One of the roles of the Gallatin County Extension Family & Consumer Sciences Agent (FCS) is performing the role of the Advisor to the Gallatin County Homemakers.  As the Advisor, the FCS Agent works in tandem with the Homemakers on various community classes, programs and community events focusing on leadership development and engagement.   The Gallatin County Extension Homemakers, along with their Advisor, Ronda Rex, create, conduct and facilitate such programs and events as:  

1.  The Peony Festival 5K Fun Run/Walk Homemaker Fundraiser (20 community partners for 2024 event) Warsaw Police and Gallatin Emergency Responders
2.  Holiday Treasure Hunters Fundraiser (Gallatin County church community partner)
3. Gallatin Count Cultural Arts Event 
4. Gallatin County Open Class Exhibits Event for the Gallatin County Fair (Gallatin County Fair)
5. Gallatin County Homemakers Ice Cream Social (Gallatin County Judge and Magistrates
6. Gallatin County Chocolate Crawl (Tourism Event) (Gallatin County Tourism)
7. Fisher House Veterans’ Facility
8. Gallatin Nursing and Rehab
9. Gallatin County Food Pantry and Church Pantries

Ronda came to the county as the FCS Agent/Homemaker Advisor in 2022 and over the past two years, she has been teaching the Homemakers how to operate their organization using their By-Laws.  A By-Laws committee was formed, and the organization’s policies were updated to make sure they operate more efficiently and for fairness and equality.  A nominating Committee was created to accurately select the most qualified candidates for the County Officers open positions.  This year, there are three new officers who are learning new leadership roles and carrying out the organization’s mission and duties.  

Ronda has also been teaching them how to properly conduct and report their Volunteer Service Units (VSU’s) or hours.  During the “Homemaker year,” the Gallatin County Homemakers have given numerous hours to the community of Gallatin County.  Last year (2022-2023) the total number of hours volunteer was 8,255.  This year (2023-2024) the total number of hours volunteered was 13,606.25.   According to the Independent Sector (http://independentsector.org), the latest value of a volunteer service hour is $33.49 which is a 5.3% increase from the previous year.  With that being said, the estimated value given by the Gallatin County Homemakers in the year 2023-2024 is $455,673.31.  

Gallatin County Homemakers make a difference with their VSU’s and in their fundraising efforts.  The Peony Festival 5K Fun Run Walk raises $1000.00 each year for a graduating Gallatin County High School senior.  And the Holiday Treasure Hunters Event raises $300.00--$500.00 each year to support other community needs.  The Homemakers continue work collaboratively to make a difference for Veterans in the N KY and Greater Cincinnati Area by collecting donations (monetary and resources) for the Fisher House, located in Cincinnati.