Personal Growth and Leadership Development remains a very important part of our plan of work here at Leslie County Extension.  According to 2020 U.S. Census Bureau for Small Area and Income Poverty Estimates, 25.8% of Leslie County residents overall lived in poverty.  Most recent Census data also reveals a steady decline in population.  The need continues to build the volume of volunteer leaders and partners within Leslie County for sustaining growth in our community.   Providing adults and youth valuable skills and attitudes can break negative generational patterns and prepare them to assume leadership roles today and tomorrow.

  Many community needs are met through our active and engaged volunteers and leaders who work with Extension. Leslie County Extension has over 70 KEHA Homemakers ,2 master clothing volunteers and numerous other volunteers and partners who share their expertise, education, and volunteer time with youth and community. 

One group of individuals, Leslie County Extension Homemakers, have 2 active clubs meeting monthly; Hyden and Beechfork.  They have accomplished many educational and inspirational goals through their work with Leslie County Extension. Some are:

1.  Appalachian Cultural Arts Classes like basket weaving, wood project making, and seasonal arts
2.  Quilting various patterns, including Christmas in July, and many variations of the disappearing pinwheel.
3. Emergency Health Information Cards KEHA leader lesson
4. Continued community service for Flood disaster relief and support
5. Annual Post Secondary Scholarship for graduating senior
6. Library Box (take one leave one, promoting literacy)
7. Annual support and silent auction fundraiser for Ovarian Cancer Screenings
8. 60 Cultural Arts entries, last Fall of 2022
9. Annual County Homemaker Meeting & 2022 host for Quicksand Area Homemaker Meeting 

As Leslie County Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences Education, I have seen leaders begin and grow here in the Leslie County Extension Office. I am very proud of their dedicated service and work that continues here.