Building the capacity of volunteer leaders within counties is critical for the sustainability of a community infrastructure that supports long-term commitment to strengthen families. To cultivate these leaders in Grant County, Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Extension is very active with the Grant County Homemakers, a division of the Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association (KEHA).

The Grant County Homemakers are one of the largest civic and volunteer organization in Grant County.   Constantly looking for ways to better the community, the Grant County Homemakers strive to do their part to increase the values of lives in their communities.  While there are only 3 traditional clubs in the county, they make a difference by participating in backpack programs, food pantry drives, road cleaning, recycling projects, donating quilts for the homeless, and volunteering for extension programs.  During the 2017/18 year, Grant County Homemakers reported 15,726 volunteer service hours.  The Independent Sector report that the estimated value of volunteer time is $25.43/hr; therefore, the Grant County Extension Homemakers contributed $399,912.18 to support our community.

Besides community service, Grant County Homemakers lead the way for research and education.  This past year 21 homemakers participated in the Ovarian Cancer Screening program at the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center.   Many also share their skills with others through classes and skills days.  In the past 12 months, Grant County Homemakers lead 36 classes teaching participants new skills such as de-stressing though art, to sharing memories through scrapbooking.  

As well as teaching classes that increase or teach new skills, we have had homemaker leaders taking initiative in planning, preparing, and implementing educational programs.   These programs include area wide program on health with a focus on breast cancer, a countywide program on bees and honey, and a countywide program focusing on strategies to be successful at the county fair.  

Not only are Grant County Homemakers taking initiative locally, they are also well represented in leadership roles in the Area and State Level.  Grant County currently has 6 homemakers holding leadership roles in the Northern Kentucky Area Homemakers, and 3 hold leadership roles at the state level for KEHA, including state homemaker president. The Grant County Family and Consumer Sciences Extension program acts as a support for these individuals so that they can serve the community to their full potential.