The problem

The Kentucky Master Clothing Volunteer Program is an outgrowth of volunteer interest and concern for a longtime Extension program (sewing).  Quicksand Area in our East Kentucky Region currently has nine active Master Clothing Volunteers.

The program was founded on and continues to function around four major program goals:

1. To reach, teach and involve community clientele to affect behavior change and improve family living.
2. To provide in-depth ongoing educational opportunities for volunteers enrolled in the program.
3. To train volunteers who can help local Cooperative Extension professionals with planning, implementing, and evaluating educational  programs in clothing.
4. To expand current educational offerings and increase outreach opportunities to clientele.

The educational program response

Master Clothing Volunteers in each county work closely with their Extension Agents planning and teaching a variety of sewing activities.  Annually, Quicksand Area Master Clothing Volunteers prepare and teach Come Sew with Us, a sewing program offered to all Quicksand Area clientele.   2023 Come Sew with Us was held during June at Perry and Wolfe County Extension Offices.  Each Master Clothing Volunteer plans, prepares and teaches 3 sessions at each location supported by their FCS Agents. Each county advertises and promotes the program for their communities in newsletters, social media, and in-person.  

The participants/target audience

Participants range from beginner sewers to advanced. 

Other partners (if applicable)

Quicksand Area Agents and Master Clothing Volunteers

Program impact or participant response.

Evaluations revealed 89% of participants learned a new skill taught during Come Sew with Us, 90% indicated they plan to use their new skills at home, 30% indicated they will use the skill learned to make items to sell and 80% said they would like to see more sewing programs offered.

Our nine Quicksand Area Master Clothing Volunteers reported on their yearly report form the following data totals:

•    Total Contacts: 2,351

•    Teaching and Preparation hours: 767

•    Continuing Education hours:  543

•    Leadership and Service hours: 117

Volunteer service hours have an approximate value of $30.00 per hour.  Quicksand Area Master Clothing Volunteers have contributed volunteer services valued at $42,810.00 for their Cooperative Extension Service communities and clientele.

Learning, leading and teaching new skills to enrich and improve family lives and make our communities stronger is a valuable service provided by our Master Clothing Volunteer Program.