During Fall 2018 the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service led a statewide community needs assessment for each of Kentucky’s 120 counties. This assessment was led locally by County Extension Agents and sought feedback from various county stakeholders, residents, and organizations. Lewis County Extension agents used surveys, focus groups and interviews collecting information to gain a better understanding of the needs and priorities of Lewis County. Result from the information collected were compiled by university officials and later sent out to the counties.

The Lewis County Extension Office presented information from this final report to the County Extension Council in 2019. This presentation sparked interest in the many different ways that the information could be used to better the county. As a result of these conversations, one member of the council relayed information to the Lewis County Chamber of Commerce. After presenting the information again at a Chamber meeting it was decided that Lewis Counties top identified issues from the survey would be taken from the assessment and developed into a county wide series of programs. These programs are set to take place in 4 different areas of the county (Laurel, Garrison, Tollesboro, and Vanceburg) to ensure that the information reaches all populations. The current tentative schedule along with the assessment indicators include:

March: Job's and Infrastructure

Speakers: Todd Ruckel & Walter Browning

Topics: Securing better paying jobs, support for small businesses

Community Assessment:

            -More jobs paying good wages and benefits 68.42%

May: Agriculture and Environment

Speakers: TBA

Topics: Reducing illegal dumping/littering, sustainability of family farms, opportunities for farmers to make a profit

Community Assessment:

            -Sustainability of family farms 29.81%

            -Less illegal dumping and littering 26.36%

            -More market opportunities for farmers 23.76%

July: Health and Wellness

Speakers: TBA

Topics: Education on health insurance, lowering chronic disease rates

Community Assessment:

            -Improved affordability of health care insurance 28.85%

            -Fewer chronic diseases (diabetes, heart disease, cancer) 26.36%

            -Improved access to quality, affordable health care providers (medical, dental) 18.56%

September: Youth and Families

Speakers: TBA

Topics: Youth life skills, support for bullying prevention, debt reduction and increasing savings

Community Assessment:

            -More youth life skills training (money management, life decision making) 33.33%

            -More support for prevention of school violence and bullying 22.22%

            -Better family skills in reducing debt, increasing savings and financial planning 21.65%

October: Community Vitality

Speakers: TBA

Topics: Preparing leaders for the future, engaging citizens to solve local issues

Community Assessment:

            -More qualified leaders to prepare community for the future 35.14%

            -More citizens helping to solve local issues 30.69%