Homemakers Strengthen Skills and Social Connections through KEHA Membership

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 Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) agents to plan, provide, and attend leadership, volunteer, and educational opportunities. 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 developed 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, the survey also asked questions related to social connection. After developed, the survey was distributed to 722 members of KEHA (Homemakers) in the nine counties of the Pennyrile Area; 238 (33%) returned the survey.

The data was analyzed using Qualtrics and showed the following ways Homemaker 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 Homemakers strengthened their leadership skills and 81% agreed that teaching lessons to fellow homemaker members improved their leadership skills.

Education: 90% agreed being a member of Homemakers provided them with educational opportunities in 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 Homemakers and participating in educational programs.

Volunteerism: 85% agreed being a member of Homemakers has made them more aware of community, state, national, and international service projects; and 76% agreed that volunteering through Homemakers gives them a greater sense of life satisfaction.

Social Connection: 84% percent agreed that membership in Homemakers made them feel less socially isolated; 89% agreed membership in Homemakers helped them feel more connected to people; and 85% agreed being a member of Homemakers added to their overall social well-being. When asked how 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, they gained knowledge and/or skills in the discipline of Family and Consumer Sciences because of educational opportunities, are more aware of community, state, national, and international service projects, and that Homemakers makes them feel more socially connected.