Success StoryEmpowering Community Leaders through the Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association



Empowering Community Leaders through the Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association

Author: Kelly May

Planning Unit: Family and Consumer Sciences

Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

The Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association (KEHA) has been working to improve the quality of life for families locally and globally for more than 90 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 program chairs and guided by an active board of directors.

After experiencing a drop in membership during the early COVID-19 pandemic, KEHA reported an increase in membership, now totaling more than 10,879 members. KEHA continues as an active volunteer organization. Members annually report more than 400,000 volunteer hours with a value of more than $9.4 million dollars to the Commonwealth.

KEHA continues to work cooperatively with the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service and Family and Consumer Sciences Extension to improve the quality of life for Kentucky families. Programs educate members and the general public on a wide range of topics of importance to individuals and families. 

Program of work reports from 2021 documented specific impacts from members across the state related to each of the eight educational programs of emphasis. Through Cultural Arts & Heritage, KEHA clubs and county organizations generated more the $8,500 to support KEHA and community projects through sales of cultural arts/crafts items. Through Environment, Housing & Energy, more than 660 members implemented landscaping practices to attract bees, birds or butterflies. More than 60,000 face masks, many of which were home sewn, were donated through KEHA Family & Individual Development work. KEHA clubs and county organizations provided more the $5,200 in 4-H camp scholarships through 4-H Youth Development. More than 1,800 members donated to a local food pantry to support Food, Nutrition and Health. Through the International program, KEHA counties and clubs implemented programs addressing 16 of 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. As part of Leadership Development, KEHA members/clubs reported more than 133,000 volunteer hours for community activities and events. And through Management and Safety, more than 1,200 members indicated they feel prepared to protect their money from fraud as a result of KEHA programming.






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