Building the volume of volunteer leaders and partners within Leslie County is critical for the sustainability and growth of our community. Current Census data showing a steady decline in population and escalating poverty of over 32% is cause for great concern.  Providing youth and adults valuable skills and attitudes can break negative generational patterns and prepare them to assume leadership roles both today and tomorrow.

Kentucky Extension Homemakers work to improve the quality of life for their families and communities through learning, leadership development, volunteer service and education.  Leslie County Extension Homemakers have reached a membership of 68, so far for 2021.  They are active and involved with the Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association at the Quicksand Area and State level. Locally they submitted 49 cultural art entries and 39 competed at The Quicksand Area level, with 38 earning blue ribbons to travel on to the State level in May 2022.

 Leslie County Extension Homemakers serve our community in many ways. The COVID-19 Pandemic brought challenges for needed personal protective equipment. Leslie County Extension Homemakers stepped up to the plate constructing over 1,500 masks.  Also, Leslie County Extension Homemaker Post-Secondary Scholarship fund gives annually to a local Leslie County High School graduating senior.   Leslie County Extension has 2 master clothing volunteer homemakers, and other homemakers, who through their extensive leadership development provide youth and adult educational programs filled with cultural arts like, sewing, needlework, basket weaving, and more.  

It may sound familiar that many believe in the Kentucky Homemaker as alert, diligent community leaders, responsible for passing on to others, mastered skill and knowledge-- in the fellowship that comes through the homemakers’ organization—the exchange of ideas and the joy of knowledge shared with others, thus broadening the lives of many!  For Leslie County Extension Homemakers, I am both grateful and thankful!