UNIT 18 PUBLIC MEETING SUMMARY. Unit 18 Serving Christian, Jersey, Macoupin and Montgomery Counties

Transcription

1 UNIT 18 PUBLIC MEETING SUMMARY Unit 18 Serving Christian, Jersey, Macoupin and Montgomery Counties 2014

2 Table of Contents... Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 About Us Introduction Meeting Agenda 3 Staff... 3 Public Comments Christian County Jersey County Macoupin County Montgomery County Preliminary Conclusions Contact Information Supplemental Documents i. Educator Presentations ii. Positive Development of Youth: Comprehensive Findings from the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development Tufts University iii. A Summary Profile Unit 18 1

3 About Us.... Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Our Mission: To enable people to improve their lives and communities through learning partnerships that put knowledge to work. About University of Illinois Extension Unit 18 University of Illinois Extension is the flagship outreach effort of the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign, offering educational programs to residents of all of Illinois' 102 counties and far beyond. University of Illinois Extension Unit 18 (Christian, Jersey, Macoupin, Montgomery) is the link between U of I Extension and you. Extension offers practical, research-based education to help people improve their lives and communities through learning partnerships. Our Unit staff is committed to improving the quality of life for community members by focusing on the public's needs. The success and impact of U of I Extension is attributed to the dedication and shared vision of "Extending Knowledge - Changing Lives." Introduction... The University of Illinois Extension Unit 18 Council and staff conducted public meetings in each of the four counties they serve. The meeting locations and dates were: (Montgomery County) Hillsboro Extension office - January 29 (Macoupin County) Carlinville Extension office - February 13 (Christian County) Taylorville Extension office - February 27 (Jersey County) Jerseyville Feyerabend Building - March 10 The purpose of the meetings was to inform the public of programs currently being offered by the Unit and to seek comment from the public. Over 80 people attended the meetings representing County and local government, education, health care, Extension Council, Master Gardeners, 4-H members/leaders, the business community, as well as interested individuals. The meetings began with a brief presentation by Unit staff on programs and services the Extension currently offers. Extension staff then received feedback from the attendees as to what they felt were areas of concern for the community and what new educational programs or services could be offered. Input from these meetings will help the Unit determine what additional programs are needed and how best to serve the region going forward. The meetings also helped identify new collaborative opportunities, which will aid in the development of new educational opportunities. 2

4 Meeting Agenda.. Each meeting had the following agenda: Call Meeting To Order History of Unit 18: Amanda Cole Purpose of Meeting: Amanda Cole Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Community and Economic Development Programming: Chris Casey Youth Development/4-H/Ag Literacy Programming: Peggy Hampton Horticulture Programming: Andrew Holsinger Energy and Environmental Stewardship Programming: Gary Letterly Family and Consumer Science/SNAP-Ed: Amanda Cole Thank You * Each Educator delivered a report on the programs and services available in their educational area. Those reports are attached to this summary report. Staff. The Unit 18 Director and Extension Educators delivered reports on programs and services currently available. 3

5 Public Comments Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 After the presentations by Unit staff on programs and services the Extension currently offers, staff then received feedback from the attendees as to what they felt were areas of concern for the community and what new educational programs or services could be offered. Below is the feedback that was received by each county. Christian County Feedback: The following is a list of written or oral feedback collected from attendees at the meeting. Question #1 What is the number one issue facing the county today? Economic: Unemployment Youth development and job availability Jobs, which is a part of community development The need for good paying jobs with benefits Financial wellness Poverty One in four kids in poverty in our county. How we can best assist families in poverty. Transportation Coping with the government s new rules and regulations Economic growth, support local businesses to grow and expand Social: Leadership with in the community Public needs guidance/help to become more invested & involved in the community around them A need to reach out to citizens for help 4

6 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Education: Youth: Education, lack of quality teachers Stressing the importance of advanced education & technology Lack of funding for education Changing family structures Activities for youth after school Youth Development and job availability Evolving demographic - The public is becoming more disconnected from the Ag production. Youth have a lack of understanding where their food comes from. Children living in poverty and broken homes. These children need a community support system/platform (like 4-H) to help them explore and learn lifelong skills that are not taught by school or in the home. Question #2 What do you feel is Extension s greatest contribution to the community? Availability for hands-on communication A voice to leadership about concerns and issues that impact our lives Extension has the potential to be the go to source for community needs. It provides programs that help youth all the way through adults. There is generally a knowledgeable response available to questions asked. The knowledge that extension has available Education of the young elderly By the amount of programs you offer it is a great help to the community. Resources, programs, community partnerships The community groups appreciate the auditorium for meetings and health fairs 5

7 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 All of it, but I do like 4-H the most! The Extension is constantly looking at the needs of the community to attempt to meet and exceed the needs. The Educators live and work in the community and are personally invested. Educational resources shared to clientele through exceptional customer services Ag education and economic education 4-H to the point where it over shadows other wonderful programs, but it is a fantastic program Educating the youth through 4-H and Ag literature and Ag in the classroom Question #3 How do you see yourself or your organization partnering with the Extension? Open forum meetings, leadership community vs co-operative education programs between other clubs and organizations. Willing to volunteer as needed Company is willing to provide job shadowing experiences. Additionally provide youth Agronomy days to local students. 4-H Foundation willing to continue to provide assistance as needed Ag literacy, providing materials for the schools Tap into the experience of our older citizens. Post upcoming events on public bulletin boards and at the library. The county has been a partner with the Extension and will continue to do so. Will utilize the SNAP-ED and Nutrition and wellness programs Help with funding. Having educators come to Head Start to share programs in classrooms and at family connection gatherings for parents. Access Extension website and distribute educational materials to help children and families. Especially in regards to employment (preparing for interviews), relationships, and consumer economics. 6

8 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Volunteer leadership and organization Offer expertise that may not be available with the resources available to Extension. Specific Program Suggestions: Hands on youth activities. Educate youth on career paths and what it takes to get a job in today s market. Farm to Fork: Explain production practices and the safety concerns. WBE/DBE Workshops Disaster Education Lesson on Operation Santa early in the season, so we could help with stocking fillers. The soldiers are coming home but how many? 7

9 Jersey County Feedback: Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 The following is a list of written or oral feedback collected from attendees at the meeting. Question #1 What is the number one issue facing the county today? Economic: Social: Financial Employment opportunities Transportation Financial needs Funding Economic Growth Job market The need for economic development in the area Lack of awareness of the Extension, even though there is involvement in the community if people aren t directly involved in Extension or 4-H, they are unaware of the benefits Extension has to offer. Finding young people to join and offer leadership in any organization. Education/Youth: The need for increased education Job skills School Funding Question #2 What do you feel is Extension s greatest contribution to the community? Dissemination of information between those with a need and those who are experts 8

10 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Youth education 4-H 4-H SPIN Clubs Involvement in the community Leadership in an unbiased manner Educational and youth programs Nutritional education Community development and education Provides so many services Adult education Career Training Ag education Providing activities and programs for youth, other than sports Question #3 How do you see yourself or your organization partnering with the Extension? Master Gardeners can help field questions from local landowners/residents about horticultural natural resources. Help with funding for programs. Volunteer when needed. County Board can help by continuing to support Extension, and attend and help advertise events. Advertise Extension events on Jersey County website. Health Department/WIC partnership to deliver programs with SNAP ED person Use facilitators to talk about healthy food choices. 9

11 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Work with Extension to provide health education to adults and nutrition information to WIC clients. Partner with Extension in Leadership programs Help with Farmers Markets Partner with mass transit project HCE could help provide home economics training Specific Program Suggestions: Provide date to possible companies who might locate in Jersey County. (Such as: land cost/location, workforce, unemployment numbers, and expertise of workforce/age, utility cost, infrastructure, water, roads, rail, and river. Work on recruitment of light industry to move into the community. Have the Jerseyville office opened at least one other day per week. Bring back local testing of the private applicators license training/testing. Host a locally directed cover crop tour, perhaps in conjunction with the Jersey SECD/NRCS office. Offer a SPIN club for Gardening Offer more Ag literacy education 10

12 Macoupin County Feedback: Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 The following is a list of written or oral feedback collected from attendees at the meeting. Question #1 What is the number one issue facing the county today? Economic: Social: Economy Jobs Closing of Coal Mine Lack of funding for organizations Health care and insurance cost Adequate nutrition Nutritional education Environmental issues/ Radon Not enough staff/volunteers to implement available programs within counties Lack of communication between various community groups. Communication between groups would improve services to the public. Question #2 What do you feel is Extension s greatest contribution to the community? Youth education and programs Programs working with youth, such as 4-H and SPIN Providing resources to the community and organizations Working with youth Continuing to add new staff to the Extension and up-to-date programs being developed 11

13 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary H Educating the community Research and testing Question #3 How do you see yourself or your organization partnering with the Extension? Working with Chris Casey (Community and Economic Development) to access needed Economic Development data. Extension partner with St. Louis Dairy Council Work with the Health Department in Emergency Disaster coordination, water quality and sewer/septic tank issues. Work more with Gary Letterly Energy and Environmental Stewardship Educator. Continue to work with Master Gardeners Volunteering to help with events Partner with CNB Bank & Trust to offer financial literacy to youth. Take advantage of free online financial literacy game called Money Island, designed for ages CNB would support programs and community organizations that help lower income families. Specific Program Suggestions: Partner with Macoupin County Public Health & Transportation to promote programs for young families, such as nutrition, finance, parenting, food preservation, sanitation, etc. Extension could have booths at County fair and farmers markets. Improved promotion of events Improve how Extension brands itself on programs it assist with. Promote HCE to young people 12

14 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Promote that SPIN club isn t just for 4-H members. Improve how the Extension website presents program information. Youth need the Extension to teach subjects that are not being taught in schools Work with those collecting data on rainfall, snowfall that is used by National Weather Service Community garden programs, such as Enos Park Offer classes related to the new Cottage Law Tree planting for public schools and government buildings Re-establish prairies along high speed rail corridor. Leadership Academy Montgomery & Macoupin Marketing festival and events of non-profit organizations Workshops on technology for seniors Add video to telnets. Farm safety for kids First responder training Speakers Bureau for Gardening Open Meeting Act training of Elected Officials. Youth Entrepreneurship Programs on Specialty Crops Offer workshops on basics of gardening. Teen Teaching Kids program Food sanitation class for individuals Food preservation Keep collaborating with local agencies, such as Carlinville Winning Communities. Arrange a tour of the old courthouse and jail for 4-H members. 13

15 Montgomery County Feedback: Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 The following is a list of written or oral feedback collected from attendees at the meeting. Question #1 What is the number one issue facing the county today? Economic: Social: Education: Youth: Unemployment Economic conditions Poverty, especially among our youth and elderly population Growing elderly/aging population Generational and technological divides Workforce Development Training Consumer Economic education for all ages Financial literacy classes Poverty Need for increased participation of area youth in 4-H Question #2 What do you feel is Extension s greatest contribution to the community? Extension in our area is one of the best in the state in connecting with the youth Teaching leadership skills Teaching area youth/ 4-H 14

16 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 SPIN Clubs/ Sewing Teaching leadership skills to area youth Excellent resource for information Network of experts Work Extension does with low income people Help provide resources Question #3 How do you see yourself or your organization partnering with the Extension? Cooperation between Extension and Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation on programs and projects Helping with after school projects Help with SPIN clubs Provide flyers and information on upcoming events to Lincoln Land Community College Sharing resources with Lincoln Land Community College to provide programs Specific Program Suggestions: Summer gardening series (Mini workshops on composting, unique gardens, etc.) Workshop for youth that would teach work related skills, how to find their first job, job skills, respect for others, etc. Transportation resources Listing of health care resources both within county as well as in St. Louis and Springfield area 15

