Revamping a long running tradition

Christian County 

Mary Anne Garnett 

In a community needs assessment performed in 2019, it was determined that the youth of Christian County are in need of more youth life skills training (money management, life decision making, etc.) and better family skills in reducing debt, increasing savings, and financial planning. For several years the Christian County Extension Service has provided It’s Your Reality, a financial management program, to youth in Christian County. Students assume the role of the sole financial provider of the home and are faced with making critical decisions about lifestyle and budget choices, similar to those that they will be required to make in the future.

            While the It’s Your Reality program is not new to Christian County, the approach taken this year certainly is. In years past, 4-H Youth Development agents implemented the simulation at each high school in Christian County which includes Hopkinsville High School, Christian County High School, Fort Campbell High School, and Heritage Christian Academy. By holding the simulation of the It’s Your Reality program at each school, the planning committee was able to coordinate with each school’s schedule for students and facility with ease. The challenge lied in the ability to secure a minimum of twenty volunteers to attend four different days, especially when many of the volunteers were employees of small businesses or businesses that being away multiple dates was not feasible. 

            Upon evaluating the volunteer surveys and discussion with school counselors following the 2019 event, the planning committee proceeded to plan a one day It’s Your Reality event. The 2020 event required communication and coordination with the schools to ensure a smooth transition between schools. Approximately 400 students were able to learn financial management skills and enhance their decision-making skills by providing for their family. An added benefit was that the students were exposed to a local venue, local businesses, and civic organizations that served as volunteers. By moving to a single day event, the number of volunteers needed doubled but was much easier to secure. 

Revamping a long running tradition was also made successful by great teamwork through cross program cooperation. By working with the Family & Consumer Sciences agent, a new demographic of volunteers was reached to assist. Also, with financial education of youth identified as a need in Christian County we are able to work with the Family and Consumer Sciences agent to ensure that we are reaching all youth through multiple financial programs.  

In order to have a successful event a great amount of teamwork, communication, and preparation was needed. The County Extension Agents not only worked together to plan “It’s Your Reality” but also worked with the various volunteer groups and schools to make the event possible.