Success StoryOvercoming struggles and Leading in a Positive direction



Overcoming struggles and Leading in a Positive direction

Author: Ruth Chowning

Planning Unit: Bullitt County CES

Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association

Plan of Work: Community Leadership Development

Outcome: Initial Outcome

According to the Corporation for National and Community Civic Engagement, volunteerism is the cornerstone of a strong nation.  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 Bullitt County, Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Extension is very active with the Bullitt County Homemakers, a division of the Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association (KEHA). 

The Bullitt County Homemakers are one of the largest civic and volunteer organization in the county.  Constantly looking for ways to better the community, the County Homemakers strive to do their part to support the lives in their communities.  With 3 traditional and 1 special interest clubs in the county, they have made a difference in just a couple months by volunteering at the homeless shelter, helping with the two Dare to Care food pantry programs, sewing baby bibs for the Health Department Hands program and making quilts for veterans.  

Besides community service Bullitt County Homemakers are in the process of developing new leaders in their organization.  With multiple struggles and setbacks in the past year, over 50% of the leaders in the organization have stepped down. In August of 2019, 100% of the county and club leaders participated in the annual Officer training- a first in over 25 years history of the organization. Officers, chairmen and club members gathered to learn and engage in leadership development activities that would prepare them for a year-long service in their new role.  FCS Extension staff provided leadership resources through officer packets, handbooks covering a 12-month program plan, and report forms.  The training also provided instruction and opportunity to share program ideas that line up with the state level programming. As these new leaders gain skills, more knowledge and confidence in their roles, the Extension Agent has noticed a group of officers who are guiding the organization in a positive direction. While a membership decline due to past struggles was expected, the new leaders have taken the challenge to recruit new members from citizens who have never entered the doors of the Bullitt County Extension Service and they are succeeding- over 5% increase at this time with the deadline still approaching.   One new leader reported to me, "I have never been in leadership until now.  I was not aware of all that was involved. I am learning so much and am excited at what I can do to help our organization move past all this conflict and head in the right direction."






Stories by Ruth Chowning


Online Needlework Learning

about 4 years ago by Ruth Chowning

With the Kentucky “HealthyAtHome” initiative during this pandemic, the Extension Agent of Bullitt Co... Read More


Nutrition Education helps pack a Lunch

about 4 years ago by Ruth Chowning

As the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the Bullitt County Food Service program found themselves preparing and... Read More


Stories by Bullitt County CES


Handmade Holiday Program

Handmade Holiday Program

about 4 years ago by Lorilee Kunze

Technology may make our lives easier but it does not make them any less complicated. Doing things wi... Read More


Encouraging a Global Mindset for Youth

Encouraging a Global Mindset for Youth

about 5 years ago by Paul Adkins

As our society becomes more globalized it is imperative that as non-formal educators we provide oppo... Read More


Stories by Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association


Face Coverings

Face Coverings

about 4 years ago by Jennifer Bridge

COVID-19 brought many changes and opportunites to reach out in many different ways to help people in... Read More


Vietnam - Bourbon County Extension Homemakers 2020 International Meal

Vietnam - Bourbon County Extension Homemakers 2020 International Meal

about 4 years ago by Karen Denniston

Bourbon County Extension Homemakers chose to study the country of Vietnam for their 2020 Internation... Read More