17 Preliminary Conclusions Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Economic and social concerns dominated the feedback received. This feedback validates many of the recent additions made to the Unit and shows Unit 18 Extension to be positioning itself correctly to better meet the needs of the communities it serves. The recent addition of a Community and Economic Development Educator is integral in helping address the numerous economic concerns facing area communities. The current search for a full time Educator of Family and Consumer Sciences (Nutrition and Wellness), will help address the numerous nutritional education, family life and consumer economic needs identified in the feedback. And the recent addition of a Publicity and Promotions person will help to address the concerns that Extension and all its services often go unrecognized by the public. However, the feedback received also suggests that even these additions may not be enough to adequately service the needs of the Unit. The Unit may have to look at acquiring additional staff in certain key areas or entering into strategic partnerships in order to help effectively deliver and implement programs that directly meet the needs of the communities and citizens with in Unit 18. The Unit may also consider reevaluating current programs and prioritizing resources to best meet the demand. All of the Unit s Educators, no matter their subject matter, can be utilized in helping tackle the concerns identified by the public. Most of the problems identified are complicated and often do not reside solely in one program area, but rather require an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to solving the problems. Conducting public meetings has reinforced the importance of gathering feedback from the community on a regular basis. Feedback should be sought from program participants and by the community and its institutions. Comments and feedback should be used to improve Unit 18 Plan of Work and help it provide the best programs and outreach education possible to the community it serves, with an emphasis on areas that are of greatest need that align with the mission of Extension. These public meetings will start a three year planning cycle that Unit 18 is in the process of developing and implementing. 16

18 Contact Information Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Main Office (Montgomery County) #1 Industrial Park Dr. Hillsboro, IL Phone: FAX: Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am - 12 pm, 1 pm - 4:30 pm Christian County 1120 N Webster St. Taylorville, IL Phone: FAX: Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 11:30am, 12:30pm pm Jersey County 200 North Lafayette, Suite 6 2nd Floor Jerseyville, IL Phone: FAX: Hours: Monday & Wednesday 8 am - 12 pm and 1pm - 4:30 pm Macoupin County #60 Carlinville Plaza Carlinville, IL Phone: FAX: Hours: Monday - Thursday 8 am - 12 pm; 1 pm - 4:30 pm On-line: Website: Facebook: Twitter: University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences * United States Department of Agriculture * Local Extension Councils Cooperating. University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs & employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please contact our office. 17

19 UNIT 18 PUBLIC MEETING SUMMARY Unit 18 Serving Christian, Jersey, Macoupin and Montgomery Counties 2014

20 Table of Contents... Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 About Us Introduction Meeting Agenda 3 Staff... 3 Public Comments Christian County Jersey County Macoupin County Montgomery County Preliminary Conclusions Contact Information Supplemental Documents i. Educator Presentations ii. Positive Development of Youth: Comprehensive Findings from the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development Tufts University iii. A Summary Profile Unit 18 1

21 About Us.... Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Our Mission: To enable people to improve their lives and communities through learning partnerships that put knowledge to work. About University of Illinois Extension Unit 18 University of Illinois Extension is the flagship outreach effort of the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign, offering educational programs to residents of all of Illinois' 102 counties and far beyond. University of Illinois Extension Unit 18 (Christian, Jersey, Macoupin, Montgomery) is the link between U of I Extension and you. Extension offers practical, research-based education to help people improve their lives and communities through learning partnerships. Our Unit staff is committed to improving the quality of life for community members by focusing on the public's needs. The success and impact of U of I Extension is attributed to the dedication and shared vision of "Extending Knowledge - Changing Lives." Introduction... The University of Illinois Extension Unit 18 Council and staff conducted public meetings in each of the four counties they serve. The meeting locations and dates were: (Montgomery County) Hillsboro Extension office - January 29 (Macoupin County) Carlinville Extension office - February 13 (Christian County) Taylorville Extension office - February 27 (Jersey County) Jerseyville Feyerabend Building - March 10 The purpose of the meetings was to inform the public of programs currently being offered by the Unit and to seek comment from the public. Over 80 people attended the meetings representing County and local government, education, health care, Extension Council, Master Gardeners, 4-H members/leaders, the business community, as well as interested individuals. The meetings began with a brief presentation by Unit staff on programs and services the Extension currently offers. Extension staff then received feedback from the attendees as to what they felt were areas of concern for the community and what new educational programs or services could be offered. Input from these meetings will help the Unit determine what additional programs are needed and how best to serve the region going forward. The meetings also helped identify new collaborative opportunities, which will aid in the development of new educational opportunities. 2

22 Meeting Agenda.. Each meeting had the following agenda: Call Meeting To Order History of Unit 18: Amanda Cole Purpose of Meeting: Amanda Cole Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Community and Economic Development Programming: Chris Casey Youth Development/4-H/Ag Literacy Programming: Peggy Hampton Horticulture Programming: Andrew Holsinger Energy and Environmental Stewardship Programming: Gary Letterly Family and Consumer Science/SNAP-Ed: Amanda Cole Thank You * Each Educator delivered a report on the programs and services available in their educational area. Those reports are attached to this summary report. Staff. The Unit 18 Director and Extension Educators delivered reports on programs and services currently available. 3

23 Public Comments Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 After the presentations by Unit staff on programs and services the Extension currently offers, staff then received feedback from the attendees as to what they felt were areas of concern for the community and what new educational programs or services could be offered. Below is the feedback that was received by each county. Christian County Feedback: The following is a list of written or oral feedback collected from attendees at the meeting. Question #1 What is the number one issue facing the county today? Economic: Unemployment Youth development and job availability Jobs, which is a part of community development The need for good paying jobs with benefits Financial wellness Poverty One in four kids in poverty in our county. How we can best assist families in poverty. Transportation Coping with the government s new rules and regulations Economic growth, support local businesses to grow and expand Social: Leadership with in the community Public needs guidance/help to become more invested & involved in the community around them A need to reach out to citizens for help 4

24 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Education: Youth: Education, lack of quality teachers Stressing the importance of advanced education & technology Lack of funding for education Changing family structures Activities for youth after school Youth Development and job availability Evolving demographic - The public is becoming more disconnected from the Ag production. Youth have a lack of understanding where their food comes from. Children living in poverty and broken homes. These children need a community support system/platform (like 4-H) to help them explore and learn lifelong skills that are not taught by school or in the home. Question #2 What do you feel is Extension s greatest contribution to the community? Availability for hands-on communication A voice to leadership about concerns and issues that impact our lives Extension has the potential to be the go to source for community needs. It provides programs that help youth all the way through adults. There is generally a knowledgeable response available to questions asked. The knowledge that extension has available Education of the young elderly By the amount of programs you offer it is a great help to the community. Resources, programs, community partnerships The community groups appreciate the auditorium for meetings and health fairs 5

25 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 All of it, but I do like 4-H the most! The Extension is constantly looking at the needs of the community to attempt to meet and exceed the needs. The Educators live and work in the community and are personally invested. Educational resources shared to clientele through exceptional customer services Ag education and economic education 4-H to the point where it over shadows other wonderful programs, but it is a fantastic program Educating the youth through 4-H and Ag literature and Ag in the classroom Question #3 How do you see yourself or your organization partnering with the Extension? Open forum meetings, leadership community vs co-operative education programs between other clubs and organizations. Willing to volunteer as needed Company is willing to provide job shadowing experiences. Additionally provide youth Agronomy days to local students. 4-H Foundation willing to continue to provide assistance as needed Ag literacy, providing materials for the schools Tap into the experience of our older citizens. Post upcoming events on public bulletin boards and at the library. The county has been a partner with the Extension and will continue to do so. Will utilize the SNAP-ED and Nutrition and wellness programs Help with funding. Having educators come to Head Start to share programs in classrooms and at family connection gatherings for parents. Access Extension website and distribute educational materials to help children and families. Especially in regards to employment (preparing for interviews), relationships, and consumer economics. 6

26 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Volunteer leadership and organization Offer expertise that may not be available with the resources available to Extension. Specific Program Suggestions: Hands on youth activities. Educate youth on career paths and what it takes to get a job in today s market. Farm to Fork: Explain production practices and the safety concerns. WBE/DBE Workshops Disaster Education Lesson on Operation Santa early in the season, so we could help with stocking fillers. The soldiers are coming home but how many? 7

27 Jersey County Feedback: Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 The following is a list of written or oral feedback collected from attendees at the meeting. Question #1 What is the number one issue facing the county today? Economic: Social: Financial Employment opportunities Transportation Financial needs Funding Economic Growth Job market The need for economic development in the area Lack of awareness of the Extension, even though there is involvement in the community if people aren t directly involved in Extension or 4-H, they are unaware of the benefits Extension has to offer. Finding young people to join and offer leadership in any organization. Education/Youth: The need for increased education Job skills School Funding Question #2 What do you feel is Extension s greatest contribution to the community? Dissemination of information between those with a need and those who are experts 8

28 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Youth education 4-H 4-H SPIN Clubs Involvement in the community Leadership in an unbiased manner Educational and youth programs Nutritional education Community development and education Provides so many services Adult education Career Training Ag education Providing activities and programs for youth, other than sports Question #3 How do you see yourself or your organization partnering with the Extension? Master Gardeners can help field questions from local landowners/residents about horticultural natural resources. Help with funding for programs. Volunteer when needed. County Board can help by continuing to support Extension, and attend and help advertise events. Advertise Extension events on Jersey County website. Health Department/WIC partnership to deliver programs with SNAP ED person Use facilitators to talk about healthy food choices. 9

29 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Work with Extension to provide health education to adults and nutrition information to WIC clients. Partner with Extension in Leadership programs Help with Farmers Markets Partner with mass transit project HCE could help provide home economics training Specific Program Suggestions: Provide date to possible companies who might locate in Jersey County. (Such as: land cost/location, workforce, unemployment numbers, and expertise of workforce/age, utility cost, infrastructure, water, roads, rail, and river. Work on recruitment of light industry to move into the community. Have the Jerseyville office opened at least one other day per week. Bring back local testing of the private applicators license training/testing. Host a locally directed cover crop tour, perhaps in conjunction with the Jersey SECD/NRCS office. Offer a SPIN club for Gardening Offer more Ag literacy education 10

30 Macoupin County Feedback: Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 The following is a list of written or oral feedback collected from attendees at the meeting. Question #1 What is the number one issue facing the county today? Economic: Social: Economy Jobs Closing of Coal Mine Lack of funding for organizations Health care and insurance cost Adequate nutrition Nutritional education Environmental issues/ Radon Not enough staff/volunteers to implement available programs within counties Lack of communication between various community groups. Communication between groups would improve services to the public. Question #2 What do you feel is Extension s greatest contribution to the community? Youth education and programs Programs working with youth, such as 4-H and SPIN Providing resources to the community and organizations Working with youth Continuing to add new staff to the Extension and up-to-date programs being developed 11

31 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary H Educating the community Research and testing Question #3 How do you see yourself or your organization partnering with the Extension? Working with Chris Casey (Community and Economic Development) to access needed Economic Development data. Extension partner with St. Louis Dairy Council Work with the Health Department in Emergency Disaster coordination, water quality and sewer/septic tank issues. Work more with Gary Letterly Energy and Environmental Stewardship Educator. Continue to work with Master Gardeners Volunteering to help with events Partner with CNB Bank & Trust to offer financial literacy to youth. Take advantage of free online financial literacy game called Money Island, designed for ages CNB would support programs and community organizations that help lower income families. Specific Program Suggestions: Partner with Macoupin County Public Health & Transportation to promote programs for young families, such as nutrition, finance, parenting, food preservation, sanitation, etc. Extension could have booths at County fair and farmers markets. Improved promotion of events Improve how Extension brands itself on programs it assist with. Promote HCE to young people 12

