COVID-19...

In a short matter of time, Extension programs as we know came to a halt. Events, clubs, and programs were cancelled in their traditional manner and agents began planning and preparing ways to continue to reach clientele. With schools being closed and students at home, a strain was placed on parents and caregivers, who might also be working from home, to provide educational and fun activities for youth. 

As Extension Agents, we are familiar with adapting to any situation and meeting the needs of our clientele in any scenario. Family Grab Bags, a collaboration between the Christian County 4-H Agents and the Christian County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, provided activities and supplies to families that worked to develop skills such as independence, mastery, and creativity. Each week a different theme was given to the bag such as; Earth Day, This Little Piggy, Movin' and Groovin', etc. 

In order to reach clientele in remote parts of the county, agents partnered with Family Resource & Youth Service Center Directors at Crofton Elementary School, Sinking Fork Elementary School, Pembroke Elementary School, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School to distribute the bags. FRYSC Directors coordinated within their schools the delivery of bags to families receiving lunches on a weekly basis. 

A partnership was also formed with the InnerCity REZ program through the Hopkinsville Community Development Division. Through this partnership eighty Family Grab Bags were delivered to residents of the four neighborhoods on a weekly basis. 

As of June 30th, 2020 one thousand fifty bags were delivered to the families of Christian County. While this program was developed to meet a need during a time of crisis, agents have determined it to be a beneficial program that will be continued at various times throughout the program year.