Many studies have shown that sewing is not only a productive life skill and hobby, but that it can be a stress reliever and can increase a person’s feeling of self-worth. The Pike County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent and the Greenup County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent work together as the coordinators of the Northeast Area Master Clothing Volunteer program. Currently there are 8 active Certified Master Clothing Volunteers (MCV) and 3 new Master Clothing Volunteers in the area who share their skills with others. 

Each volunteer works closely with their County Extension Office to teach and lead a variety of sewing programs. With COVID, programming was virtual, MCVs supported Extension programming, each under their agent’s direction. Greenup, Johnson and Martin Counties each have one new MCV, all trained in the fall.

The 3 Pike  MCVs reported 121 total contacts, 7 hours in Teaching and Preparation, 54 hours in Continuing Education, and 59.5 hours in Leadership and Service. Based on the value of volunteer time ($25.43/hour), this is a contribution worth $3,051.60 to their community and to the Cooperative Extension Service.