32 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Promote that SPIN club isn t just for 4-H members. Improve how the Extension website presents program information. Youth need the Extension to teach subjects that are not being taught in schools Work with those collecting data on rainfall, snowfall that is used by National Weather Service Community garden programs, such as Enos Park Offer classes related to the new Cottage Law Tree planting for public schools and government buildings Re-establish prairies along high speed rail corridor. Leadership Academy Montgomery & Macoupin Marketing festival and events of non-profit organizations Workshops on technology for seniors Add video to telnets. Farm safety for kids First responder training Speakers Bureau for Gardening Open Meeting Act training of Elected Officials. Youth Entrepreneurship Programs on Specialty Crops Offer workshops on basics of gardening. Teen Teaching Kids program Food sanitation class for individuals Food preservation Keep collaborating with local agencies, such as Carlinville Winning Communities. Arrange a tour of the old courthouse and jail for 4-H members. 13

33 Montgomery County Feedback: Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 The following is a list of written or oral feedback collected from attendees at the meeting. Question #1 What is the number one issue facing the county today? Economic: Social: Education: Youth: Unemployment Economic conditions Poverty, especially among our youth and elderly population Growing elderly/aging population Generational and technological divides Workforce Development Training Consumer Economic education for all ages Financial literacy classes Poverty Need for increased participation of area youth in 4-H Question #2 What do you feel is Extension s greatest contribution to the community? Extension in our area is one of the best in the state in connecting with the youth Teaching leadership skills Teaching area youth/ 4-H 14

34 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 SPIN Clubs/ Sewing Teaching leadership skills to area youth Excellent resource for information Network of experts Work Extension does with low income people Help provide resources Question #3 How do you see yourself or your organization partnering with the Extension? Cooperation between Extension and Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation on programs and projects Helping with after school projects Help with SPIN clubs Provide flyers and information on upcoming events to Lincoln Land Community College Sharing resources with Lincoln Land Community College to provide programs Specific Program Suggestions: Summer gardening series (Mini workshops on composting, unique gardens, etc.) Workshop for youth that would teach work related skills, how to find their first job, job skills, respect for others, etc. Transportation resources Listing of health care resources both within county as well as in St. Louis and Springfield area 15

35 Preliminary Conclusions Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Economic and social concerns dominated the feedback received. This feedback validates many of the recent additions made to the Unit and shows Unit 18 Extension to be positioning itself correctly to better meet the needs of the communities it serves. The recent addition of a Community and Economic Development Educator is integral in helping address the numerous economic concerns facing area communities. The current search for a full time Educator of Family and Consumer Sciences (Nutrition and Wellness), will help address the numerous nutritional education, family life and consumer economic needs identified in the feedback. And the recent addition of a Publicity and Promotions person will help to address the concerns that Extension and all its services often go unrecognized by the public. However, the feedback received also suggests that even these additions may not be enough to adequately service the needs of the Unit. The Unit may have to look at acquiring additional staff in certain key areas or entering into strategic partnerships in order to help effectively deliver and implement programs that directly meet the needs of the communities and citizens with in Unit 18. The Unit may also consider reevaluating current programs and prioritizing resources to best meet the demand. All of the Unit s Educators, no matter their subject matter, can be utilized in helping tackle the concerns identified by the public. Most of the problems identified are complicated and often do not reside solely in one program area, but rather require an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to solving the problems. Conducting public meetings has reinforced the importance of gathering feedback from the community on a regular basis. Feedback should be sought from program participants and by the community and its institutions. Comments and feedback should be used to improve Unit 18 Plan of Work and help it provide the best programs and outreach education possible to the community it serves, with an emphasis on areas that are of greatest need that align with the mission of Extension. These public meetings will start a three year planning cycle that Unit 18 is in the process of developing and implementing. 16

36 Contact Information Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Main Office (Montgomery County) #1 Industrial Park Dr. Hillsboro, IL Phone: FAX: Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am - 12 pm, 1 pm - 4:30 pm Christian County 1120 N Webster St. Taylorville, IL Phone: FAX: Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 11:30am, 12:30pm pm Jersey County 200 North Lafayette, Suite 6 2nd Floor Jerseyville, IL Phone: FAX: Hours: Monday & Wednesday 8 am - 12 pm and 1pm - 4:30 pm Macoupin County #60 Carlinville Plaza Carlinville, IL Phone: FAX: Hours: Monday - Thursday 8 am - 12 pm; 1 pm - 4:30 pm On-line: Website: Facebook: Twitter: University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences * United States Department of Agriculture * Local Extension Councils Cooperating. University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs & employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please contact our office. 17

37 UNIT 18 PUBLIC MEETING SUMMARY Unit 18 Serving Christian, Jersey, Macoupin and Montgomery Counties 2014

38 Table of Contents... Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 About Us Introduction Meeting Agenda 3 Staff... 3 Public Comments Christian County Jersey County Macoupin County Montgomery County Preliminary Conclusions Contact Information Supplemental Documents i. Educator Presentations ii. Positive Development of Youth: Comprehensive Findings from the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development Tufts University iii. A Summary Profile Unit 18 1

39 About Us.... Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Our Mission: To enable people to improve their lives and communities through learning partnerships that put knowledge to work. About University of Illinois Extension Unit 18 University of Illinois Extension is the flagship outreach effort of the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign, offering educational programs to residents of all of Illinois' 102 counties and far beyond. University of Illinois Extension Unit 18 (Christian, Jersey, Macoupin, Montgomery) is the link between U of I Extension and you. Extension offers practical, research-based education to help people improve their lives and communities through learning partnerships. Our Unit staff is committed to improving the quality of life for community members by focusing on the public's needs. The success and impact of U of I Extension is attributed to the dedication and shared vision of "Extending Knowledge - Changing Lives." Introduction... The University of Illinois Extension Unit 18 Council and staff conducted public meetings in each of the four counties they serve. The meeting locations and dates were: (Montgomery County) Hillsboro Extension office - January 29 (Macoupin County) Carlinville Extension office - February 13 (Christian County) Taylorville Extension office - February 27 (Jersey County) Jerseyville Feyerabend Building - March 10 The purpose of the meetings was to inform the public of programs currently being offered by the Unit and to seek comment from the public. Over 80 people attended the meetings representing County and local government, education, health care, Extension Council, Master Gardeners, 4-H members/leaders, the business community, as well as interested individuals. The meetings began with a brief presentation by Unit staff on programs and services the Extension currently offers. Extension staff then received feedback from the attendees as to what they felt were areas of concern for the community and what new educational programs or services could be offered. Input from these meetings will help the Unit determine what additional programs are needed and how best to serve the region going forward. The meetings also helped identify new collaborative opportunities, which will aid in the development of new educational opportunities. 2

40 Meeting Agenda.. Each meeting had the following agenda: Call Meeting To Order History of Unit 18: Amanda Cole Purpose of Meeting: Amanda Cole Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Community and Economic Development Programming: Chris Casey Youth Development/4-H/Ag Literacy Programming: Peggy Hampton Horticulture Programming: Andrew Holsinger Energy and Environmental Stewardship Programming: Gary Letterly Family and Consumer Science/SNAP-Ed: Amanda Cole Thank You * Each Educator delivered a report on the programs and services available in their educational area. Those reports are attached to this summary report. Staff. The Unit 18 Director and Extension Educators delivered reports on programs and services currently available. 3

41 Public Comments Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 After the presentations by Unit staff on programs and services the Extension currently offers, staff then received feedback from the attendees as to what they felt were areas of concern for the community and what new educational programs or services could be offered. Below is the feedback that was received by each county. Christian County Feedback: The following is a list of written or oral feedback collected from attendees at the meeting. Question #1 What is the number one issue facing the county today? Economic: Unemployment Youth development and job availability Jobs, which is a part of community development The need for good paying jobs with benefits Financial wellness Poverty One in four kids in poverty in our county. How we can best assist families in poverty. Transportation Coping with the government s new rules and regulations Economic growth, support local businesses to grow and expand Social: Leadership with in the community Public needs guidance/help to become more invested & involved in the community around them A need to reach out to citizens for help 4

42 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Education: Youth: Education, lack of quality teachers Stressing the importance of advanced education & technology Lack of funding for education Changing family structures Activities for youth after school Youth Development and job availability Evolving demographic - The public is becoming more disconnected from the Ag production. Youth have a lack of understanding where their food comes from. Children living in poverty and broken homes. These children need a community support system/platform (like 4-H) to help them explore and learn lifelong skills that are not taught by school or in the home. Question #2 What do you feel is Extension s greatest contribution to the community? Availability for hands-on communication A voice to leadership about concerns and issues that impact our lives Extension has the potential to be the go to source for community needs. It provides programs that help youth all the way through adults. There is generally a knowledgeable response available to questions asked. The knowledge that extension has available Education of the young elderly By the amount of programs you offer it is a great help to the community. Resources, programs, community partnerships The community groups appreciate the auditorium for meetings and health fairs 5

43 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 All of it, but I do like 4-H the most! The Extension is constantly looking at the needs of the community to attempt to meet and exceed the needs. The Educators live and work in the community and are personally invested. Educational resources shared to clientele through exceptional customer services Ag education and economic education 4-H to the point where it over shadows other wonderful programs, but it is a fantastic program Educating the youth through 4-H and Ag literature and Ag in the classroom Question #3 How do you see yourself or your organization partnering with the Extension? Open forum meetings, leadership community vs co-operative education programs between other clubs and organizations. Willing to volunteer as needed Company is willing to provide job shadowing experiences. Additionally provide youth Agronomy days to local students. 4-H Foundation willing to continue to provide assistance as needed Ag literacy, providing materials for the schools Tap into the experience of our older citizens. Post upcoming events on public bulletin boards and at the library. The county has been a partner with the Extension and will continue to do so. Will utilize the SNAP-ED and Nutrition and wellness programs Help with funding. Having educators come to Head Start to share programs in classrooms and at family connection gatherings for parents. Access Extension website and distribute educational materials to help children and families. Especially in regards to employment (preparing for interviews), relationships, and consumer economics. 6

44 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Volunteer leadership and organization Offer expertise that may not be available with the resources available to Extension. Specific Program Suggestions: Hands on youth activities. Educate youth on career paths and what it takes to get a job in today s market. Farm to Fork: Explain production practices and the safety concerns. WBE/DBE Workshops Disaster Education Lesson on Operation Santa early in the season, so we could help with stocking fillers. The soldiers are coming home but how many? 7

45 Jersey County Feedback: Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 The following is a list of written or oral feedback collected from attendees at the meeting. Question #1 What is the number one issue facing the county today? Economic: Social: Financial Employment opportunities Transportation Financial needs Funding Economic Growth Job market The need for economic development in the area Lack of awareness of the Extension, even though there is involvement in the community if people aren t directly involved in Extension or 4-H, they are unaware of the benefits Extension has to offer. Finding young people to join and offer leadership in any organization. Education/Youth: The need for increased education Job skills School Funding Question #2 What do you feel is Extension s greatest contribution to the community? Dissemination of information between those with a need and those who are experts 8

46 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Youth education 4-H 4-H SPIN Clubs Involvement in the community Leadership in an unbiased manner Educational and youth programs Nutritional education Community development and education Provides so many services Adult education Career Training Ag education Providing activities and programs for youth, other than sports Question #3 How do you see yourself or your organization partnering with the Extension? Master Gardeners can help field questions from local landowners/residents about horticultural natural resources. Help with funding for programs. Volunteer when needed. County Board can help by continuing to support Extension, and attend and help advertise events. Advertise Extension events on Jersey County website. Health Department/WIC partnership to deliver programs with SNAP ED person Use facilitators to talk about healthy food choices. 9

