The problem 

 According to the National Institute of Health (2023), volunteering provides clear health benefits for the volunteer.  It also provides clear economic benefits to organizations and acts as a bridge of welfare services to derived communities.

The educational program response 

Rockcastle County Extension Homemakers has 80 members in 4 Homemaker clubs.  Club meetings are led by officers.   Each club has been actively promoting volunteerism and they have helped to fill needs within the larger community. 

The participants/target audience

Other partners (if applicable)

Program impact or participant response. 

 In a project led by a member, small quilts, soft sheets and blankets were made for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at UK Hospital.  With sensitive and easily injured skin of premature babies, soft blankets are necessary for their comfort.  The project has given 124 small quilts, 79 sheets and 45 coverlets and blankets to UK NICU to be used with the babies in the hospital.

4-H programs have always been a favorite project for our Homemaker clubs.  3 clubs donated $630 for 4-H camp scholarships this summer.  This provided 10 1/2  total scholarships for youth to attend camp.  A quilt club member has also donated a full sized quilt to help with fundraising for the shooting sports program.

The Quail Community club has given much time and energy to maintaining their park and community building for use by their neighbors.  Through an agreement with the county, lawncare and mowing is provided as well as some building repairs.  Club members schedule the building use and see to day-to-day maintenance. 

This year clubs have short-term projects:  providing needs to the homeless shelter; supporting the community wide Thanksgiving dinner for the needy,

backpack program for students.