Martin County CES

County Emphasis:

1. Workforce Readiness, Life Skills, and Well-being: Our community has expressed a strong need to prepare both youth and adults with essential life skills and workforce readiness. Needs assessments have revealed significant gaps in financial literacy, career readiness, food handling education, and coping mechanisms for mental health. Addressing these areas is critical to building resilient individuals who can thrive personally and professionally. 2. Food Security, Mental Health, and Environmental Stewardship: Community feedback has also emphasized the importance of ensuring access to safe and nutritious food, addressing growing mental health concerns, and preserving our county's natural beauty and ecological health. Gaps in food education, mental wellness resources, and wildlife conservation practices must be addressed to create sustainable, healthy communities and protect our environmental legacy.

Concentration 1:

Work and Life Skill Development

Concentration 2:

Food Safety, Quality, and Access

Concentration 3:

Mental Health and Well-Being

Concentration 4:

Sustainability, Natural Resources and Wildlife Management, and Environment

Situation:

Work and Life Skill Development 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. Youth Focus America’s future hinges on a prepared workforce and engaged communities collaborating to tackle society’s most pressing challenges. As of 2024, there are 2,465,949 job openings in Kentucky and nationwide there are 10 million unfilled jobs. Fasted growing jobs are in the fields of vocational education and higher education teachers, agriculture professionals, and digitally enabled roles: ecommerce specialists, digital transformation specialists, and digital marketing professionals (World Economic Forum, 2023). 85% of the jobs that will exist in 2030 haven’t been invented yet (Dell Technologies, 2019). 77% of employers say focus less on traditional school subjects, more on real-world skills (Kauffman Foundation, 2021). Skills like analytical thinking, creative thinking, resilience, flexibility, adaptability are key (World Economic Forum, 2023). According to the National 4-H Index Study 2024, 80% explored career options, 50% received guidance for college decisions, and 95% reported 4-H helped them identify things they were good at. To ensure a sustainable society, it is crucial that our youth are equipped to fill these positions. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension System Community Needs Assessment (2023) has identified key priority issues related to life skill development for young people. These priorities include youth life skill training opportunities, youth workforce readiness, and maximizing youth voice in matters that directly impact them. Empowering our youth to actively participate in addressing societal issues is essential for a thriving future.   Food Safety, Access and Quality It is proven that people who have access to and consume their daily dietary requirements of fresh fruits and vegetables are less likely to suffer from chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease and have an increased quality of life. Having the knowledge and skills to prepare or preserve fresh fruits and vegetables presents an additional barrier beyond obtaining fresh food access. With the goal of increasing the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) aims to increase access to fresh food, as well as increase knowledge and awareness of how to select, store, safely prepare, process, and preserve these foods. CES prioritizes statewide partnership development that helps us meet our goals and objectives. We collaborate with statewide agencies including Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Community Farm Alliance, KY Farm to School Network, Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife and others to help build statewide systems that increase access and usage of fresh fruits and vegetables. These programs benefit Kentuckians because they support food access policy, systems and environmental changes in communities and across the state. They increase knowledge of how to grow, prepare, and preserve fresh fruits and vegetables. Youth Focus Kentucky faces significant health and economic challenges, with five of the top ten causes of death being nutrition-related. According to the Obesity Action Coalition the cost of obesity reached $36.31 billion. The rapidly changing social and economic landscape underscores the need for a healthy, productive, and engaged young people to contribute to a prepared workforce and engaged community to tackle these challenges. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension System's 2023 Community Needs Assessment identifies critical priorities, including access to affordable nutritious food, reducing youth obesity through improved nutrition and exercise, and enhancing youth wellbeing through effective coping strategies. Kentucky 4-H plays a crucial role in addressing these needs by equipping young people with essential skills in nutrition, culinary arts, financial education, and entrepreneurship. 