47 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Work with Extension to provide health education to adults and nutrition information to WIC clients. Partner with Extension in Leadership programs Help with Farmers Markets Partner with mass transit project HCE could help provide home economics training Specific Program Suggestions: Provide date to possible companies who might locate in Jersey County. (Such as: land cost/location, workforce, unemployment numbers, and expertise of workforce/age, utility cost, infrastructure, water, roads, rail, and river. Work on recruitment of light industry to move into the community. Have the Jerseyville office opened at least one other day per week. Bring back local testing of the private applicators license training/testing. Host a locally directed cover crop tour, perhaps in conjunction with the Jersey SECD/NRCS office. Offer a SPIN club for Gardening Offer more Ag literacy education 10

48 Macoupin County Feedback: Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 The following is a list of written or oral feedback collected from attendees at the meeting. Question #1 What is the number one issue facing the county today? Economic: Social: Economy Jobs Closing of Coal Mine Lack of funding for organizations Health care and insurance cost Adequate nutrition Nutritional education Environmental issues/ Radon Not enough staff/volunteers to implement available programs within counties Lack of communication between various community groups. Communication between groups would improve services to the public. Question #2 What do you feel is Extension s greatest contribution to the community? Youth education and programs Programs working with youth, such as 4-H and SPIN Providing resources to the community and organizations Working with youth Continuing to add new staff to the Extension and up-to-date programs being developed 11

49 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary H Educating the community Research and testing Question #3 How do you see yourself or your organization partnering with the Extension? Working with Chris Casey (Community and Economic Development) to access needed Economic Development data. Extension partner with St. Louis Dairy Council Work with the Health Department in Emergency Disaster coordination, water quality and sewer/septic tank issues. Work more with Gary Letterly Energy and Environmental Stewardship Educator. Continue to work with Master Gardeners Volunteering to help with events Partner with CNB Bank & Trust to offer financial literacy to youth. Take advantage of free online financial literacy game called Money Island, designed for ages CNB would support programs and community organizations that help lower income families. Specific Program Suggestions: Partner with Macoupin County Public Health & Transportation to promote programs for young families, such as nutrition, finance, parenting, food preservation, sanitation, etc. Extension could have booths at County fair and farmers markets. Improved promotion of events Improve how Extension brands itself on programs it assist with. Promote HCE to young people 12

50 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Promote that SPIN club isn t just for 4-H members. Improve how the Extension website presents program information. Youth need the Extension to teach subjects that are not being taught in schools Work with those collecting data on rainfall, snowfall that is used by National Weather Service Community garden programs, such as Enos Park Offer classes related to the new Cottage Law Tree planting for public schools and government buildings Re-establish prairies along high speed rail corridor. Leadership Academy Montgomery & Macoupin Marketing festival and events of non-profit organizations Workshops on technology for seniors Add video to telnets. Farm safety for kids First responder training Speakers Bureau for Gardening Open Meeting Act training of Elected Officials. Youth Entrepreneurship Programs on Specialty Crops Offer workshops on basics of gardening. Teen Teaching Kids program Food sanitation class for individuals Food preservation Keep collaborating with local agencies, such as Carlinville Winning Communities. Arrange a tour of the old courthouse and jail for 4-H members. 13

51 Montgomery County Feedback: Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 The following is a list of written or oral feedback collected from attendees at the meeting. Question #1 What is the number one issue facing the county today? Economic: Social: Education: Youth: Unemployment Economic conditions Poverty, especially among our youth and elderly population Growing elderly/aging population Generational and technological divides Workforce Development Training Consumer Economic education for all ages Financial literacy classes Poverty Need for increased participation of area youth in 4-H Question #2 What do you feel is Extension s greatest contribution to the community? Extension in our area is one of the best in the state in connecting with the youth Teaching leadership skills Teaching area youth/ 4-H 14

52 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 SPIN Clubs/ Sewing Teaching leadership skills to area youth Excellent resource for information Network of experts Work Extension does with low income people Help provide resources Question #3 How do you see yourself or your organization partnering with the Extension? Cooperation between Extension and Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation on programs and projects Helping with after school projects Help with SPIN clubs Provide flyers and information on upcoming events to Lincoln Land Community College Sharing resources with Lincoln Land Community College to provide programs Specific Program Suggestions: Summer gardening series (Mini workshops on composting, unique gardens, etc.) Workshop for youth that would teach work related skills, how to find their first job, job skills, respect for others, etc. Transportation resources Listing of health care resources both within county as well as in St. Louis and Springfield area 15

53 Preliminary Conclusions Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Economic and social concerns dominated the feedback received. This feedback validates many of the recent additions made to the Unit and shows Unit 18 Extension to be positioning itself correctly to better meet the needs of the communities it serves. The recent addition of a Community and Economic Development Educator is integral in helping address the numerous economic concerns facing area communities. The current search for a full time Educator of Family and Consumer Sciences (Nutrition and Wellness), will help address the numerous nutritional education, family life and consumer economic needs identified in the feedback. And the recent addition of a Publicity and Promotions person will help to address the concerns that Extension and all its services often go unrecognized by the public. However, the feedback received also suggests that even these additions may not be enough to adequately service the needs of the Unit. The Unit may have to look at acquiring additional staff in certain key areas or entering into strategic partnerships in order to help effectively deliver and implement programs that directly meet the needs of the communities and citizens with in Unit 18. The Unit may also consider reevaluating current programs and prioritizing resources to best meet the demand. All of the Unit s Educators, no matter their subject matter, can be utilized in helping tackle the concerns identified by the public. Most of the problems identified are complicated and often do not reside solely in one program area, but rather require an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to solving the problems. Conducting public meetings has reinforced the importance of gathering feedback from the community on a regular basis. Feedback should be sought from program participants and by the community and its institutions. Comments and feedback should be used to improve Unit 18 Plan of Work and help it provide the best programs and outreach education possible to the community it serves, with an emphasis on areas that are of greatest need that align with the mission of Extension. These public meetings will start a three year planning cycle that Unit 18 is in the process of developing and implementing. 16

54 Contact Information Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Main Office (Montgomery County) #1 Industrial Park Dr. Hillsboro, IL Phone: FAX: Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am - 12 pm, 1 pm - 4:30 pm Christian County 1120 N Webster St. Taylorville, IL Phone: FAX: Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 11:30am, 12:30pm pm Jersey County 200 North Lafayette, Suite 6 2nd Floor Jerseyville, IL Phone: FAX: Hours: Monday & Wednesday 8 am - 12 pm and 1pm - 4:30 pm Macoupin County #60 Carlinville Plaza Carlinville, IL Phone: FAX: Hours: Monday - Thursday 8 am - 12 pm; 1 pm - 4:30 pm On-line: Website: Facebook: Twitter: University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences * United States Department of Agriculture * Local Extension Councils Cooperating. University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs & employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please contact our office. 17

55 UNIT 18 PUBLIC MEETING SUMMARY Unit 18 Serving Christian, Jersey, Macoupin and Montgomery Counties 2014

56 Table of Contents... Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 About Us Introduction Meeting Agenda 3 Staff... 3 Public Comments Christian County Jersey County Macoupin County Montgomery County Preliminary Conclusions Contact Information Supplemental Documents i. Educator Presentations ii. Positive Development of Youth: Comprehensive Findings from the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development Tufts University iii. A Summary Profile Unit 18 1

57 About Us.... Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Our Mission: To enable people to improve their lives and communities through learning partnerships that put knowledge to work. About University of Illinois Extension Unit 18 University of Illinois Extension is the flagship outreach effort of the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign, offering educational programs to residents of all of Illinois' 102 counties and far beyond. University of Illinois Extension Unit 18 (Christian, Jersey, Macoupin, Montgomery) is the link between U of I Extension and you. Extension offers practical, research-based education to help people improve their lives and communities through learning partnerships. Our Unit staff is committed to improving the quality of life for community members by focusing on the public's needs. The success and impact of U of I Extension is attributed to the dedication and shared vision of "Extending Knowledge - Changing Lives." Introduction... The University of Illinois Extension Unit 18 Council and staff conducted public meetings in each of the four counties they serve. The meeting locations and dates were: (Montgomery County) Hillsboro Extension office - January 29 (Macoupin County) Carlinville Extension office - February 13 (Christian County) Taylorville Extension office - February 27 (Jersey County) Jerseyville Feyerabend Building - March 10 The purpose of the meetings was to inform the public of programs currently being offered by the Unit and to seek comment from the public. Over 80 people attended the meetings representing County and local government, education, health care, Extension Council, Master Gardeners, 4-H members/leaders, the business community, as well as interested individuals. The meetings began with a brief presentation by Unit staff on programs and services the Extension currently offers. Extension staff then received feedback from the attendees as to what they felt were areas of concern for the community and what new educational programs or services could be offered. Input from these meetings will help the Unit determine what additional programs are needed and how best to serve the region going forward. The meetings also helped identify new collaborative opportunities, which will aid in the development of new educational opportunities. 2

58 Meeting Agenda.. Each meeting had the following agenda: Call Meeting To Order History of Unit 18: Amanda Cole Purpose of Meeting: Amanda Cole Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Community and Economic Development Programming: Chris Casey Youth Development/4-H/Ag Literacy Programming: Peggy Hampton Horticulture Programming: Andrew Holsinger Energy and Environmental Stewardship Programming: Gary Letterly Family and Consumer Science/SNAP-Ed: Amanda Cole Thank You * Each Educator delivered a report on the programs and services available in their educational area. Those reports are attached to this summary report. Staff. The Unit 18 Director and Extension Educators delivered reports on programs and services currently available. 3

59 Public Comments Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 After the presentations by Unit staff on programs and services the Extension currently offers, staff then received feedback from the attendees as to what they felt were areas of concern for the community and what new educational programs or services could be offered. Below is the feedback that was received by each county. Christian County Feedback: The following is a list of written or oral feedback collected from attendees at the meeting. Question #1 What is the number one issue facing the county today? Economic: Unemployment Youth development and job availability Jobs, which is a part of community development The need for good paying jobs with benefits Financial wellness Poverty One in four kids in poverty in our county. How we can best assist families in poverty. Transportation Coping with the government s new rules and regulations Economic growth, support local businesses to grow and expand Social: Leadership with in the community Public needs guidance/help to become more invested & involved in the community around them A need to reach out to citizens for help 4

60 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Education: Youth: Education, lack of quality teachers Stressing the importance of advanced education & technology Lack of funding for education Changing family structures Activities for youth after school Youth Development and job availability Evolving demographic - The public is becoming more disconnected from the Ag production. Youth have a lack of understanding where their food comes from. Children living in poverty and broken homes. These children need a community support system/platform (like 4-H) to help them explore and learn lifelong skills that are not taught by school or in the home. Question #2 What do you feel is Extension s greatest contribution to the community? Availability for hands-on communication A voice to leadership about concerns and issues that impact our lives Extension has the potential to be the go to source for community needs. It provides programs that help youth all the way through adults. There is generally a knowledgeable response available to questions asked. The knowledge that extension has available Education of the young elderly By the amount of programs you offer it is a great help to the community. Resources, programs, community partnerships The community groups appreciate the auditorium for meetings and health fairs 5

61 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 All of it, but I do like 4-H the most! The Extension is constantly looking at the needs of the community to attempt to meet and exceed the needs. The Educators live and work in the community and are personally invested. Educational resources shared to clientele through exceptional customer services Ag education and economic education 4-H to the point where it over shadows other wonderful programs, but it is a fantastic program Educating the youth through 4-H and Ag literature and Ag in the classroom Question #3 How do you see yourself or your organization partnering with the Extension? Open forum meetings, leadership community vs co-operative education programs between other clubs and organizations. Willing to volunteer as needed Company is willing to provide job shadowing experiences. Additionally provide youth Agronomy days to local students. 4-H Foundation willing to continue to provide assistance as needed Ag literacy, providing materials for the schools Tap into the experience of our older citizens. Post upcoming events on public bulletin boards and at the library. The county has been a partner with the Extension and will continue to do so. Will utilize the SNAP-ED and Nutrition and wellness programs Help with funding. Having educators come to Head Start to share programs in classrooms and at family connection gatherings for parents. Access Extension website and distribute educational materials to help children and families. Especially in regards to employment (preparing for interviews), relationships, and consumer economics. 6

