Abraham H. Maslow introduced the concept of a hierarchy of needs back in 1943. The hierarchy suggests that people are motivated to fulfill their basic physiological needs, before proceeding through rising levels of need – safety and security, love/belonging, self-esteem, to self- actualization. 4-H Home Environment projects nurture the fulfillment of these needs with the home. 

The Henry County Cooperative Extension Service helps fulfill these needs through 4-H Project Clubs offered afterschool. The following clubs meet monthly during the school calendar: beginning cooking, advanced cooking, baking, beginning sewing, advanced sewing, Make it and Take it Club, crocheting, knitting, photography, art club, and get fit club. There are also specialty classes offered afterschool such as: wood crafts, cake decorating, quilt block squares, 4-H Means Business, and making creative gifts. These clubs and activities receive funding through the Henry County Extension Board allowing youth to participate free of charge. All clubs are open to youth from the ages of 9 to 19 and involves youth from four elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools within the county. Both school systems within the county are on free or reduced lunch programs. Programs are accessible with transportation is provided from all schools in the county except one elementary school. The average attendance per club is 10 to 12 participants. The Henry County Extension Service has torn down barriers, enabling youth to participate in programs that develop personal skills and contribute to success in the workplace. 

Youth in the cooking clubs interpret cooking terms, practice proper food handling, create nutritious meals, set a table and demonstrate proper etiquette. They use math and science skills, to adapt recipes by reducing calories, sodium, and/or fat. Youth are excited to discover recipes and prepare them for family members at home. When parents arrive to pick up their children they are amazed that their picky eaters were stepping out of their comfort zone in trying new foods. One parent returned the next month saying that their child had prepared a meal for the family based on the class taught the previous month and that it was delicious.

Those that participate in sewing learned about fabrics, can name the parts of the sewing machine and operate correctly, read and interpret a pattern guide, apply math skills to place and cut a pattern, and construct a project. Many have commented on how they made repairs to family members clothing. Several have upcycled old clothing items into something new while saving money. Others have used their sewing skills to make gifts for friends and family members.

Six of our current members have put their skills developed in sewing, knitting, crocheting, and crafting into creating businesses. They are members of the 4-H Means Business Club. They have learned that by putting their 4-H skills to use in manufacturing handmade items that they can earn extra cash. The 4-H Means Business Club allows them to use their talents while still having time for other activities. While many teens must punch a time clock to earn extra income these youth have developed skills that allow them more flexibility while gaining a greater understanding of what it takes for small businesses to succeed. These are skills they will continue to use throughout their life.