As we continue to navigate the Covid-19 pandemic, new ways of presenting programs and activities have emerged.  Martin County has strictly followed the Healthy at Work Guidelines in an effort to slow down and stop the spread of the virus.  To stay within the guidelines and keep our clientele safe, we have offered virtual and socially distanced programs.  Since reopening the office we have strictly enforced social distancing, made sure staff and clientele wear face coverings, provided hand sanitizer, encouraged hand washing, cleaned the building and all surfaces and made sure that staff and clientele feel healthy before entering the building. 

For fall and winter programs, we have given families an opportunity to participate in programs in a safe way.  Teaming up with Family Resource Centers, Martin County Middle School Library, the 21^st Century Grant, and the Martin County Economic Board we were able to offer A Turkey Trot and Christmas in the Mountains.  The Turkey Trot consisted of families walking a mile loop through Inez together while looking for Paper Turkeys. Upon completion each child received a package full of health and nutrition learning tools.  Christmas in the mountains featured a package for children with different arts and crafts.  The Turkey Trot brought in over a hundred participants while Christmas In the Mountains had 75.

These kind of socially distanced programs have helped us to serve our community while also helping to grow our overall audience.  One of our Turkey Trot participants, Harper Runyon, said that it was great to see her friends from school even though she didn’t get to talk to them.  After learning more about 4-H that day she now plans on attending 4-H Camp.