62 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Volunteer leadership and organization Offer expertise that may not be available with the resources available to Extension. Specific Program Suggestions: Hands on youth activities. Educate youth on career paths and what it takes to get a job in today s market. Farm to Fork: Explain production practices and the safety concerns. WBE/DBE Workshops Disaster Education Lesson on Operation Santa early in the season, so we could help with stocking fillers. The soldiers are coming home but how many? 7

63 Jersey County Feedback: Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 The following is a list of written or oral feedback collected from attendees at the meeting. Question #1 What is the number one issue facing the county today? Economic: Social: Financial Employment opportunities Transportation Financial needs Funding Economic Growth Job market The need for economic development in the area Lack of awareness of the Extension, even though there is involvement in the community if people aren t directly involved in Extension or 4-H, they are unaware of the benefits Extension has to offer. Finding young people to join and offer leadership in any organization. Education/Youth: The need for increased education Job skills School Funding Question #2 What do you feel is Extension s greatest contribution to the community? Dissemination of information between those with a need and those who are experts 8

64 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Youth education 4-H 4-H SPIN Clubs Involvement in the community Leadership in an unbiased manner Educational and youth programs Nutritional education Community development and education Provides so many services Adult education Career Training Ag education Providing activities and programs for youth, other than sports Question #3 How do you see yourself or your organization partnering with the Extension? Master Gardeners can help field questions from local landowners/residents about horticultural natural resources. Help with funding for programs. Volunteer when needed. County Board can help by continuing to support Extension, and attend and help advertise events. Advertise Extension events on Jersey County website. Health Department/WIC partnership to deliver programs with SNAP ED person Use facilitators to talk about healthy food choices. 9

65 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Work with Extension to provide health education to adults and nutrition information to WIC clients. Partner with Extension in Leadership programs Help with Farmers Markets Partner with mass transit project HCE could help provide home economics training Specific Program Suggestions: Provide date to possible companies who might locate in Jersey County. (Such as: land cost/location, workforce, unemployment numbers, and expertise of workforce/age, utility cost, infrastructure, water, roads, rail, and river. Work on recruitment of light industry to move into the community. Have the Jerseyville office opened at least one other day per week. Bring back local testing of the private applicators license training/testing. Host a locally directed cover crop tour, perhaps in conjunction with the Jersey SECD/NRCS office. Offer a SPIN club for Gardening Offer more Ag literacy education 10

66 Macoupin County Feedback: Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 The following is a list of written or oral feedback collected from attendees at the meeting. Question #1 What is the number one issue facing the county today? Economic: Social: Economy Jobs Closing of Coal Mine Lack of funding for organizations Health care and insurance cost Adequate nutrition Nutritional education Environmental issues/ Radon Not enough staff/volunteers to implement available programs within counties Lack of communication between various community groups. Communication between groups would improve services to the public. Question #2 What do you feel is Extension s greatest contribution to the community? Youth education and programs Programs working with youth, such as 4-H and SPIN Providing resources to the community and organizations Working with youth Continuing to add new staff to the Extension and up-to-date programs being developed 11

67 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary H Educating the community Research and testing Question #3 How do you see yourself or your organization partnering with the Extension? Working with Chris Casey (Community and Economic Development) to access needed Economic Development data. Extension partner with St. Louis Dairy Council Work with the Health Department in Emergency Disaster coordination, water quality and sewer/septic tank issues. Work more with Gary Letterly Energy and Environmental Stewardship Educator. Continue to work with Master Gardeners Volunteering to help with events Partner with CNB Bank & Trust to offer financial literacy to youth. Take advantage of free online financial literacy game called Money Island, designed for ages CNB would support programs and community organizations that help lower income families. Specific Program Suggestions: Partner with Macoupin County Public Health & Transportation to promote programs for young families, such as nutrition, finance, parenting, food preservation, sanitation, etc. Extension could have booths at County fair and farmers markets. Improved promotion of events Improve how Extension brands itself on programs it assist with. Promote HCE to young people 12

68 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Promote that SPIN club isn t just for 4-H members. Improve how the Extension website presents program information. Youth need the Extension to teach subjects that are not being taught in schools Work with those collecting data on rainfall, snowfall that is used by National Weather Service Community garden programs, such as Enos Park Offer classes related to the new Cottage Law Tree planting for public schools and government buildings Re-establish prairies along high speed rail corridor. Leadership Academy Montgomery & Macoupin Marketing festival and events of non-profit organizations Workshops on technology for seniors Add video to telnets. Farm safety for kids First responder training Speakers Bureau for Gardening Open Meeting Act training of Elected Officials. Youth Entrepreneurship Programs on Specialty Crops Offer workshops on basics of gardening. Teen Teaching Kids program Food sanitation class for individuals Food preservation Keep collaborating with local agencies, such as Carlinville Winning Communities. Arrange a tour of the old courthouse and jail for 4-H members. 13

69 Montgomery County Feedback: Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 The following is a list of written or oral feedback collected from attendees at the meeting. Question #1 What is the number one issue facing the county today? Economic: Social: Education: Youth: Unemployment Economic conditions Poverty, especially among our youth and elderly population Growing elderly/aging population Generational and technological divides Workforce Development Training Consumer Economic education for all ages Financial literacy classes Poverty Need for increased participation of area youth in 4-H Question #2 What do you feel is Extension s greatest contribution to the community? Extension in our area is one of the best in the state in connecting with the youth Teaching leadership skills Teaching area youth/ 4-H 14

70 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 SPIN Clubs/ Sewing Teaching leadership skills to area youth Excellent resource for information Network of experts Work Extension does with low income people Help provide resources Question #3 How do you see yourself or your organization partnering with the Extension? Cooperation between Extension and Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation on programs and projects Helping with after school projects Help with SPIN clubs Provide flyers and information on upcoming events to Lincoln Land Community College Sharing resources with Lincoln Land Community College to provide programs Specific Program Suggestions: Summer gardening series (Mini workshops on composting, unique gardens, etc.) Workshop for youth that would teach work related skills, how to find their first job, job skills, respect for others, etc. Transportation resources Listing of health care resources both within county as well as in St. Louis and Springfield area 15

71 Preliminary Conclusions Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Economic and social concerns dominated the feedback received. This feedback validates many of the recent additions made to the Unit and shows Unit 18 Extension to be positioning itself correctly to better meet the needs of the communities it serves. The recent addition of a Community and Economic Development Educator is integral in helping address the numerous economic concerns facing area communities. The current search for a full time Educator of Family and Consumer Sciences (Nutrition and Wellness), will help address the numerous nutritional education, family life and consumer economic needs identified in the feedback. And the recent addition of a Publicity and Promotions person will help to address the concerns that Extension and all its services often go unrecognized by the public. However, the feedback received also suggests that even these additions may not be enough to adequately service the needs of the Unit. The Unit may have to look at acquiring additional staff in certain key areas or entering into strategic partnerships in order to help effectively deliver and implement programs that directly meet the needs of the communities and citizens with in Unit 18. The Unit may also consider reevaluating current programs and prioritizing resources to best meet the demand. All of the Unit s Educators, no matter their subject matter, can be utilized in helping tackle the concerns identified by the public. Most of the problems identified are complicated and often do not reside solely in one program area, but rather require an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to solving the problems. Conducting public meetings has reinforced the importance of gathering feedback from the community on a regular basis. Feedback should be sought from program participants and by the community and its institutions. Comments and feedback should be used to improve Unit 18 Plan of Work and help it provide the best programs and outreach education possible to the community it serves, with an emphasis on areas that are of greatest need that align with the mission of Extension. These public meetings will start a three year planning cycle that Unit 18 is in the process of developing and implementing. 16

72 Contact Information Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Main Office (Montgomery County) #1 Industrial Park Dr. Hillsboro, IL Phone: FAX: Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am - 12 pm, 1 pm - 4:30 pm Christian County 1120 N Webster St. Taylorville, IL Phone: FAX: Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 11:30am, 12:30pm pm Jersey County 200 North Lafayette, Suite 6 2nd Floor Jerseyville, IL Phone: FAX: Hours: Monday & Wednesday 8 am - 12 pm and 1pm - 4:30 pm Macoupin County #60 Carlinville Plaza Carlinville, IL Phone: FAX: Hours: Monday - Thursday 8 am - 12 pm; 1 pm - 4:30 pm On-line: Website: Facebook: Twitter: University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences * United States Department of Agriculture * Local Extension Councils Cooperating. University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs & employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please contact our office. 17

73 UNIT 18 PUBLIC MEETING SUMMARY Unit 18 Serving Christian, Jersey, Macoupin and Montgomery Counties 2014

74 Table of Contents... Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 About Us Introduction Meeting Agenda 3 Staff... 3 Public Comments Christian County Jersey County Macoupin County Montgomery County Preliminary Conclusions Contact Information Supplemental Documents i. Educator Presentations ii. Positive Development of Youth: Comprehensive Findings from the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development Tufts University iii. A Summary Profile Unit 18 1

75 About Us.... Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Our Mission: To enable people to improve their lives and communities through learning partnerships that put knowledge to work. About University of Illinois Extension Unit 18 University of Illinois Extension is the flagship outreach effort of the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign, offering educational programs to residents of all of Illinois' 102 counties and far beyond. University of Illinois Extension Unit 18 (Christian, Jersey, Macoupin, Montgomery) is the link between U of I Extension and you. Extension offers practical, research-based education to help people improve their lives and communities through learning partnerships. Our Unit staff is committed to improving the quality of life for community members by focusing on the public's needs. The success and impact of U of I Extension is attributed to the dedication and shared vision of "Extending Knowledge - Changing Lives." Introduction... The University of Illinois Extension Unit 18 Council and staff conducted public meetings in each of the four counties they serve. The meeting locations and dates were: (Montgomery County) Hillsboro Extension office - January 29 (Macoupin County) Carlinville Extension office - February 13 (Christian County) Taylorville Extension office - February 27 (Jersey County) Jerseyville Feyerabend Building - March 10 The purpose of the meetings was to inform the public of programs currently being offered by the Unit and to seek comment from the public. Over 80 people attended the meetings representing County and local government, education, health care, Extension Council, Master Gardeners, 4-H members/leaders, the business community, as well as interested individuals. The meetings began with a brief presentation by Unit staff on programs and services the Extension currently offers. Extension staff then received feedback from the attendees as to what they felt were areas of concern for the community and what new educational programs or services could be offered. Input from these meetings will help the Unit determine what additional programs are needed and how best to serve the region going forward. The meetings also helped identify new collaborative opportunities, which will aid in the development of new educational opportunities. 2

76 Meeting Agenda.. Each meeting had the following agenda: Call Meeting To Order History of Unit 18: Amanda Cole Purpose of Meeting: Amanda Cole Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Community and Economic Development Programming: Chris Casey Youth Development/4-H/Ag Literacy Programming: Peggy Hampton Horticulture Programming: Andrew Holsinger Energy and Environmental Stewardship Programming: Gary Letterly Family and Consumer Science/SNAP-Ed: Amanda Cole Thank You * Each Educator delivered a report on the programs and services available in their educational area. Those reports are attached to this summary report. Staff. The Unit 18 Director and Extension Educators delivered reports on programs and services currently available. 3

