In 2021 the Lincoln Trail Area FCS agents hosted an educational program to support the Extension Homemakers in the counties of Breckinridge, Grayson, Hardin, Larue, Meade, Nelson, and Washington.   The program was developed due to the pandemic and the need to reflect and recharge the Homemakers was identified, the program allowed the group to focus on their strengths to overcome threats to decreasing membership and other challenges facing the organization. Due to the great participation and in-depth discussions, the program returned in 2022 with the theme of making a good impression with new members and community stakeholders. In August of 2023, the program was once again presented for the third year with the focus on Homemakers making an educational impact in their communities.

Fifty Homemakers attended the event that was hosted centrally in Hardin County. The participants were currently serving as educational lesson leaders, club and county officers and educational chairman.   The area FCS Extension agents provided materials outlining the KEHA chairmanships’ plans of work, the annual impact report forms, and specialized program planning documents. Also, the participants were welcomed with a trail mix refreshment bar and incentives to reinforce the 2023-24 KEHA leadership outdoor adventure hiking theme.

The volunteer leaders participated in two educational presentations; a financial scams and fraud prevention program presented by the KY Attorney General’s office and the Bingocize physical activity lesson presented by the FCS staff.  Following the presentations, the Homemakers were led in a discussion of how these programs could be shared locally in their counties and how the impact could be measured with the annual KEHA Management report and the Food Nutrition and Health report. The program concluded with a third session of a group activity to plan an educational program based on a scenario relating to the KEHA chairmanships with given parameters such as county vs. area program, a budget for their event and a topic to teach. Groups had the opportunity to report back on their proposed programs, so others could gain ideas and planning suggestions for serving as an educational chairman at the club, county and/or area level.   

A total of thirty-nine post program surveys were completed. With the surveys, 67% of the participants reported an increase in the level of understanding for the purpose of the educational chairmanships and 70% gained a better understanding of the duties of the KEHA chairmanships.  Also, 85% reported they will use what they learned to fulfill a leadership role as an officer, chairman or lesson leader at the club, county, or area level during the 2023-24 program year.  

This annual Kick-Off event has evolved to meet the needs of an organization that is diligently working to positively impact local communities.  Members can network across county lines while building excitement for a new program year of improving the quality of life for families and communities through leadership development, volunteer service and education.