The Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association (KEHA) distinguishes itself from other traditional “women’s clubs” by its goal to provide regular educational programs to its membership. Traditionally, this has been done through monthly trainings taught by county extension agents in the area. As membership decreases, along with interest in attending these traditional leader trainings, the N. KY. Area Family and Consumer Sciences Agents, along with the N. KY. Area Homemaker council embarked on a new way to pass on our important educational information.

            The “Healthy Homemaker” series was developed by the KEHA ballot and presented to the homemakers as their educational lessons - but with a new flair. Agents and members determined that by teaching these 13 lessons in 2 larger, area wide seminars that we could offer a variety of topics, plus secure local “experts” to help us with more in-depth topics such as women and heart disease, and depression. Special health screenings were also included. These 2 seminars allowed us to cover topics recommended by the state board, and of interest our area council, and local membership. Response was fantastic, with over 120 attending each of the two seminars (one held in August during the evening and the other held in January during the daytime). Nearly 250 attendees for both of these seminars were larger numbers than the FCS agents had reached in total through local county visits. 

            Not only were the numbers large, but evaluation results were great. Evaluations were given to participants at the end of each seminar. In addition, a mail out evaluation was sent to the fall program participants 4 months later. As a result of the cardiovascular screening, one participant was alerted to a potential problem and had a vascular procedure 8 days later. In addition, 75% of participants had taken steps to prevent a heart attack, and 67% made one or more lifestyle change for the purpose of improving their health since the workshop. 

The Kenton County Family and Consumer Sciences Agents taught the session on the importance of humor in your life. Research has shown that humor is an often-forgotten piece of the puzzle in supporting social and emotional development, as well as interpersonal competence.  Participants were given a monthly “humor” book assembled by the agent with short, humorous quotes and stories to share at their homemaker club meetings. Follow up evaluations found that 91% of participants could identify and understand the health benefits of laughter, and 79% made an effort to create opportunities for laughter. 84% also noted that when faced with some difficulties or stress, they look for humor to help relieve the situation.  

Many general comments were made on this new training concept and utilizing the local experts. “Very efficient way to present lessons”, “I love doing our trainings this way”, and “….enjoyed the different voices-sometimes we can get tuned out when the same people tell us the information”. With the success of this way of presenting information, the N. KY. Area is planning two different sessions again during the 2018-19 homemaker year.