77 Public Comments Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 After the presentations by Unit staff on programs and services the Extension currently offers, staff then received feedback from the attendees as to what they felt were areas of concern for the community and what new educational programs or services could be offered. Below is the feedback that was received by each county. Christian County Feedback: The following is a list of written or oral feedback collected from attendees at the meeting. Question #1 What is the number one issue facing the county today? Economic: Unemployment Youth development and job availability Jobs, which is a part of community development The need for good paying jobs with benefits Financial wellness Poverty One in four kids in poverty in our county. How we can best assist families in poverty. Transportation Coping with the government s new rules and regulations Economic growth, support local businesses to grow and expand Social: Leadership with in the community Public needs guidance/help to become more invested & involved in the community around them A need to reach out to citizens for help 4

78 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Education: Youth: Education, lack of quality teachers Stressing the importance of advanced education & technology Lack of funding for education Changing family structures Activities for youth after school Youth Development and job availability Evolving demographic - The public is becoming more disconnected from the Ag production. Youth have a lack of understanding where their food comes from. Children living in poverty and broken homes. These children need a community support system/platform (like 4-H) to help them explore and learn lifelong skills that are not taught by school or in the home. Question #2 What do you feel is Extension s greatest contribution to the community? Availability for hands-on communication A voice to leadership about concerns and issues that impact our lives Extension has the potential to be the go to source for community needs. It provides programs that help youth all the way through adults. There is generally a knowledgeable response available to questions asked. The knowledge that extension has available Education of the young elderly By the amount of programs you offer it is a great help to the community. Resources, programs, community partnerships The community groups appreciate the auditorium for meetings and health fairs 5

79 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 All of it, but I do like 4-H the most! The Extension is constantly looking at the needs of the community to attempt to meet and exceed the needs. The Educators live and work in the community and are personally invested. Educational resources shared to clientele through exceptional customer services Ag education and economic education 4-H to the point where it over shadows other wonderful programs, but it is a fantastic program Educating the youth through 4-H and Ag literature and Ag in the classroom Question #3 How do you see yourself or your organization partnering with the Extension? Open forum meetings, leadership community vs co-operative education programs between other clubs and organizations. Willing to volunteer as needed Company is willing to provide job shadowing experiences. Additionally provide youth Agronomy days to local students. 4-H Foundation willing to continue to provide assistance as needed Ag literacy, providing materials for the schools Tap into the experience of our older citizens. Post upcoming events on public bulletin boards and at the library. The county has been a partner with the Extension and will continue to do so. Will utilize the SNAP-ED and Nutrition and wellness programs Help with funding. Having educators come to Head Start to share programs in classrooms and at family connection gatherings for parents. Access Extension website and distribute educational materials to help children and families. Especially in regards to employment (preparing for interviews), relationships, and consumer economics. 6

80 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Volunteer leadership and organization Offer expertise that may not be available with the resources available to Extension. Specific Program Suggestions: Hands on youth activities. Educate youth on career paths and what it takes to get a job in today s market. Farm to Fork: Explain production practices and the safety concerns. WBE/DBE Workshops Disaster Education Lesson on Operation Santa early in the season, so we could help with stocking fillers. The soldiers are coming home but how many? 7

81 Jersey County Feedback: Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 The following is a list of written or oral feedback collected from attendees at the meeting. Question #1 What is the number one issue facing the county today? Economic: Social: Financial Employment opportunities Transportation Financial needs Funding Economic Growth Job market The need for economic development in the area Lack of awareness of the Extension, even though there is involvement in the community if people aren t directly involved in Extension or 4-H, they are unaware of the benefits Extension has to offer. Finding young people to join and offer leadership in any organization. Education/Youth: The need for increased education Job skills School Funding Question #2 What do you feel is Extension s greatest contribution to the community? Dissemination of information between those with a need and those who are experts 8

82 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Youth education 4-H 4-H SPIN Clubs Involvement in the community Leadership in an unbiased manner Educational and youth programs Nutritional education Community development and education Provides so many services Adult education Career Training Ag education Providing activities and programs for youth, other than sports Question #3 How do you see yourself or your organization partnering with the Extension? Master Gardeners can help field questions from local landowners/residents about horticultural natural resources. Help with funding for programs. Volunteer when needed. County Board can help by continuing to support Extension, and attend and help advertise events. Advertise Extension events on Jersey County website. Health Department/WIC partnership to deliver programs with SNAP ED person Use facilitators to talk about healthy food choices. 9

83 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Work with Extension to provide health education to adults and nutrition information to WIC clients. Partner with Extension in Leadership programs Help with Farmers Markets Partner with mass transit project HCE could help provide home economics training Specific Program Suggestions: Provide date to possible companies who might locate in Jersey County. (Such as: land cost/location, workforce, unemployment numbers, and expertise of workforce/age, utility cost, infrastructure, water, roads, rail, and river. Work on recruitment of light industry to move into the community. Have the Jerseyville office opened at least one other day per week. Bring back local testing of the private applicators license training/testing. Host a locally directed cover crop tour, perhaps in conjunction with the Jersey SECD/NRCS office. Offer a SPIN club for Gardening Offer more Ag literacy education 10

84 Macoupin County Feedback: Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 The following is a list of written or oral feedback collected from attendees at the meeting. Question #1 What is the number one issue facing the county today? Economic: Social: Economy Jobs Closing of Coal Mine Lack of funding for organizations Health care and insurance cost Adequate nutrition Nutritional education Environmental issues/ Radon Not enough staff/volunteers to implement available programs within counties Lack of communication between various community groups. Communication between groups would improve services to the public. Question #2 What do you feel is Extension s greatest contribution to the community? Youth education and programs Programs working with youth, such as 4-H and SPIN Providing resources to the community and organizations Working with youth Continuing to add new staff to the Extension and up-to-date programs being developed 11

85 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary H Educating the community Research and testing Question #3 How do you see yourself or your organization partnering with the Extension? Working with Chris Casey (Community and Economic Development) to access needed Economic Development data. Extension partner with St. Louis Dairy Council Work with the Health Department in Emergency Disaster coordination, water quality and sewer/septic tank issues. Work more with Gary Letterly Energy and Environmental Stewardship Educator. Continue to work with Master Gardeners Volunteering to help with events Partner with CNB Bank & Trust to offer financial literacy to youth. Take advantage of free online financial literacy game called Money Island, designed for ages CNB would support programs and community organizations that help lower income families. Specific Program Suggestions: Partner with Macoupin County Public Health & Transportation to promote programs for young families, such as nutrition, finance, parenting, food preservation, sanitation, etc. Extension could have booths at County fair and farmers markets. Improved promotion of events Improve how Extension brands itself on programs it assist with. Promote HCE to young people 12

86 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Promote that SPIN club isn t just for 4-H members. Improve how the Extension website presents program information. Youth need the Extension to teach subjects that are not being taught in schools Work with those collecting data on rainfall, snowfall that is used by National Weather Service Community garden programs, such as Enos Park Offer classes related to the new Cottage Law Tree planting for public schools and government buildings Re-establish prairies along high speed rail corridor. Leadership Academy Montgomery & Macoupin Marketing festival and events of non-profit organizations Workshops on technology for seniors Add video to telnets. Farm safety for kids First responder training Speakers Bureau for Gardening Open Meeting Act training of Elected Officials. Youth Entrepreneurship Programs on Specialty Crops Offer workshops on basics of gardening. Teen Teaching Kids program Food sanitation class for individuals Food preservation Keep collaborating with local agencies, such as Carlinville Winning Communities. Arrange a tour of the old courthouse and jail for 4-H members. 13

87 Montgomery County Feedback: Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 The following is a list of written or oral feedback collected from attendees at the meeting. Question #1 What is the number one issue facing the county today? Economic: Social: Education: Youth: Unemployment Economic conditions Poverty, especially among our youth and elderly population Growing elderly/aging population Generational and technological divides Workforce Development Training Consumer Economic education for all ages Financial literacy classes Poverty Need for increased participation of area youth in 4-H Question #2 What do you feel is Extension s greatest contribution to the community? Extension in our area is one of the best in the state in connecting with the youth Teaching leadership skills Teaching area youth/ 4-H 14

88 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 SPIN Clubs/ Sewing Teaching leadership skills to area youth Excellent resource for information Network of experts Work Extension does with low income people Help provide resources Question #3 How do you see yourself or your organization partnering with the Extension? Cooperation between Extension and Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation on programs and projects Helping with after school projects Help with SPIN clubs Provide flyers and information on upcoming events to Lincoln Land Community College Sharing resources with Lincoln Land Community College to provide programs Specific Program Suggestions: Summer gardening series (Mini workshops on composting, unique gardens, etc.) Workshop for youth that would teach work related skills, how to find their first job, job skills, respect for others, etc. Transportation resources Listing of health care resources both within county as well as in St. Louis and Springfield area 15

89 Preliminary Conclusions Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Economic and social concerns dominated the feedback received. This feedback validates many of the recent additions made to the Unit and shows Unit 18 Extension to be positioning itself correctly to better meet the needs of the communities it serves. The recent addition of a Community and Economic Development Educator is integral in helping address the numerous economic concerns facing area communities. The current search for a full time Educator of Family and Consumer Sciences (Nutrition and Wellness), will help address the numerous nutritional education, family life and consumer economic needs identified in the feedback. And the recent addition of a Publicity and Promotions person will help to address the concerns that Extension and all its services often go unrecognized by the public. However, the feedback received also suggests that even these additions may not be enough to adequately service the needs of the Unit. The Unit may have to look at acquiring additional staff in certain key areas or entering into strategic partnerships in order to help effectively deliver and implement programs that directly meet the needs of the communities and citizens with in Unit 18. The Unit may also consider reevaluating current programs and prioritizing resources to best meet the demand. All of the Unit s Educators, no matter their subject matter, can be utilized in helping tackle the concerns identified by the public. Most of the problems identified are complicated and often do not reside solely in one program area, but rather require an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to solving the problems. Conducting public meetings has reinforced the importance of gathering feedback from the community on a regular basis. Feedback should be sought from program participants and by the community and its institutions. Comments and feedback should be used to improve Unit 18 Plan of Work and help it provide the best programs and outreach education possible to the community it serves, with an emphasis on areas that are of greatest need that align with the mission of Extension. These public meetings will start a three year planning cycle that Unit 18 is in the process of developing and implementing. 16

90 Contact Information Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Main Office (Montgomery County) #1 Industrial Park Dr. Hillsboro, IL Phone: FAX: Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am - 12 pm, 1 pm - 4:30 pm Christian County 1120 N Webster St. Taylorville, IL Phone: FAX: Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 11:30am, 12:30pm pm Jersey County 200 North Lafayette, Suite 6 2nd Floor Jerseyville, IL Phone: FAX: Hours: Monday & Wednesday 8 am - 12 pm and 1pm - 4:30 pm Macoupin County #60 Carlinville Plaza Carlinville, IL Phone: FAX: Hours: Monday - Thursday 8 am - 12 pm; 1 pm - 4:30 pm On-line: Website: Facebook: Twitter: University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences * United States Department of Agriculture * Local Extension Councils Cooperating. University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs & employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please contact our office. 17

91 UNIT 18 PUBLIC MEETING SUMMARY Unit 18 Serving Christian, Jersey, Macoupin and Montgomery Counties 2014

92 Table of Contents... Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 About Us Introduction Meeting Agenda 3 Staff... 3 Public Comments Christian County Jersey County Macoupin County Montgomery County Preliminary Conclusions Contact Information Supplemental Documents i. Educator Presentations ii. Positive Development of Youth: Comprehensive Findings from the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development Tufts University iii. A Summary Profile Unit 18 1

