Author: Melissa Goodman
Major Program: Securing Financial Stability (general)
After seeing statistics of how poorly college students were prepared for the real world of, "#Adulting," the Hickman County Family and Consumer Sciences Program decided to facilitate a two day workshop based on the Hardin County FCS model to begin to address the issue. Topics like what is credit, how to sew on a button, how to plan a budget, how to cook basic meals, how to change a tire and check fluids, how to do use table manners and more were addressed. The 2 day program was taught
The Good Credit Game – Hickman/Carlisle Counties (2018) Credit is an integral part of our society, but unfortunately many people do not understand how credit scores and credit reports can affect our day-to-day lives. What goes on a credit report, how that report becomes a credit score and what behaviors can improve or lower that score is often a mystery to most people. Credit impacts the lives of many people regardless of age, education, and financial means. To addres
Author: Tamera Magee
The Franklin Co. FCS program hosted an entrepreneurial brunch, presentation, and panel discussion to provide women with a format to find out what it takes to see their business idea grow from start-up to flourishing. In addition to the brunch, women were able to network with other women, gain educational knowledge from local women and outside of the county. The program included a very timely and inspiring portrayal of Kentucky's own Nancy Green entitled: Being Aunt Jemima, the Pa
Author: Linda Brown-Price
As the baby boomer generation reaches retirement age and begins preparing to retire early or face retirement, most face critical financial struggles and need to make life-altering decisions regarding their financial future. Questions arise concerning estate planning, when to begin social security benefits, and investment issues. The Kenton County Extension Office, Kentucky State Area Specialist, collaborated with subject matter experts to present up-to-date information on these topics.Sixty-thre
Author: Judith O'Bryan
Many families struggle each year with their finances and back to school season can be a real hardship for families that are barely managing to pay their bills. In order to help these families First Baptist Church of London started a “free-for-all.” For four hours on a Sunday afternoon and evening, families were invited to the church to take advantage of free school supplies, free haircuts, free dental care and more. The Family and Consumer Sciences Agent was contact
Author: Leslie Workman
The Pike County Extension Service has been collaborating with Sandy Valley Habitat for Humanity since 1996 in many different facets. By providing Family & Consumer Sciences programming to families during the Jimmy Carter Blitz Build of 1997, new homeowners were trained on essentials like understanding mortgages, laundry and home care, weatherproofing and household budgeting. That project alone housed over 20 families and began a stable foundation for Habitat for Humanit
Author: Kelli Bonifer
According to the Consumer Expenditure Survey, in 2016 American families spent an average of $7,230 on food; 44% was spent on food that was eaten away from home. Using an electric pressure cooker allows home cooks to prepare healthy meals quickly and could reduce the amount of money spent on food eaten away from home.Many electric pressure cookers function as a rice cooker, an electric skillet, a yogurt maker, a steamer and a slow cooker in addition to an electric pressure cooker. There
Author: Thays Flores
Over the last five years library programs per capita have grown at a rate of 6.3%. People are not viewing libraries as just a place for books anymore. Libraries are now offering more programs of all sorts, whether they be technology programs, or small business centers, to virtual access to e-books and digital materials. For this reason, the Estill County FCS agent and the library collaborated to bring a program called Crafternoons at the library. The lessons taught at these programs vary dependi
Author: Diana Doggett
Financial Goal SettingFinancial goal setting is often considered to be one of the keys to developing financial security. Research indicates that people who set goals are more successful financially.Planning a goal vision board is a helpful way to provide clarity and focus to written financial goals. Fayette County Family and Consumer Sciences Extension taught goal setting using SMART (Specific, Measureable, Attainable, Relevant, Timed) goal components to Central KY county extension audiences tot
Author: Alethea Price
In the current economy, financial stability is important. That stability rests with families securing and managing their basic human needs of food, clothing, and shelter. Increasing buying power with wise consumer decision-making, avoiding pitfalls of overextended credit, developing saving habits, and managing financial risks are topics taught by Family and Consumer Sciences Extension.Where Does Your Money Go? curriculum was offered to individuals in a recovery program through the Shepherd
Author: Deborah Messenger
Financial and health outcomes have often been used as indicators for child well-being and potential. Children are more likely to succeed when they are surrounded my families who are financially secure; however, the state of Kentucky consistently ranks in the bottom 20% of states, with children living in families with incomes at or above the poverty line. Research continuously has linked financial security with child’s health safety. For example, children from low-income families are often
Author: Dayna Fentress
In a survey of top leaders and elected officials in Hardin County, they were asked about the top 3 issues they believe Hardin County is and will continue to face in the future. Consistently, workforce development was listed. It was unanimous after discussion that workforce development is our top concern. We have a large number of industry jobs available, with no seemingly willing candidates to take them.In a further discussion with leaders and hiring managers, it was brought to our attention tha
Author: Alivia Faris
Technology Skills ClassesAccording to the 2017 Internet Crime Report by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Kentucky is reported as being 29th (out of the 50 United States and U.S. Territories) in the number of reported cybercrime victims. This resulted in an estimated loss of $7,220,342 for Kentucky residence. This information, along with the frequency of request by local community members to host a class that explained technology applications in day- to-day life began the collaboration fo
Author: Amanda Broderick
It seems like we are all in a hurry to get out the door in the morning, so for many individuals making your lunch for the day may not fit into their already crunched morning routine. This leads to people turning to fast food for what seems like a quick and cheap lunch option. While it may be quick, it certainly isn’t healthy and it especially isn't cheaper. It’s been estimated that the average American spends approximately $1,200 on fast food annually- so those dollar menu deals
Author: Audrey Myers
Consumer Fraud is a continuing problem nationwide. In 2014, the Consumer Sentinel Network received over 2.5 million complaints, not including unwanted phone calls. Identity theft remains the No. 1 consumer complaint area; 13 percent of all consumer complaints were related to identity theft. To educate our communities, the Lake Cumberland Area Extension Agents for Family and Consumer Sciences, asked the Attorney General, Andy Beshear to present an educational program to the Lake Cumberland Extens
Consumer Fraud is a continuing problem nationwide. In 2014, the Consumer Sentinel Network received over 2.5 million complaints, not including unwanted phone calls. Identity theft remains the No. 1 consumer complaint area; 13 percent of all consumer complaints were related to identity theft. To educate our communities, the Lake Cumberland Area Extension Agents for Family and Consumer Sciences, asked the Attorney General, Andy Beshear to present an educational program. Over 100 people attended. A
Author: Morgan Rousseau
Livingston County Family and Consumer Sciences Extension partnered with the Grand Rivers Chamber of Commerce and Kentucky Career Center to host a Spring Job Fair. Thirteen local employers were on sight recruiting new employees to fill 200 job vacancies. These thirteen employers represent 10 career pathway sectors and had jobs available for persons 16 years of age and older. There were 57 job seekers in attendance, with 48 of those applying for one or more jobs on-site. Through an informal
Author: Jennifer Bridge
One of the needs identified by the Meade County Extension Homemakers Council related to scams targeting the elderly. Unfortunately, a couple of members had experiences which resulted in a loss of valuable funds. To address the issue, the council management and safety chairman worked with the extension family and consumer sciences agent to address to topic. After discussing various avenues it was determined one of the most accurate ways to educate consumers was to secure a speak
