Describe the Issue or Situation.   

As outreach to underseved audiences of Scott County continues to be a goal of the Scott County Cooperative Extension Horticulture Program, effective community engagement and outreach is said to  take careful planning and acknowledgement that each population that we  (extension) work with is unique and offers us opportunities to broaden our understanding of what makes a community.The U.S. Department of Health Services describes Cultural competeance as "the ability of individuals and systems to respond respectfully and effectively to people of all cultures, classes, races, ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, and faiths or religions in a manner that recognizes, affirms, and values the worth of individuals, families, tribes, and communities, and protects and preserves the dignity of each.” 

Describe Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).

This year, annual  Wreathmaking classes were used  to reach underserved audiences across the county. Research shows  horticulture activities can be used to reach all audiences as plants are non-discriminating and non-threatening, and anyone can be successful utilizing this medium. The agent sought to partner with with diverse organizations and agencies such as the Scott County Parks and Recreation Program, the Ed Davis Learning Center, the Boston Community Memorial Park intitiative, Scott County Public Library and  the other usual areas such as the newsletter, flyers, local newspaper  to anme a few.

 Also children wer welcome to this traditonally adult program, making it easier formany Mom's of young children to attend, as well as participants who are caretakers for their elderly relatives. Program changes were made to meet the competancy level in this hands on activity, 

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.

All citizens of Scott County were targeted, along with increased effort with the groups mentioned above. More classes in 2024 along with differing times (morning classes, afternoon clasess, eveing classes and weekend) were added to reach under served , at risk audiences and youth.  Offering the classes in different locations were considerd, but by nature of the larageness of the wreath making machines, and supplies needed, classes were held at the Scott County Cooperative Extension facility. 

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. 

One hundred and two participants were recorded with significant increase in underserved audiences as 11 partiicpipants who identified themselves as black on class sign sheets attended, as well as participants of Mary’s Safe Haven Transitional Housing for women recovering from substance misuse  attended, and   There was an increas in the general public iattendance as well Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.