93 About Us.... Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Our Mission: To enable people to improve their lives and communities through learning partnerships that put knowledge to work. About University of Illinois Extension Unit 18 University of Illinois Extension is the flagship outreach effort of the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign, offering educational programs to residents of all of Illinois' 102 counties and far beyond. University of Illinois Extension Unit 18 (Christian, Jersey, Macoupin, Montgomery) is the link between U of I Extension and you. Extension offers practical, research-based education to help people improve their lives and communities through learning partnerships. Our Unit staff is committed to improving the quality of life for community members by focusing on the public's needs. The success and impact of U of I Extension is attributed to the dedication and shared vision of "Extending Knowledge - Changing Lives." Introduction... The University of Illinois Extension Unit 18 Council and staff conducted public meetings in each of the four counties they serve. The meeting locations and dates were: (Montgomery County) Hillsboro Extension office - January 29 (Macoupin County) Carlinville Extension office - February 13 (Christian County) Taylorville Extension office - February 27 (Jersey County) Jerseyville Feyerabend Building - March 10 The purpose of the meetings was to inform the public of programs currently being offered by the Unit and to seek comment from the public. Over 80 people attended the meetings representing County and local government, education, health care, Extension Council, Master Gardeners, 4-H members/leaders, the business community, as well as interested individuals. The meetings began with a brief presentation by Unit staff on programs and services the Extension currently offers. Extension staff then received feedback from the attendees as to what they felt were areas of concern for the community and what new educational programs or services could be offered. Input from these meetings will help the Unit determine what additional programs are needed and how best to serve the region going forward. The meetings also helped identify new collaborative opportunities, which will aid in the development of new educational opportunities. 2

94 Meeting Agenda.. Each meeting had the following agenda: Call Meeting To Order History of Unit 18: Amanda Cole Purpose of Meeting: Amanda Cole Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Community and Economic Development Programming: Chris Casey Youth Development/4-H/Ag Literacy Programming: Peggy Hampton Horticulture Programming: Andrew Holsinger Energy and Environmental Stewardship Programming: Gary Letterly Family and Consumer Science/SNAP-Ed: Amanda Cole Thank You * Each Educator delivered a report on the programs and services available in their educational area. Those reports are attached to this summary report. Staff. The Unit 18 Director and Extension Educators delivered reports on programs and services currently available. 3

95 Public Comments Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 After the presentations by Unit staff on programs and services the Extension currently offers, staff then received feedback from the attendees as to what they felt were areas of concern for the community and what new educational programs or services could be offered. Below is the feedback that was received by each county. Christian County Feedback: The following is a list of written or oral feedback collected from attendees at the meeting. Question #1 What is the number one issue facing the county today? Economic: Unemployment Youth development and job availability Jobs, which is a part of community development The need for good paying jobs with benefits Financial wellness Poverty One in four kids in poverty in our county. How we can best assist families in poverty. Transportation Coping with the government s new rules and regulations Economic growth, support local businesses to grow and expand Social: Leadership with in the community Public needs guidance/help to become more invested & involved in the community around them A need to reach out to citizens for help 4

96 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Education: Youth: Education, lack of quality teachers Stressing the importance of advanced education & technology Lack of funding for education Changing family structures Activities for youth after school Youth Development and job availability Evolving demographic - The public is becoming more disconnected from the Ag production. Youth have a lack of understanding where their food comes from. Children living in poverty and broken homes. These children need a community support system/platform (like 4-H) to help them explore and learn lifelong skills that are not taught by school or in the home. Question #2 What do you feel is Extension s greatest contribution to the community? Availability for hands-on communication A voice to leadership about concerns and issues that impact our lives Extension has the potential to be the go to source for community needs. It provides programs that help youth all the way through adults. There is generally a knowledgeable response available to questions asked. The knowledge that extension has available Education of the young elderly By the amount of programs you offer it is a great help to the community. Resources, programs, community partnerships The community groups appreciate the auditorium for meetings and health fairs 5

97 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 All of it, but I do like 4-H the most! The Extension is constantly looking at the needs of the community to attempt to meet and exceed the needs. The Educators live and work in the community and are personally invested. Educational resources shared to clientele through exceptional customer services Ag education and economic education 4-H to the point where it over shadows other wonderful programs, but it is a fantastic program Educating the youth through 4-H and Ag literature and Ag in the classroom Question #3 How do you see yourself or your organization partnering with the Extension? Open forum meetings, leadership community vs co-operative education programs between other clubs and organizations. Willing to volunteer as needed Company is willing to provide job shadowing experiences. Additionally provide youth Agronomy days to local students. 4-H Foundation willing to continue to provide assistance as needed Ag literacy, providing materials for the schools Tap into the experience of our older citizens. Post upcoming events on public bulletin boards and at the library. The county has been a partner with the Extension and will continue to do so. Will utilize the SNAP-ED and Nutrition and wellness programs Help with funding. Having educators come to Head Start to share programs in classrooms and at family connection gatherings for parents. Access Extension website and distribute educational materials to help children and families. Especially in regards to employment (preparing for interviews), relationships, and consumer economics. 6

98 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Volunteer leadership and organization Offer expertise that may not be available with the resources available to Extension. Specific Program Suggestions: Hands on youth activities. Educate youth on career paths and what it takes to get a job in today s market. Farm to Fork: Explain production practices and the safety concerns. WBE/DBE Workshops Disaster Education Lesson on Operation Santa early in the season, so we could help with stocking fillers. The soldiers are coming home but how many? 7

99 Jersey County Feedback: Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 The following is a list of written or oral feedback collected from attendees at the meeting. Question #1 What is the number one issue facing the county today? Economic: Social: Financial Employment opportunities Transportation Financial needs Funding Economic Growth Job market The need for economic development in the area Lack of awareness of the Extension, even though there is involvement in the community if people aren t directly involved in Extension or 4-H, they are unaware of the benefits Extension has to offer. Finding young people to join and offer leadership in any organization. Education/Youth: The need for increased education Job skills School Funding Question #2 What do you feel is Extension s greatest contribution to the community? Dissemination of information between those with a need and those who are experts 8

100 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Youth education 4-H 4-H SPIN Clubs Involvement in the community Leadership in an unbiased manner Educational and youth programs Nutritional education Community development and education Provides so many services Adult education Career Training Ag education Providing activities and programs for youth, other than sports Question #3 How do you see yourself or your organization partnering with the Extension? Master Gardeners can help field questions from local landowners/residents about horticultural natural resources. Help with funding for programs. Volunteer when needed. County Board can help by continuing to support Extension, and attend and help advertise events. Advertise Extension events on Jersey County website. Health Department/WIC partnership to deliver programs with SNAP ED person Use facilitators to talk about healthy food choices. 9

101 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Work with Extension to provide health education to adults and nutrition information to WIC clients. Partner with Extension in Leadership programs Help with Farmers Markets Partner with mass transit project HCE could help provide home economics training Specific Program Suggestions: Provide date to possible companies who might locate in Jersey County. (Such as: land cost/location, workforce, unemployment numbers, and expertise of workforce/age, utility cost, infrastructure, water, roads, rail, and river. Work on recruitment of light industry to move into the community. Have the Jerseyville office opened at least one other day per week. Bring back local testing of the private applicators license training/testing. Host a locally directed cover crop tour, perhaps in conjunction with the Jersey SECD/NRCS office. Offer a SPIN club for Gardening Offer more Ag literacy education 10

102 Macoupin County Feedback: Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 The following is a list of written or oral feedback collected from attendees at the meeting. Question #1 What is the number one issue facing the county today? Economic: Social: Economy Jobs Closing of Coal Mine Lack of funding for organizations Health care and insurance cost Adequate nutrition Nutritional education Environmental issues/ Radon Not enough staff/volunteers to implement available programs within counties Lack of communication between various community groups. Communication between groups would improve services to the public. Question #2 What do you feel is Extension s greatest contribution to the community? Youth education and programs Programs working with youth, such as 4-H and SPIN Providing resources to the community and organizations Working with youth Continuing to add new staff to the Extension and up-to-date programs being developed 11

103 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary H Educating the community Research and testing Question #3 How do you see yourself or your organization partnering with the Extension? Working with Chris Casey (Community and Economic Development) to access needed Economic Development data. Extension partner with St. Louis Dairy Council Work with the Health Department in Emergency Disaster coordination, water quality and sewer/septic tank issues. Work more with Gary Letterly Energy and Environmental Stewardship Educator. Continue to work with Master Gardeners Volunteering to help with events Partner with CNB Bank & Trust to offer financial literacy to youth. Take advantage of free online financial literacy game called Money Island, designed for ages CNB would support programs and community organizations that help lower income families. Specific Program Suggestions: Partner with Macoupin County Public Health & Transportation to promote programs for young families, such as nutrition, finance, parenting, food preservation, sanitation, etc. Extension could have booths at County fair and farmers markets. Improved promotion of events Improve how Extension brands itself on programs it assist with. Promote HCE to young people 12

104 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Promote that SPIN club isn t just for 4-H members. Improve how the Extension website presents program information. Youth need the Extension to teach subjects that are not being taught in schools Work with those collecting data on rainfall, snowfall that is used by National Weather Service Community garden programs, such as Enos Park Offer classes related to the new Cottage Law Tree planting for public schools and government buildings Re-establish prairies along high speed rail corridor. Leadership Academy Montgomery & Macoupin Marketing festival and events of non-profit organizations Workshops on technology for seniors Add video to telnets. Farm safety for kids First responder training Speakers Bureau for Gardening Open Meeting Act training of Elected Officials. Youth Entrepreneurship Programs on Specialty Crops Offer workshops on basics of gardening. Teen Teaching Kids program Food sanitation class for individuals Food preservation Keep collaborating with local agencies, such as Carlinville Winning Communities. Arrange a tour of the old courthouse and jail for 4-H members. 13

105 Montgomery County Feedback: Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 The following is a list of written or oral feedback collected from attendees at the meeting. Question #1 What is the number one issue facing the county today? Economic: Social: Education: Youth: Unemployment Economic conditions Poverty, especially among our youth and elderly population Growing elderly/aging population Generational and technological divides Workforce Development Training Consumer Economic education for all ages Financial literacy classes Poverty Need for increased participation of area youth in 4-H Question #2 What do you feel is Extension s greatest contribution to the community? Extension in our area is one of the best in the state in connecting with the youth Teaching leadership skills Teaching area youth/ 4-H 14

106 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 SPIN Clubs/ Sewing Teaching leadership skills to area youth Excellent resource for information Network of experts Work Extension does with low income people Help provide resources Question #3 How do you see yourself or your organization partnering with the Extension? Cooperation between Extension and Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation on programs and projects Helping with after school projects Help with SPIN clubs Provide flyers and information on upcoming events to Lincoln Land Community College Sharing resources with Lincoln Land Community College to provide programs Specific Program Suggestions: Summer gardening series (Mini workshops on composting, unique gardens, etc.) Workshop for youth that would teach work related skills, how to find their first job, job skills, respect for others, etc. Transportation resources Listing of health care resources both within county as well as in St. Louis and Springfield area 15

107 Preliminary Conclusions Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Economic and social concerns dominated the feedback received. This feedback validates many of the recent additions made to the Unit and shows Unit 18 Extension to be positioning itself correctly to better meet the needs of the communities it serves. The recent addition of a Community and Economic Development Educator is integral in helping address the numerous economic concerns facing area communities. The current search for a full time Educator of Family and Consumer Sciences (Nutrition and Wellness), will help address the numerous nutritional education, family life and consumer economic needs identified in the feedback. And the recent addition of a Publicity and Promotions person will help to address the concerns that Extension and all its services often go unrecognized by the public. However, the feedback received also suggests that even these additions may not be enough to adequately service the needs of the Unit. The Unit may have to look at acquiring additional staff in certain key areas or entering into strategic partnerships in order to help effectively deliver and implement programs that directly meet the needs of the communities and citizens with in Unit 18. The Unit may also consider reevaluating current programs and prioritizing resources to best meet the demand. All of the Unit s Educators, no matter their subject matter, can be utilized in helping tackle the concerns identified by the public. Most of the problems identified are complicated and often do not reside solely in one program area, but rather require an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to solving the problems. Conducting public meetings has reinforced the importance of gathering feedback from the community on a regular basis. Feedback should be sought from program participants and by the community and its institutions. Comments and feedback should be used to improve Unit 18 Plan of Work and help it provide the best programs and outreach education possible to the community it serves, with an emphasis on areas that are of greatest need that align with the mission of Extension. These public meetings will start a three year planning cycle that Unit 18 is in the process of developing and implementing. 16

