Barren County CES

County Emphasis:

Family and Youth Development

Concentration 1:

Family and Youth Development

Concentration 2:

Work and Life Skill Development

Concentration 3:

Health and Wellbeing

Concentration 4:

Connected & Resilient Communities

Situation:

Family and Youth Development programming is essential for fostering healthy, supportive environments where both children and adults can thrive. By offering structured activities and educational workshops, UK Extension aims to build strong family bonds equipping young people and older adults with critical life skills. Guided by the Cooperative Extension’s National Framework for Health Equity and Well-being, our programming also addresses social and emotional needs throughout the lifespan, promoting resilience and positive relationships which are two of the key concerns identified in the top 15 needs of Kentucky’s statewide needs assessment. Investing in such programs can prevent future challenges by supporting early intervention and personal growth. Ultimately, these initiatives contribute to the well-being of individuals and the stability of communities, making them a vital component of social development.

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County Situation:

Barren County, Kentucky, presents a multifaceted landscape concerning family and youth well-being, shaped by demographic trends, economic conditions, agricultural heritage and community resources.   Population: As of 2023, Barren County's population is estimated at 45,008, with 23.6% under the age of 18, equating to approximately 10,620 youth.   Households: The county comprises 17,972 households, averaging 2.45 persons per household  Family Composition: Married households constitute 8,715 of the total, with an average size of 3.02 persons. Female-headed households number 2,244, averaging 3.11 persons, and have a higher rental rate (59.4%) compared to male-headed households (44.7%   Educational Attainment:86.5% of residents aged 25 and over have at least a high school diploma. 17.8% hold a bachelor's degree or higher.                                 Median Household Income: The median household income stands at $49,171, approximately 80% of Kentucky's average ($62,417) and about 63% of the national average ($78,538).   Poverty Rates: 21.1% of residents live below the poverty line, surpassing both state (16.1%) and national (12.4%) averages. Approximately 21.5% of individuals under 18 are in poverty. Disability: 17.2% of individuals under 65 live with a disability, indicating a need for accessible services and support systems.   Youth Demographics: With nearly a quarter of the population under 18, youth services are crucial. While high school graduation rates are commendable, efforts to increase higher education attainment could benefit the community's long-term growth. Economic Challenges: Lower median incomes and higher poverty rates, especially among children, underscore the need for economic development and support programs. .

Long-Term Outcomes:

Increased meaningful social connections Increased support network Increased caregiver preparation Improved quality of family life Routinely meeting guidelines and recommendations for health behaviors that promote wellness and quality of life Community environments that equitably support health-promoting behaviors where people live, learn, work, and play Youth will increase contributions to their communities through applying critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication learning in the 4-H Health and Well-Being Core Content Area.

Copy and paste from the provided logic models that correspond to the concentrations

Intermediate Outcomes:

Increased relationships across generations that support healthy community, nurturing behaviors, and quality time together. Enhanced community partnership that equitably support family health  Youth  will practice general wellness habits.

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Initial Outcomes:

Increased knowledge about nurturing parenting and caregiving across the life span. Increased awareness of community resources to support healthy families. Increased confidence making decisions related to parenting and caregiving. Increased confidence and motivation to reduce loneliness and social isolation. Improved skills related to nurturing parenting and caregiver support Increased intentions to employ health-promoting behaviors (e.g., reading to your child, spending time together, self-care, caregiver preparation, active living). Youth will gain knowledge and skills in the decision-making process. Youth learn skills need to communicate with others. Adult mentors will understand elements of positive youth development. Youth learn and develop life skills though 4-H. Youth learn steps in goal setting and developing a plan of action.

Copy and paste from the provided logic models that correspond to the concentrations

Evaluation:

Outcome	Short-term
Indicator	Knowledge and Behavior modification
Method	Written or hands-on evaluation, observation
Timeline	Conclusion of program, workshop or project

 

Outcome	Intermediate
Indicator	Knowledge and Behavior modification
Method	Observation, written evaluation or story
Timeline	July-June

 

Outcome	Long-term
Indicator	Change of behavior and increase of knowledge
Method	Observation, story
Timeline	July-June

 

Learning Opportunities:

Audience	Youth, Adults, 4-H Members, Volunteers, Certified Volunteers, Organizations, Public
Project or Activity	4-H participation in projects, programs, clubs and activities demonstrating their leadership and communication skills such as: 4-H Achievement Program, Scholarship Programs, Judging Contests, Communications, Camps, Shows, Workshops, Contest, Citizenship, Day Camps, Leadership Programs, Service Learning , Virtual Learning, Floral Hall
Content or Curriculum	4-H Core Curriculum
Inputs	:Agents, Specialists, Resources, Volunteers, Community Groups and Organizations
Date(s)	July- June

 

Audience	Youth and: 4-H Program Participants, Parents, Volunteers, Certified Volunteers
Project or Activity	Awards and Recognition
Content or Curriculum	Awards, Recognition, scholarships
Inputs	Agents, Volunteers, Community Groups, Organizations
Date(s)	July-June

Audience	Youth and: 4-H Program Participants, Parents, Volunteers, Certified Volunteers
Project or Activity	4-H Camp, 4-H Cloverbud, STEM,  Public Advocacy and Leadership programs - 4-H Teen Leadership Programs,  4-H Citizenship Programs, 4-H Agricultural Programs, 4-H Service Learning Programs; County 4-H Officer Training,4-H  Family and Consumer Science, 4-H Safety, Health, Mental Health and Well Being,
Content or Curriculum	4-H Core Curriculum
Inputs	Agents, Volunteers, Community Groups, Organizations
Date(s)	July-June

 

 

 

 

 

Evaluation:

Outcome	Short-term
Indicator	Knowledge and Behavior modification
Method	Written or hands-on evaluation, observation
Timeline	Conclusion of program, workshop or project

 

Outcome	Intermediate
Indicator	Knowledge and Behavior modification
Method	Observation, written evaluation or story
Timeline	July-June

 

Outcome	Long-term
Indicator	Change of behavior and increase of knowledge
Method	Observation, story
Timeline	July-June