The Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association (KEHA) is a volunteer organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for families and communities through leadership development, volunteer service, and education.   As a grassroots organization, KEHA has a rich history of community involvement and service.  KEHA members work closely with Extension Agents for Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) to plan, provide, and attend leadership, volunteer, and educational events. Yet, the mission of KEHA has not been examined among members to confirm if they think participation in KEHA  enhances a sense of leadership, learning, and volunteerism.

As a result, the Todd County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences worked with the Extension Specialist for Adult Development and Aging to develop a survey to better understand the experience of KEHA members with the mission of KEHA—leadership, learning, and volunteerism. Because research confirms that a sense of belonging to a group can enhance life quality by creating opportunity for social connection and support (Berg-Weger & Morley, 2020; Fancourt & Steptoe, 2017; Franke, Sims-Gould, Nettlefold, Ottoni, & McKay, 2021; O’Rourke, Collins & Sidani, 2018; Suragarn, Hain, & Pfaff, 2021), the survey also asked questions related to social connection. After developed, the survey was distributed to 722 members of KEHA in the nine counties of the Pennyrile Area; 238 (33%) returned the survey.

The data was analyzed using Qualtrics and showed the following ways KEHA members interpret their interaction with the organization and opportunities the organization provides:

Leadership: 78% agreed serving as a club leader, chairman, and/or officer in KEHA/Homemakers strengthened their leadership skills; 63% agreed being a member of KEHA/Homemakers increased their leadership skills; 81% agreed that teaching lessons to fellow homemaker members improved their leadership skills; and 63% agreed that attending leadership training or opportunities provided by county, area, or state Extension organizations also strengthened their leadership skills.

Education: 90% agreed being a member of KEHA/Homemakers provided them with educational opportunities in family and consumer sciences; 87% agreed being a member of KEHA/Homemakers improved their knowledge of family and consumer sciences; and 79% agreed their skills in the area of family and consumer sciences have improved as a result of being a member of KEHA/Homemakers and participating in educational programs. Members reported: 73% improved their health; 66% increased their level of physical activity; 81% improved their appreciation for the arts; 78% prepare more healthy home-cooked meals; 69% had made a sound financial decision; 79% had taken steps to make their home safer and prevent falls; 81% better understood the importance of caregiving across the lifespan; and 77% increased the level of understanding in the area of clothing and textiles.

Volunteerism:  Sixty-one percent said they participated in volunteer service projects through KEHA/Homemakers. Eighty-five percent agreed being a member of KEHA/Homemakers has made them more aware of community, state, national, and international service projects; and 76% agreed that volunteering through KEHA/Homemakers gives them a greater sense of life satisfaction.

Social Connection: Members reported staying socially connected through local newsletters, club meetings, phone calls, text messages, Facebook, and Council Meetings. Eighty-three percent agreed that membership in KEHA/Homemakers made them feel less socially isolated; 87% said other members from KEHA/Homemakers reached out to them (e.g., with friendship, emotional support, encouragements, mentorship, etc.); 89% agreed membership in KEHA/Homemakers helped them feel more connected to people; 85% agreed being a member of KEHA/Homemakers added to their overall social well-being; 85% agreed membership in KEHA/Homemakers helped them feel more connected to their community; 67% agreed the KEHA/Homemaker goals and mission provided them with a purpose. When asked how KEHA/Homemakers helped improve social well-being, one member said: “Just being with people. Having conversations—stimulates the mind. Being alone is not good for our mind or body.”

Overall, members perceive their leadership skills are strengthened through opportunities provided by KEHA/Homemakers. Members also gained knowledge and/or skills in the discipline of Family and Consumer Sciences because of educational opportunities. They are more aware of community, state, national, and international service projects; and the mission of KEHA/Homemakers (leadership, volunteerism, education) provides them with a purpose. The study also supports that a sense of belonging to a group can enhance life quality by creating opportunity for social connection and support.