most Kentucky households are concerned with financially sustaining a quality of life that allows them to survive and thrive in an economically challenged society. From housing to grocery expenses, the cost of living continues to rise, and households are ill-equipped to adjust. Securing financial stability is vital for the well-being of state constituents. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) is committed to improving the financial security and economic well-being of families across the Commonwealth. Related CES programming is designed to help Kentuckians become more economically resilient by promoting financial literacy education, comprehensive family resource management skills, and small business engagement and support.

In a 2023 University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment, with nearly 28,000 responses from across the state, Building Financial Literacy and/or Resource Management Skills was among the top 10 state-identified priority issues reported by Kentuckians, and Efforts that Support Local & Small businesses was among the top 10 Community & Economic Development needs in the state.

 

Kentucky household income statistics are concerning, with the median household income in Kentucky on a downward trend (i.e., approximately $55,100, which is 74% of the U.S. median income). Most alarming, it is estimated that nearly 62% of Kentucky households do not generate sufficient income to meet living wage standards given the state’s average cost of living. The Kentucky Center for Business and Economic Research (2024) projects that, “a key for Kentucky’s future economic growth is to identify and successfully implement programs that increase the employment-population ratio, particularly for working-age adults.” The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) is committed to improving the work and life skill development of adults across the Commonwealth by offering programming designed to increase the human capital of constituents. This includes providing education and training on topics such as workforce preparation, job readiness, financial literacy, soft skills, and professionalism, among others.

In a 2023 University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment, with nearly 28,000 responses from across the state, Building Employee Soft Skills (e.g., communication, productivity, and teamwork skills) and Building Life Skills of Community Members were among the top ten Individual and Family Development Needs reported by Kentuckians.

 Though substance use and substance use disorder have been pressing social problems for decades, the public health burden and consequence associated with substance use has rapidly worsened in recent years. Drug overdoses have surpassed car accidents as the leading cause of accidental death and overdoses have contributed to a reduction in average life expectancy in the US. Much of the substance use-related morbidity and mortality is a result of a persistent treatment gap. Each year, about 90% of people who need treatment for SUD in Kentucky do not receive it. To address this gap in service provision, more community-level programming is required to meet the complex needs of Kentuckians who use drugs. Cooperative Extension is uniquely positioned, both with deep connections to each Kentucky county and with its transdisciplinary team of specialists, to address the holistic needs of Kentuckians who use drugs including mental health, fair housing, second-chance employment, nutrition and physical health, and much more.

Substance use and substance use disorder are persistent public health problems in Kentucky. Kentucky youth fare worse than their US counterparts in terms of numerous indicators of drug use and drug-related harm including cigarette and smokeless tobacco use, vaping, alcohol use, and illicit drug use such as opioid and methamphetamine use. Accordingly, the recent University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service Needs Assessment (2023) indicated substance use prevention is the primary concern among most Kentucky counties. Nevertheless, few Kentucky communities support prevention efforts that are informed by research. Cooperative Extension is well-positioned with deep collaborative community ties to support evidence-based prevention programming. Such programs may target substance use directly or indirectly by focusing on pertinent risk and protective factors and promoting overall well-being for Kentucky youth.

County Situation:

In Bath County, from 2018-2022, 1018 ER visits were associated with substance use disorder. There is an overall poverty rate of 20.6%, with 29.8% of youth in the county in poverty.

Long-Term Outcomes:

1. Improved financial security and stability
2. Decrease in state unemployment rates
3. Improved quality of life
4. Youth will make sound financial decisions. 
5. Youth participation in community involvement increases.
6. Youth will demonstrate necessary leadership, teamwork, and communication skills needed to be successful in the workplace.
7. Reduced youth substance use
8. Improved social and emotional competency

Intermediate Outcomes:

Increased savings (e.g., as a result of budgeting, saving, reducing debt, spending wisely, stretching resources) Increased implementation of employability strategies/skills Enhanced community partnerships that target recovery from substance use disorder Youth will practice habits and skills that contribute toward sound economic and financial well-being. Youth will practice teamwork, responsibility, communication, conflict resolution techniques, and problem-solving skills. Increased availability and accessibility of evidence-based prevention programs Enhanced community partnerships that target youth prevention

Initial Outcomes:

1. Improved employability and interpersonal skills
2. Increased intentions to employ health-promoting behaviors (e.g., exercise, healthy nutrition, positive coping, etc.)
3. Youth will increase knowledge in understanding personal financial management. 
4. Youth will practice civic engagement, leadership and communication skills.
5. Increased knowledge of educational, training, and certification opportunities.
6. Increased knowledge about substance use and its effects
7. Increased awareness of community resources to support prevention and recovery
8. Increased confidence making decisions related to substance use (i.e. substance use refusal skills)
9. Increased intentions to employ health-promoting behaviors (e.g., exercise, healthy nutrition, positive coping, etc.).