69% of youth reported that they learned about healthy food choices in 4-H. 4-H youth report an increase in preparing meals together as a family, increase in meals eaten as a family, and confidence in the kitchen. These programs not only foster healthier, more resilient individuals, but also contribute to the development of engaged citizens prepared to navigate and thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Mental Health and Well Being More than ever before, people are feeling the burden of stress on their wellbeing. More than 1 in 5 adults in the United States lives with a mental illness; in Kentucky, 43% of adults report signs or symptoms of anxiety or depression across their lifespan. At the same time, suicide is a leading cause of preventable death in Kentucky for individuals aged 10-34, and those over the age of 59. Concern over the state of mental health and access to care was echoed in the Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment, where respondents listed “improved access to mental health and wellbeing resources” as one of the top 6 priority issues. Kentuckians are aware of their need for knowledge and skills to recognize and respond to a mental health challenge, whether it be their own or to help someone else, and the ability to advocate for more mental health resources in all areas of the state. Cooperative Extension is poised with the research and evidence-based resources needed to serve as a beacon of hope in times of distress through our ability to help overcome stigma, connect people to care, and amplify the voices of many to advocate for better quality of life for all. Youth Focus Kentucky’s youth population deserves safe and nurturing environments that foster their growth and wellbeing. Unfortunately, mental health challenges affect a significant portion of our youth, with 17% of those aged 6-17 experiencing mental health disorders, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (2023), and only 50% receiving treatment. The impact is profound, with one person in the U.S. dying by suicide every 11 minutes, and in Kentucky alone, 800 lives were lost to suicide in 2022. Recognizing the urgency, the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service’s 2019 and 2023 statewide programming issue surveys highlighted mental health and wellbeing as priority areas. Nationally, 45% of 4-H participants reported high stress in a 2023 survey by 4-H.org. The University of Kentucky Community Needs Assessment (2023) indicates priorities of improve access to mental health and wellbeing resources, minimizing bullying and/or school violence, stronger parenting and relationship-building skills, and social, emotional, and/or behavioral education for adults working with youth. To address these concerns, the 4-H Program provides evidence-based educational programs focused on positive mental health and self-care, aiming to empower youth with decision-making and critical thinking skills, fostering resilience and overall wellbeing. By emphasizing mental health and offering targeted educational initiatives, we can create a brighter future for Kentucky’s youth.   Sustainability, Natural Resources and Wildlife Management, and Environment Ensuring the sustainability of Kentucky woodlands and natural resources, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, faces many challenges. Many landowners struggle to implement sustainable practices due to economic pressures, lack of access to technology, and workforce. The situation is exacerbated by development and the increasing demand for food, which often leads to the overuse of land and water resources, contributing to soil degradation, deforestation, and water scarcity. Kentucky is blessed with a rich array of natural resources, including vast forests, abundant waterways, and wildlife. With woodlands in each of the 120 counties and forest industries in 110 counties, Kentuckians in both rural and urban areas all derive benefits from woodlands. Hardwood forests cover 50% of Kentucky and 473,000 individuals own 88% of the 12.4 million forested acres in the state. Forests stimulate the Kentucky economy through employment and production to the tune of $13 billion annually and there are over 28,000 jobs in Kentucky’s forest sector. Forests provide recreational opportunities and are a powerful tool in efforts to promote sustainability and support native diversity. Wildlife management programs assist landowners through both urban and rural wildlife management and damage control initiatives. However, Kentucky’s forests and natural areas face growing risks. Threats are increasing as evidenced by some of the warmest and wettest years on record during the past decade and Kentucky is ranked as the ninth most vulnerable state in the country by long-term climate change impacts. Extreme weather events, such as the 2022 flooding in Eastern Kentucky are becoming more frequent and severe. In addition, a wide range of invasive species (including insects, pathogens, animals, and plants) can cause problems in woodlands, forests and other natural areas, threatening management and long-term sustainability. Kentucky’s Extension remains committed to developing adaptive management strategies for the critical issues facing the sustainability of farms, natural areas, and forests for today and in the future. Implementing soil and water conservation practices in both urban and rural watersheds is critical to the long-term sustainability of Kentucky’s natural resources. Youth Focus Educating youth about natural resources and environmental sciences is crucial for our future, as it empowers them to become proactive stewards of our planet. The Kentucky 4-H Youth Development Program aims to boost environmental literacy among youth, addressing a significant gap in environmental knowledge revealed by surveys from the Kentucky Environmental Education Council. America’s prosperity is inseparably linked to the health of our environment. A healthy environment is an essential component of the quality of life of humans and all living organisms (USDA, 2024). Optimistically, the National 4-H Council’s 2024 Index Survey found that 83% of youth enjoy science, 66% see it as a problem-solving tool, and 62% are interested in science-related careers. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension System’s 2023 assessment identified key priorities such as youth life skill training, workforce readiness, and promoting natural resource literacy. Through 4-H projects in natural resources and environmental sciences, young people develop life skills, learn responsibility, and gain knowledge about sustaining our natural resources through various projects and programs.

