Author: Ruth Chowning
Planning Unit: Bullitt County CES
Major Program: Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
Plan of Work: Community Leadership Development
Outcome: Long-Term Outcome
Community service and leadership by the Bullitt County Homemaker members have a major impact on the county. Homemakers develop personal leadership skills through the organization and then lead in projects and programs throughout the county.
After years of developing leadership, there are three Homemakers who serve on the County Extension Council and District Board level. They are blazing a new trail to foster and develop an approach of "Extension" as one big program instead of the previously promoted four program areas with leaders battling against each other. In their leadership, they are guiding volunteers and the programming to support a unified Extension program. The long term effects of this strong leadership will move the Bullitt County Extension Service in a much better direction.
In 2017, the Bullitt County Homemakers members reported a donation of over 39,000 volunteer hours at a value of $941,460.00 to local churches, schools, organizations, and Extension. Two served in public leadership within the state and local government. Four served as leaders on the County Fair Board and in leadership of other organizations. Three Homemakers served on the area and state level of the Homemaker organization providing leadership to the Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association at the state meeting; educational classes and parliamentary procedure.
Homemakers created over 30 personal items to send overseas with a missionary. Another club made additional pillowcases over the year making a total donation of 942 Pillowcases for children who are fighting cancer at Kosair Childrens Hospital. While many of these projects serviced the Louisville Area, the partners they have reported the contributions as having a huge impact on the services offered to needy and struggling families.
On a county level, the Homemakers donated $125.00 For the Ovarian Cancer Research and took over 25 women for early detection screening. They raised $427.50 of the $500.00 Homemaker scholarship awarded to a high school senior and donated $317.00 to the Health Department’s Healthy Hearts Wear Red program. With the leadership, volunteer service, donations and education, the Bullitt County Homemakers have made a significant contribution to the quality of life for communities, families, and individuals of the county.