Evaluation:

Outcome:  Improved financial and/or resource management skills (e.g., creating a budget, checking credit report, developing an estate plan, etc.) (initial)

Indicator: Number of individuals who reported developing skills related to family finance and/or resource management

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration or follow-up evaluation 

Outcome: Improved employability and/or interpersonal skills (e.g., job interview skills, communication, networking, time management) (initial)

Indicator:

1. Number of participants who reported improvement in job interview skills

2. Number of participants who reported improvement in personal skills.

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Self-reported surveys

Outcome: Increased awareness of community resources to support prevention and recovery (initial)

Indicator: Number of partnerships with community organizations, institutions, agencies, or individuals to address substance use/recovery in the community

Method: Program metrics agents will track, and report based on their activities and partnerships related to substance use prevention, addiction, and/or recovery)

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration (ST) and follow-up survey (BC).

Short-Term Outcome (Youth)

Outcome: Youth understand concepts of healthy financial management, responsibility, and decision-making.

Indicator:

1. Number of youth who reported learning  the differences between purchases made for “needs” vs “wants” 
2. Number of youth who reported that they learned about budgeting. 
3. Number of youth who reported that they learned about savings.

Method: Standard Evaluation Tool for 4-H Family Consumer Sciences: Survey

Timeline: Immediate Post Program

 

Intermediate Outcome (Youth)

Outcome: Youth exhibit and implement skills in financial management, responsibility, and decision-making.

Indicator:

1. Number of youth who reported that they have identified  one or more jobs that might be a good fit for them in Family Consumer Sciences.  
2. Number of youth who reported that have taken steps to pursue gaining knowledge for a job in Family Consumer Sciences.  
3. Number of youth who reported that they have practiced budgeting skills.  
4. Number of youth who reported that they have practiced needs versus wants knowledge when making purchases on a budget. 
5. Number of youth who reported that they have included savings in their budget. 

Method: Standard Evaluation Tool for 4-H Family Consumer Sciences: Survey

Timeline: End of Program Year

Short-Term Outcome (Youth)

Outcome: Youth apply skills in communication.

Indicator:

1. Number of youth who reported expressing their thoughts or opinions. 
2. Number of youth who reported using information to communicate with others. 
3. Number of youth who reported demonstrating a skill they have learned.

Method: Standard Evaluation

Timeline: Immediate Post Program

Long-Term Outcome (Youth)

Outcome: Youth exhibit confidence in being work-ready, healthy, productive, and engaged citizens

Indicator: Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study.

Method: Survey

Timeline: 1+ years

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Individuals, Families, Employees 

Project/Activity: Development of Family Resource Management Skills

Content/Curriculum: Publications; MONEYWI$E newsletter and podcasts; Leader Lessons; etc. 

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, non-profit organizations, schools, Court system, community centers, etc.

Dates: Ongoing

Audience: Individuals, Families, Employees 

Project/Activity: Estate Planning

Content/Curriculum:  Estate Planning publication series; Transferring Cherished Possessions curriculum; MONEYWI$E newsletter and podcasts; Leader Lessons; farm succession and legacy building programs; etc.

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, non-profit organizations, schools, farms, community centers, etc.

Dates: Ongoing

Audience: Individuals, Families, Employees 

Project/Activity: Development of Employability Skills

Content/Curriculum:  Positive Employability Curriculum, publications, newsletters (e.g., MONEYWI$E); podcasts

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, non-profit organizations, schools, Court system, community centers, etc.

Dates: Ongoing

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: Consumer and Financial Education 

Content or Curriculum: Consumer Savvy

Inputs:

1. 4-H Family and Consumer Sciences programs in which youth experience a sense of belonging, and developmental relationships, explore their spark, and actively engage in meaningful opportunities.  
2. Accredited and certified volunteers in 4-H FCS projects. 
3. Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association 
4. Clothing Volunteers 
5. Four residential camping facilities.  
6. Cooperative Extension Educational facilities.  
7. Utilization of approved research-based curriculum. 
8. Outreach of the Cooperative Extension Land-Grant System.  
9. Funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc.  
10. Funding from local, state, and federal sources.  
11. Engagement of youth and volunteers in program delivery.  
12. Engaging communities in identifying and implementing programming based on local needs.

