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 dissipated leaving only one other active group in the county and several mailbox members.

One of the goals of the Family and Consumer Sciences Program this year has been to continually build up and support the Homemakers Program and to generate new interest.  Through continued programming efforts, the Homemakers group has grown considerably.  This has been accomplished in several ways: Continual advertisement for Homemakers in the monthly FCS newsletter, advertisement in the local newspaper, and programming meant to draw in new crowds while also celebrating existing homemakers. These programs included a Holiday Seminar focused on saving money which had over 60 people in attendance and a Homemaker’s Welcome Reception which provided education on the Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association and its historic ties to Extension and served as communal meeting for homemakers, new and old. Lastly, a new homemaker club was recently formed and brought in new members as well.  As of March 2023, the homemaker program has more than doubled. Garrard County now has 63 paid homemaker members. This is a talented and wonderful group of homemakers, and hopefully even more will join in the future!