County Situation:

Martin County faces unique challenges and opportunities shaped by its demographic and economic profile. The county’s population is predominantly White/Caucasian (90%), with 10% representing all other ethnicities. Educational attainment reflects that while 78% of residents hold a high school diploma, only 10% have earned a bachelor’s degree, signaling an opportunity to strengthen post-secondary pathways and workforce readiness. Economically, the county experiences significant hardships, with 48% of families living below the poverty line and an average household income of $42,000. While homeownership is relatively high at 80%, with only 20% of the population renting at an affordable average rent of $441, the area continues to see a high rate of low-income housing needs, presenting ongoing concerns related to housing quality and stability. Technology access is moderate, with 86% of homes having a computer and 80% maintaining internet access. However, gaps remain in ensuring digital literacy and equitable access to online resources, especially important for education, employment, and access to essential services. Furthermore, Martin County has experienced a steady population decline since 2000, raising concerns about workforce sustainability, economic development, and community vitality. These factors, combined with mental health concerns often associated with economic stress and rural isolation, emphasize the importance of Extension programs focused on life and work skill development, food security, mental well-being, and sustainable use of natural resources. Through targeted initiatives, Cooperative Extension can play a vital role in addressing these pressing needs by equipping residents with critical skills, improving access to nutritious food, fostering mental resilience, and promoting stewardship of the county’s natural environment to support long-term community health and sustainability.

Long-Term Outcomes:

1. Program Participation Rates – Increased by 20%
2. Program Offerings – Increased by 50%
3.  Success in Graduated Families - 100%

Intermediate Outcomes:

1. Agent Partnership – Increase Multi Agent Programs by 50%
2. Increase Volunteer Led Programs – 2 Per Quarter
3.  Program Growth to Increase Staff Volume

Initial Outcomes:

Increase Program Participation with Cross County Partnerships Program Recruiting Efforts Identify Community Influencers to Build Program Growth Identify Community Strongholds – Local Businesses, Churches, Public Sporting Events, etc. to Host Additional Programs Updated Community Contacts List – Newsletter Distros, Email Distro, Mailing Lists, Program Attendees

Evaluation:

Outcome	Program Participation Rates – Increased by 20%
Indicator	Number of participants year over year
Method	Enrollment records, registration data, attendance sheets
Timeline	Annual (End of Fiscal Year)

 

Outcome	Program Offerings – Increased by 50%
Indicator	Total number of unique programs offered
Method	Program records, KERS Reporting
Timeline	Annual (End of Fiscal Year)

 

Outcome	Success in Graduated Families – 100%
Indicator	Percentage of program graduates meeting defined success criteria
Method	Follow-up surveys, interviews, case reviews, reporting
Timeline	Annual (End of Fiscal Year)

 

Outcome	Agent Partnership – Increase Multi-Agent Programs by 50%
Indicator	Number of programs involving multiple agents
Method	Program planning and delivery records, KERS Reporting
Timeline	Annual (End of Fiscal Year)

 

Outcome	Increase Volunteer Led Programs – 2 Per Quarter
Indicator	Number of volunteer-led programs implemented
Method	Volunteer reports, program tracking forms
Timeline	Quarterly

 

Outcome	Program Growth to Increase Staff Volume
Indicator	Documented need or justification for staff expansion
Method	Program participation data, workload analysis
Timeline	Annual (End of Fiscal Year)

 

Outcome	Increase Program Participation with Cross County Partnerships
Indicator	Number of programs co-hosted with other counties
Method	Event records, partnership agreements, KERS Reporting
Timeline	Annual (End of Fiscal Year)

 

Outcome	Program Recruiting Efforts
Indicator	Number of recruitment activities held and contacts made
Method	Recruitment logs, social media analytics, inquiries received
Timeline	Quarterly
Outcome	Identify Community Influencers to Build Program Growth
Indicator	List of identified influencers and their engagement
Method	Community contact database, meeting logs
Timeline	Quarterly

 

Outcome	Identify Community Strongholds (Local Businesses, Churches, Events)
Indicator	Number of programs hosted at community strongholds
Method	Program site records, event calendars
Timeline	Quarterly

 

Outcome	Updated Community Contacts List (Newsletter, Email, Mailing Lists)
Indicator	Accuracy and number of active contacts
Method	Distribution lists, email open rates, returned mail
Timeline	Quarterly

Learning Opportunities:

Audience	Youth (Ages 4-17)
Project or Activity	The Reality Store / Life Smarts / P.R.E.P. (Professional Readiness & Employment Preparation
Content or Curriculum	Resume Writing, Interview Skills, Financial Literacy, Soft Skill Development, Workplace Communication, Budgeting, Money Management
Inputs	Extension Agents, Program Assistants, Local Workforce Partners, 4-H and Family & Consumer Sciences Resources, Community Volunteers, Local School Clubs, Local School Extra Curricular Organizations
Date(s)	Spring/Summer

