Success StoryRising to the Occasion



Rising to the Occasion

Author: Jacqui Denegri

Planning Unit: Fayette County CES

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

Outcome: Initial Outcome

During the 2021 program year the Fayette County Nutrition Education Program Senior Assistant began working with the Goodwill RISE (Reintegrating Individuals Successfully Every Day) Program. Together they offered virtual classes using Zoom meetings as well as the Healthy Choices for Everybody curriculum to teach life skills and employment skills to individuals with disabilities or other employment disadvantages. Throughout the 2 week course the students focused on the importance of a healthy diet and exercise, as well as safe food handling and preparation. Their progress was tracked by surveys completed at the first and last class by participants in which they report on their food and exercise habits over the past several days.

Upon completion of the program 75% of participants reported an improvement in one or more areas regarding their physical activity, including working out 30 minutes a day, doing strength training exercises and making small changes to be more active. Additionally, 69% of participants showed an improvement in their food safety practices, including hand washing and knowing safe food temperatures. The skills and information learned during these classes will aid them in future employment as well as in their journey to self-reliance.






Stories by Jacqui Denegri


Fighting Food Insecurity with Education

about 1 years ago by Jacqui Denegri

In 2023 the senior program assistant for the Fayette County Nutrition Education Program began workin... Read More


Keeping Produce Popular in Kentucky Schools

about 1 years ago by Jacqui Denegri

According to a 2011 National Academy of Sciences report, while needing 2 cups offiuit and 3 cups of ... Read More


Stories by Fayette County CES


Planning Ahead: Estate Planning and Financial Education Building Toolkit series

Planning Ahead: Estate Planning and Financial Education Building Toolkit series

about 3 months ago by Maranda Brooks

Research suggests that more than 50% of Americans think estate planning is important, but only 33% h... Read More


Take a Load off Laundry Workshop w/ MCV for SAFY and Voices of Hope

Take a Load off Laundry Workshop w/ MCV for SAFY and Voices of Hope

about 4 months ago by Maranda Brooks

The World Health Organization defines life skills as “the abilities for adaptive and positive behavi... Read More