By STEPHANIE FAROH
Extension Educator-Health and Human Sciences
This week we celebrate National Extension Homemakers Week and Indiana Extension Homemakers’ 101st birthday.
We have a lot to celebrate in Kosciusko County. If you’ve not heard of the Extension Homemakers, you might ask about what this organization is and does, who are the Extension Homemakers in my community and how does their work impact Kosciusko County?
Let me tell you. We have one of the most vibrant groups of homemakers across the state. With 20 different Extension Homemaker clubs and over 250 members, we have countless opportunities to give back.
Extension Homemakers looked much different 100 years ago. The main goal of their Purdue Extension Agent (now we are known as Educators), was to provide research-based, practical information to the community. This goal has not changed, but the manner in which we deliver information certainly has.
One hundred years ago, farmers, homemakers and the community looked to their Extension Agent as their primary source for information related to their crops and livestock, how to safely can and preserve their food, and how to provide opportunities for their families.
We no longer travel to homes on horseback to share the latest updates and it goes without saying that the internet has helped us immensely to deliver trusted information to our communities. We continue to answer questions related to crops, livestock and canning, but we can now focus on areas such as positive youth development through our 4-H program and general health needs through our Health and Human Sciences program.
The Extension Homemakers have been an integral organization in Extension’s growth. They are proud of their achievements, are always looking forward to giving back to their community and strive to continue their education through life-long learning. Each month, the Kosciusko County homemakers create hospital favors to help cheer those who need a smile, and they regularly donate their time and talent.
They participate in retreats, bake sales, fundraisers, and demonstrations on projects such as sewing, knitting, quilting, crocheting, gardening, and sharing recipes, just to name a few.
Homemakers and the public are invited to a monthly lesson provided by Extension Educators. Lesson topics include, “To Be or Not To Be Gluten Free,” “Making Sense of Sensory Loss,” and “Bridges Out of Poverty.”
Homemakers are men and women of all ages. Many of them work outside the home and they all have different talents. Everyone is welcome to join the organization.
The mission statement for the Indiana Extension Homemaker is “to strengthen families through continuing education, leadership development, and volunteer community support.
If you are interested in learning more about this organization or if you would like to join the fun and help them achieve their mission, contact Stephanie Faroh to find a club that would be a best fit for you.
Happy National Extension Homemakers Week. Here’s to a healthier you!
For more information, call Stephanie at the Purdue Extension Kosciusko County office at (574) 372-2340, or email at faroh@purdue.edu.