 

Audience	Families (1+ Children) Below the Poverty Line ($42K Annual Household Income)
Project or Activity	Online Shopping and Budgeting, Food Safety and Nutrition Series, Food Preservation, Budget Meals and Dinners, Wild Game Cooking Demonstrations
Content or Curriculum	Safe Food Handling, Meal Planning on a Budget, Food Preservation Programs, Cooking Demonstrations, Marketplace Partnerships
Inputs	Extension Agents, Program Assistants, Local Workforce Partners, 4-H and Family & Consumer Sciences Resources, Community Volunteers, Local School Clubs, Local School Extra Curricular Organizations
Date(s)	Fall/Winter

 

Audience	Youth (4-H Members and General Youth Population), Landowners, Outdoor Enthusiasts
Project or Activity	"Conservation in Action" Natural Resources and Wildlife Education Program, Property and Habitat Sustainability, Wild Game Processing and Production
Content or Curriculum	Wildlife Management, Pollinator Habitat Development, Water and Soil Conservation, Responsible Outdoor Recreation, Meat Preservation, Foraging and Preservation
Inputs	Extension Agents, Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources, NRCS, Local and National Conservation Groups, Demonstration Sites
Date(s)	Fall/Winter

 

Audience	General Community Members, Parents, and Youth
Project or Activity	"Mind Matters" Mental Health Awareness and Coping Strategies Series
Content or Curriculum	Stress management, mindfulness techniques, identifying local resources, youth resiliency activities
Inputs	Extension agents, Local Mental Health Professionals, Partnerships with Schools and Community Organizations
Date(s)	Spring/Summer

 

Audience	Young Farmers Organization (Ages 18–35)
Project or Activity	"Building Sustainable Farm Businesses" Workshop Series
Content or Curriculum	Farm financial management, sustainable production practices, marketing strategies, natural resource stewardship, wildlife-friendly farming
Inputs	Extension agents, UK Cooperative Extension Agriculture & Natural Resources programs, local farm business owners, NRCS, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, demonstration farms
Date(s)	Summer/Fall

Evaluation:

Outcome	Program Participation Rates – Increased by 20%
Indicator	Number of participants year over year
Method	Enrollment records, registration data, attendance sheets
Timeline	Annual (End of Fiscal Year)

 

Outcome	Program Offerings – Increased by 50%
Indicator	Total number of unique programs offered
Method	Program records, KERS Reporting
Timeline	Annual (End of Fiscal Year)

 

Outcome	Success in Graduated Families – 100%
Indicator	Percentage of program graduates meeting defined success criteria
Method	Follow-up surveys, interviews, case reviews, reporting
Timeline	Annual (End of Fiscal Year)

 

Outcome	Agent Partnership – Increase Multi-Agent Programs by 50%
Indicator	Number of programs involving multiple agents
Method	Program planning and delivery records, KERS Reporting
Timeline	Annual (End of Fiscal Year)

 

Outcome	Increase Volunteer Led Programs – 2 Per Quarter
Indicator	Number of volunteer-led programs implemented
Method	Volunteer reports, program tracking forms
Timeline	Quarterly

 

Outcome	Program Growth to Increase Staff Volume
Indicator	Documented need or justification for staff expansion
Method	Program participation data, workload analysis
Timeline	Annual (End of Fiscal Year)

 

Outcome	Increase Program Participation with Cross County Partnerships
Indicator	Number of programs co-hosted with other counties
Method	Event records, partnership agreements, KERS Reporting
Timeline	Annual (End of Fiscal Year)

 

Outcome	Program Recruiting Efforts
Indicator	Number of recruitment activities held and contacts made
Method	Recruitment logs, social media analytics, inquiries received
Timeline	Quarterly
Outcome	Identify Community Influencers to Build Program Growth
Indicator	List of identified influencers and their engagement
Method	Community contact database, meeting logs
Timeline	Quarterly

 

Outcome	Identify Community Strongholds (Local Businesses, Churches, Events)
Indicator	Number of programs hosted at community strongholds
Method	Program site records, event calendars
Timeline	Quarterly

 

Outcome	Updated Community Contacts List (Newsletter, Email, Mailing Lists)
Indicator	Accuracy and number of active contacts
Method	Distribution lists, email open rates, returned mail
Timeline	Quarterly