Date: September 1 – August 30 

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: Reality Store

Content or Curriculum: It’s Your Reality 

Inputs:

1. 4-H Family and Consumer Sciences programs in which youth experience a sense of belonging, and developmental relationships, explore their spark, and actively engage in meaningful opportunities.  
2. Accredited and certified volunteers in 4-H FCS projects. 
3. Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association 
4. Clothing Volunteers 
5. Four residential camping facilities.  
6. Cooperative Extension Educational facilities.  
7. Utilization of approved research-based curriculum. 
8. Outreach of the Cooperative Extension Land-Grant System.  
9. Funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc.  
10. Funding from local, state, and federal sources.  
11. Engagement of youth and volunteers in program delivery.  
12. Engaging communities in identifying and implementing programming based on local needs. 

Date: September 1 – August 30 

Audience: 4-Hers, Extension Professionals, Clientele 

Project or Activity: 4-H Core Program Areas (Leadership, Agriculture, Natural Resources, Communication and Expressive Arts, Science, Engineering and Technology, Health and Wellbeing, and Family Consumer Sciences), 4-H Camp, Cloverbud, Volunteerism

Content or Curriculum: Approved Kentucky 4-H Curriculum by Core Program Area or Area of Interest

Inputs: These programs are supported by the research base of the Cooperative Extension Land-grant system, funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc., local, state, and federal sources, grants, and the engagement of volunteers, youth, communities, and external stakeholders.

Dates: Program Year 

Audience: Families and Individuals

Project or Activity: Substance Use Prevention Programming

Content or Curriculum: Botvin Lifeskills, Strengthening Families, 4-H Health Rocks, Engaging People with Lived Experience (testimonies),

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, health coalitions, schools and school staff

Date: Ongoing

Evaluation:

Outcome:  Improved financial and/or resource management skills (e.g., creating a budget, checking credit report, developing an estate plan, etc.) (initial)

Indicator: Number of individuals who reported developing skills related to family finance and/or resource management

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration or follow-up evaluation 

Outcome: Improved employability and/or interpersonal skills (e.g., job interview skills, communication, networking, time management) (initial)

Indicator:

1. Number of participants who reported improvement in job interview skills

2. Number of participants who reported improvement in personal skills.

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Self-reported surveys

Outcome: Increased awareness of community resources to support prevention and recovery (initial)

Indicator: Number of partnerships with community organizations, institutions, agencies, or individuals to address substance use/recovery in the community

Method: Program metrics agents will track, and report based on their activities and partnerships related to substance use prevention, addiction, and/or recovery)

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration (ST) and follow-up survey (BC).

Short-Term Outcome (Youth)

Outcome: Youth understand concepts of healthy financial management, responsibility, and decision-making.

Indicator:

1. Number of youth who reported learning  the differences between purchases made for “needs” vs “wants” 
2. Number of youth who reported that they learned about budgeting. 
3. Number of youth who reported that they learned about savings.

Method: Standard Evaluation Tool for 4-H Family Consumer Sciences: Survey

Timeline: Immediate Post Program

 

Intermediate Outcome (Youth)

Outcome: Youth exhibit and implement skills in financial management, responsibility, and decision-making.

Indicator:

1. Number of youth who reported that they have identified  one or more jobs that might be a good fit for them in Family Consumer Sciences.  
2. Number of youth who reported that have taken steps to pursue gaining knowledge for a job in Family Consumer Sciences.  
3. Number of youth who reported that they have practiced budgeting skills.  
4. Number of youth who reported that they have practiced needs versus wants knowledge when making purchases on a budget. 
5. Number of youth who reported that they have included savings in their budget. 

Method: Standard Evaluation Tool for 4-H Family Consumer Sciences: Survey

Timeline: End of Program Year

Short-Term Outcome (Youth)

Outcome: Youth apply skills in communication.

Indicator:

1. Number of youth who reported expressing their thoughts or opinions. 
2. Number of youth who reported using information to communicate with others. 
3. Number of youth who reported demonstrating a skill they have learned.

Method: Standard Evaluation

Timeline: Immediate Post Program

Long-Term Outcome (Youth)

Outcome: Youth exhibit confidence in being work-ready, healthy, productive, and engaged citizens

Indicator: Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study.

Method: Survey

Timeline: 1+ years