Fayette County Family and Consumer Sciences Agents coordinate and teach a series of special interest classes with the help of volunteers, Master Clothing Volunteer, Campion Food volunteers and other community partners. These classes have been conducted for many years. Many of these special interest classes attract residents of the county that are not familiar with the services Extension offers and introduces them to opportunities to become leaders and participate in civic projects or even get involved with the current “master” programs in extension.

During 2017-18, the Fayette County FCS program offered a series of textile construction, quilting classes, needlework, knitting, crocheting, basket making, crafting, paper crafting, jewelry making and antique classes. Over 300 people have been involved in the classes over the last two years. Individuals attended the special interest classes with 60% attending more than one workshop. 

Those who attended stated that they wanted to learn or improve a skill and engage in social networking. Over 50% reported that thru the classes they not only learned new skills and made new friends, but that they often felt better and had much better moods. One participant told us that her doctor told her that “whatever she was doing she should continue because her blood pressure was better than it had been in years”.  As a result of these programs we have gained new Extension District Board members, Extension Council members/ officers,  and new Extension Homemaker club members/leaders, multiple volunteers for various programs such as Champion Food Volunteers, Master Clothing Volunteers and many others.