Abraham H. Maslow introduced the concept of a hierarchy of needs back in 1943.  The hierarchy suggests that people are motivated to fulfill their basic physiological needs, before proceeding through rising levels of need – safety and security, love/belonging, self-esteem, to self- actualization.  4-H Home Environment projects nurture the fulfillment of these needs with the home.  The Henry County Cooperative Extension Service helps fulfill these needs through 4-H Project Clubs that are offered afterschool.  The following clubs meet monthly during the school calendar:  beginning cooking, advanced cooking, baking, beginning sewing, advanced sewing, crocheting, knitting, photography, and art club, and get fit club. There are also specialty classes offered afterschool such as:wood crafts, cake decorating, quilt block squares, and making creative gifts.  These clubs and activities are funded through the Henry County Extension Board so that youth can participate free of charge.  The Henry County Extension Service has torn down barriers that keep youth from participating in programs that develop personal skills that become lifelong tools.

Youth in the cooking clubs are taught how to create nutritious meals, cooking terms, proper food storage, how to set a table, and how to adapt recipes to make them healthier.Youth are excited to take the new recipes home and prepare them for family members. When parents arrive to pick up their children they are amazed that their picky eaters were stepping out of their comfort zone in trying new foods. 

 Those that participate in sewing have commented on how they have made repairs to family members clothing.  Several have upcycled old clothing items into something new while saving money.  They can read and follow pattern instructions, know the parts of a sewing machine and how to properly operate the machine.  They have learned seam finishes and what stitch and faric is appropriate for the project.

Six of our current members have put their skills developed in sewing, knitting, crocheting, and crafting into creating businesses.  They are members of the 4-H Means Business Club. They have learned that by putting their 4-H skills to use in manufacturing handmade items that they can earn extra cash. The 4-H Means Business Club allows them to use their talents while still having time for other activities. This year during club meetings the members have been learning about responsible money management through videos and workbooks.  While many teens must punch a time clock to earn extra income these youth have developed skills that allow them more flexibility while gaining a greater understanding of what it takes for small businesses to succeed.These are skills they will continue to use throughout their life.