The Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association (KEHA) has been working to improve the quality of life for families locally and globally for more than 91 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.

KEHA reported a continued increase in membership since the COVID-19 pandemic drop. Membership in 2023 totals 11,229. KEHA continues as an active volunteer organization. Members annually report more than 500,000 volunteer hours with a value of more than $13.4 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 2022 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 than $26,400 to support KEHA and community projects through sales of cultural arts and crafts items. Through Environment, Housing & Energy, more than 2,100 members implemented landscaping practices to attract bees, birds, or butterflies. About 1,064 participants were reached through the Nurturing Aging program through KEHA Family & Individual Development work. KEHA clubs and county organizations provided more than $12,200 in 4-H camp scholarships. More than 1,900 members bought fresh foods at a local farmers’ market through the encouragement of Food, Nutrition and Health. Through the International program, KEHA counties and clubs raised $4,324 for Coins for Change. As part of Leadership Development, KEHA members and clubs reported more than 163,600 volunteer hours for community activities and events. And through Management and Safety, more than 1,800 members indicated they feel prepared to protect their money from fraud as a result of KEHA programming.

The organization’s 89^th annual State Meeting was a success, taking place May 9-11, 2023, in Louisville. More than 430 attendees from across the state, including 95 first-time participants, took part in the three-day meeting celebrating the theme “Let’s Take a Hike with KEHA.” During the event, KEHA presented a check for $40,966.57 in continued support for the UK Ovarian Cancer Research and Screening Program. Three fundraising activities conducted as part of the meeting yielded more than $6,631 to support designated projects. This year the homemakers participated in a service project benefitting the Center for Courageous Kids in Scottsville. At least 15 counties donated more than 60 twin-sized bed quilts, many of them handmade. The KEHA choir performed seven songs, including one with lyrics written as a tribute to county Family and Consumer Sciences agents. And, the popular Cultural Arts and Heritage contest included around 700 entries that meeting attendees could view and enjoy.