Author: Heather Toombs
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
36.6% of KY adults have a Body Mass Index of 30 or higher compared to the national average of 31.9%. Kentucky is the least healthy state in the U.S additionally, the prevalence of inactivity is higher in females 65 and older.Move Your Way was selected by the Kentucky Homemakers as a Leadership lesson that a Family Consumer Science Agent would teach to Club leaders, who would, in turn, bring information and teach to their clubs. Concepts taught were the benefits of physical activity.
Author: Kelly May
The 2nd KEHA Leadership academy was held in March 1-3, 2023, with 20 attendees from 18 different counties, 6 committee members, 2 UK Extension advisors, and 11 different presenters. KEHA’s goal for the academy is to strengthen leadership skills for emerging leaders within the organization and increase the pool of leaders available to hold county, area, and state level elected and appointed positions. The KEHA state board budgeted $10,000 to help fund the academy,
The Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association (KEHA) has been working to improve the quality of life for families locally and globally for more than 91 years through leadership development, volunteer service and education. Cooperative Extension professionals partner with, provide research-based education for, and advise KEHA at the local and state level as members develop and implement educational programs and projects. The program of work for KEHA is organized under eight state educational prog
Author: Jennifer Bridge
In August of 2021, the Lincoln Trail Area Extension Homemakers conducted a SWOT analysis at their area meeting. This meeting consisted of county and club officers, chairmen, and members from each of the 8 counties in the Lincoln Trail Area. While many strengths of the Extension Homemakers organization were listed, weaknesses still arose. Lack of technology, fundraising, structure, size, and more were all listed as minor weaknesses. However, a few kept rising to the top – mentioned again an
Author: Ruth Chowning
According to the Corporation for National and Community Civic Engagement, volunteerism is the cornerstone of a strong nation. Building the capacity of volunteer leaders within counties is critical for the sustainability of a community infrastructure that supports long term commitment to strengthen families. To cultivate leadership in the Louisville Area, the Bullitt County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences developed an Area officer and chairman training for the Louisvil
Author: Sally Mineer
Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association Leadership Academy-The 2nd KEHA Leadership academy was held in March 2023 with 21 leaders, 6 committee members, 2 advisors attending and 11 different presenters. Thanks to the KEHA state board for budgeting $10,000 to help fund this academy. The board wants to build future leaders into their organization and the Extension system. Participants do pay a small registration fee but with the boards support it is an investment for their futur
Due to Covid and the loss of clubs, Oldham County Homemakers experienced a significant decrease in membership. There was a loss of 85 of their 141 members resulting in a 60% decrease. The Oldham County Family Consumer Science Agent worked with the Homemaker President on activities to increase membership. During Homemakers Week, a Meet-n-Greet was held. The FCS Agent planned programming that could potentially become a Homemakers club. There was a beginning Crochet class
Author: Kate Thompson
Building the capacity of volunteer leaders within counties is critical for the sustainability of a community infrastructure (Family and Consumer Science Extension, 2008). Extension Homemakers provide numerous opportunities for individuals to enhance leadership skills at club, county, and area levels. Leadership development is a strong emphasis and by-product of every Extension Homemaker activity and event. The development of leadership skills provides tools to enable individu
Author: Karen Denniston
Bourbon County Extension Homemakers broke their record and exceeded their goal by raising $3475 for the scholarship fund. They accomplished this through only one event - their Helping Hands Auction. The Bourbon County Helping Hands Auction originated in 2015. How does it work?· Homemakers or entire clubs pick a service (or item) that you are willing to share or teach another homemaker.· A list of auction donations is compiled and handed out at registration the nig
Author: Tiffany Bolinger
According to KEHA.org, the Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association (KEHA) is a volunteer organization that works to improve the quality of life for families and communities through leadership development, volunteer service, and education. The organization was developed in cooperation with the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. Across the state, County Family & Consumer Sciences Extension Agents work closely with KEHA members and clubs to provide educational programming a
Author: Hazel Jackson
Rockcastle County has 58 Homemaker members in four county clubs. Homemaker members are actively involved involunteer projects and community organizations. This year Homemaker clubs provided a total of $500 for 4-H Camp scholarships. 7 Homemaker members have served as volunteers for several 4-H programs this year. Clubs have provided 15 personal care kits for the local food pantry. Homemaker clubs joined together to provide t
Author: Edith Lovett
The problem Loneliness and social isolationThe educational program response participating in homemakers monthly for educational materials andsocialization.The participants/target audience..Open to everyoneOther partners (if applicable)..All are invited to be a partnerProgram impact or participant response. The Centers for Disease Control reports that 1 in 3 adults, age 45 and older, feel lonely. Loneliness and social isolation increase the risk of dementia,
Author: Sonya Carter
On September15, 2022 a Homemaker Recruitment Night was held at the Hart County extension office. Each club developed a poster or presentation to highlight what their club has been doing and the activities the club promotes. Cake, punch and finger foods were served. Members were encouraged to bring a guest and invite them to join Homemakers. The goal was to revive the Hardyville Homemakers Club. As a result of the recruitment night, 14 new members have joined Homemakers. Hardyvil
Author: Brenda Cockerham
Leadership is the key to solving problems and addressing issues. Leaders come and go, need replenishing, as well as opportunities to utilize skills and a chance to make a positive impact. Leaders are always in demand!Developing leaders can be achieved through multiple approaches; hands on learning, formal training, and opportunities made available through positions. Johnson County Extension FCS provides this multitude of platforms to help leaders thrive.The Johnson County Extension Homemake
Author: Kendyl Redding
Each year, the Bluegrass Area Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Agents come together to plan “Leader Lessons” for members to bring back to their individual clubs. Traditionally, agents would divide the lessons amongst each other and travel to each county during their selected month to facilitate a workshop on the topic chosen by the KEHA members. Due to the pandemic and staff shortages in the Bluegrass area this described traditional method became increasingly difficult to facilitat
Author: Kayla Lunsford
Garrard County is a relatively small and rural area, so sometimes getting the word out about Extension programming can be difficult. The COVID-19 pandemic put a particularly challenging strain on existing programming. The once thriving homemaker program, for instance, faced difficulties with maintaining meeting times, especially for vulnerable audiences such as senior citizens. As of September 2022, Garrard County had 30 homemaker members. One long-running group had somewhat dissipat
Author: Joni Phelps
Several resources are available that help consumers save money on transportation, lodging, and activities when planning for their next travel adventure. However, little information and resources are available for consumers related to saving money on meals, snacks, and drinks while traveling. Research estimates that people spend 25% of their travel budgets on food. Interestingly, effective strategies for reducing food costs while traveling may also result in more balanced and nutritious food and
Author: Maranda Brooks
The KEHA association is broken up between areas. The Bluegrass Area is made up of nine counties in central Kentucky: Scott, Harrison, Nicholas, Fayette, Bourbon, Clark, Madison, Estill, and Powell. The Bluegrass Area Homemaker Association has a membership of 1,876 as of January 2023.Each year, the Bluegrass Area Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Agents come together to plan “Leader Lessons” for members to bring back to their individual clubs. Club members vote on which lessons they