108 Contact Information Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Main Office (Montgomery County) #1 Industrial Park Dr. Hillsboro, IL Phone: FAX: Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am - 12 pm, 1 pm - 4:30 pm Christian County 1120 N Webster St. Taylorville, IL Phone: FAX: Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 11:30am, 12:30pm pm Jersey County 200 North Lafayette, Suite 6 2nd Floor Jerseyville, IL Phone: FAX: Hours: Monday & Wednesday 8 am - 12 pm and 1pm - 4:30 pm Macoupin County #60 Carlinville Plaza Carlinville, IL Phone: FAX: Hours: Monday - Thursday 8 am - 12 pm; 1 pm - 4:30 pm On-line: Website: Facebook: Twitter: University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences * United States Department of Agriculture * Local Extension Councils Cooperating. University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs & employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please contact our office. 17

109 UNIT 18 PUBLIC MEETING SUMMARY Unit 18 Serving Christian, Jersey, Macoupin and Montgomery Counties 2014

110 Table of Contents... Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 About Us Introduction Meeting Agenda 3 Staff... 3 Public Comments Christian County Jersey County Macoupin County Montgomery County Preliminary Conclusions Contact Information Supplemental Documents i. Educator Presentations ii. Positive Development of Youth: Comprehensive Findings from the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development Tufts University iii. A Summary Profile Unit 18 1

111 About Us.... Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Our Mission: To enable people to improve their lives and communities through learning partnerships that put knowledge to work. About University of Illinois Extension Unit 18 University of Illinois Extension is the flagship outreach effort of the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign, offering educational programs to residents of all of Illinois' 102 counties and far beyond. University of Illinois Extension Unit 18 (Christian, Jersey, Macoupin, Montgomery) is the link between U of I Extension and you. Extension offers practical, research-based education to help people improve their lives and communities through learning partnerships. Our Unit staff is committed to improving the quality of life for community members by focusing on the public's needs. The success and impact of U of I Extension is attributed to the dedication and shared vision of "Extending Knowledge - Changing Lives." Introduction... The University of Illinois Extension Unit 18 Council and staff conducted public meetings in each of the four counties they serve. The meeting locations and dates were: (Montgomery County) Hillsboro Extension office - January 29 (Macoupin County) Carlinville Extension office - February 13 (Christian County) Taylorville Extension office - February 27 (Jersey County) Jerseyville Feyerabend Building - March 10 The purpose of the meetings was to inform the public of programs currently being offered by the Unit and to seek comment from the public. Over 80 people attended the meetings representing County and local government, education, health care, Extension Council, Master Gardeners, 4-H members/leaders, the business community, as well as interested individuals. The meetings began with a brief presentation by Unit staff on programs and services the Extension currently offers. Extension staff then received feedback from the attendees as to what they felt were areas of concern for the community and what new educational programs or services could be offered. Input from these meetings will help the Unit determine what additional programs are needed and how best to serve the region going forward. The meetings also helped identify new collaborative opportunities, which will aid in the development of new educational opportunities. 2

112 Meeting Agenda.. Each meeting had the following agenda: Call Meeting To Order History of Unit 18: Amanda Cole Purpose of Meeting: Amanda Cole Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Community and Economic Development Programming: Chris Casey Youth Development/4-H/Ag Literacy Programming: Peggy Hampton Horticulture Programming: Andrew Holsinger Energy and Environmental Stewardship Programming: Gary Letterly Family and Consumer Science/SNAP-Ed: Amanda Cole Thank You * Each Educator delivered a report on the programs and services available in their educational area. Those reports are attached to this summary report. Staff. The Unit 18 Director and Extension Educators delivered reports on programs and services currently available. 3

113 Public Comments Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 After the presentations by Unit staff on programs and services the Extension currently offers, staff then received feedback from the attendees as to what they felt were areas of concern for the community and what new educational programs or services could be offered. Below is the feedback that was received by each county. Christian County Feedback: The following is a list of written or oral feedback collected from attendees at the meeting. Question #1 What is the number one issue facing the county today? Economic: Unemployment Youth development and job availability Jobs, which is a part of community development The need for good paying jobs with benefits Financial wellness Poverty One in four kids in poverty in our county. How we can best assist families in poverty. Transportation Coping with the government s new rules and regulations Economic growth, support local businesses to grow and expand Social: Leadership with in the community Public needs guidance/help to become more invested & involved in the community around them A need to reach out to citizens for help 4

114 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Education: Youth: Education, lack of quality teachers Stressing the importance of advanced education & technology Lack of funding for education Changing family structures Activities for youth after school Youth Development and job availability Evolving demographic - The public is becoming more disconnected from the Ag production. Youth have a lack of understanding where their food comes from. Children living in poverty and broken homes. These children need a community support system/platform (like 4-H) to help them explore and learn lifelong skills that are not taught by school or in the home. Question #2 What do you feel is Extension s greatest contribution to the community? Availability for hands-on communication A voice to leadership about concerns and issues that impact our lives Extension has the potential to be the go to source for community needs. It provides programs that help youth all the way through adults. There is generally a knowledgeable response available to questions asked. The knowledge that extension has available Education of the young elderly By the amount of programs you offer it is a great help to the community. Resources, programs, community partnerships The community groups appreciate the auditorium for meetings and health fairs 5

115 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 All of it, but I do like 4-H the most! The Extension is constantly looking at the needs of the community to attempt to meet and exceed the needs. The Educators live and work in the community and are personally invested. Educational resources shared to clientele through exceptional customer services Ag education and economic education 4-H to the point where it over shadows other wonderful programs, but it is a fantastic program Educating the youth through 4-H and Ag literature and Ag in the classroom Question #3 How do you see yourself or your organization partnering with the Extension? Open forum meetings, leadership community vs co-operative education programs between other clubs and organizations. Willing to volunteer as needed Company is willing to provide job shadowing experiences. Additionally provide youth Agronomy days to local students. 4-H Foundation willing to continue to provide assistance as needed Ag literacy, providing materials for the schools Tap into the experience of our older citizens. Post upcoming events on public bulletin boards and at the library. The county has been a partner with the Extension and will continue to do so. Will utilize the SNAP-ED and Nutrition and wellness programs Help with funding. Having educators come to Head Start to share programs in classrooms and at family connection gatherings for parents. Access Extension website and distribute educational materials to help children and families. Especially in regards to employment (preparing for interviews), relationships, and consumer economics. 6

116 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Volunteer leadership and organization Offer expertise that may not be available with the resources available to Extension. Specific Program Suggestions: Hands on youth activities. Educate youth on career paths and what it takes to get a job in today s market. Farm to Fork: Explain production practices and the safety concerns. WBE/DBE Workshops Disaster Education Lesson on Operation Santa early in the season, so we could help with stocking fillers. The soldiers are coming home but how many? 7

117 Jersey County Feedback: Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 The following is a list of written or oral feedback collected from attendees at the meeting. Question #1 What is the number one issue facing the county today? Economic: Social: Financial Employment opportunities Transportation Financial needs Funding Economic Growth Job market The need for economic development in the area Lack of awareness of the Extension, even though there is involvement in the community if people aren t directly involved in Extension or 4-H, they are unaware of the benefits Extension has to offer. Finding young people to join and offer leadership in any organization. Education/Youth: The need for increased education Job skills School Funding Question #2 What do you feel is Extension s greatest contribution to the community? Dissemination of information between those with a need and those who are experts 8

118 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Youth education 4-H 4-H SPIN Clubs Involvement in the community Leadership in an unbiased manner Educational and youth programs Nutritional education Community development and education Provides so many services Adult education Career Training Ag education Providing activities and programs for youth, other than sports Question #3 How do you see yourself or your organization partnering with the Extension? Master Gardeners can help field questions from local landowners/residents about horticultural natural resources. Help with funding for programs. Volunteer when needed. County Board can help by continuing to support Extension, and attend and help advertise events. Advertise Extension events on Jersey County website. Health Department/WIC partnership to deliver programs with SNAP ED person Use facilitators to talk about healthy food choices. 9

119 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Work with Extension to provide health education to adults and nutrition information to WIC clients. Partner with Extension in Leadership programs Help with Farmers Markets Partner with mass transit project HCE could help provide home economics training Specific Program Suggestions: Provide date to possible companies who might locate in Jersey County. (Such as: land cost/location, workforce, unemployment numbers, and expertise of workforce/age, utility cost, infrastructure, water, roads, rail, and river. Work on recruitment of light industry to move into the community. Have the Jerseyville office opened at least one other day per week. Bring back local testing of the private applicators license training/testing. Host a locally directed cover crop tour, perhaps in conjunction with the Jersey SECD/NRCS office. Offer a SPIN club for Gardening Offer more Ag literacy education 10

120 Macoupin County Feedback: Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 The following is a list of written or oral feedback collected from attendees at the meeting. Question #1 What is the number one issue facing the county today? Economic: Social: Economy Jobs Closing of Coal Mine Lack of funding for organizations Health care and insurance cost Adequate nutrition Nutritional education Environmental issues/ Radon Not enough staff/volunteers to implement available programs within counties Lack of communication between various community groups. Communication between groups would improve services to the public. Question #2 What do you feel is Extension s greatest contribution to the community? Youth education and programs Programs working with youth, such as 4-H and SPIN Providing resources to the community and organizations Working with youth Continuing to add new staff to the Extension and up-to-date programs being developed 11

121 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary H Educating the community Research and testing Question #3 How do you see yourself or your organization partnering with the Extension? Working with Chris Casey (Community and Economic Development) to access needed Economic Development data. Extension partner with St. Louis Dairy Council Work with the Health Department in Emergency Disaster coordination, water quality and sewer/septic tank issues. Work more with Gary Letterly Energy and Environmental Stewardship Educator. Continue to work with Master Gardeners Volunteering to help with events Partner with CNB Bank & Trust to offer financial literacy to youth. Take advantage of free online financial literacy game called Money Island, designed for ages CNB would support programs and community organizations that help lower income families. Specific Program Suggestions: Partner with Macoupin County Public Health & Transportation to promote programs for young families, such as nutrition, finance, parenting, food preservation, sanitation, etc. Extension could have booths at County fair and farmers markets. Improved promotion of events Improve how Extension brands itself on programs it assist with. Promote HCE to young people 12

122 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Promote that SPIN club isn t just for 4-H members. Improve how the Extension website presents program information. Youth need the Extension to teach subjects that are not being taught in schools Work with those collecting data on rainfall, snowfall that is used by National Weather Service Community garden programs, such as Enos Park Offer classes related to the new Cottage Law Tree planting for public schools and government buildings Re-establish prairies along high speed rail corridor. Leadership Academy Montgomery & Macoupin Marketing festival and events of non-profit organizations Workshops on technology for seniors Add video to telnets. Farm safety for kids First responder training Speakers Bureau for Gardening Open Meeting Act training of Elected Officials. Youth Entrepreneurship Programs on Specialty Crops Offer workshops on basics of gardening. Teen Teaching Kids program Food sanitation class for individuals Food preservation Keep collaborating with local agencies, such as Carlinville Winning Communities. Arrange a tour of the old courthouse and jail for 4-H members. 13

123 Montgomery County Feedback: Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 The following is a list of written or oral feedback collected from attendees at the meeting. Question #1 What is the number one issue facing the county today? Economic: Social: Education: Youth: Unemployment Economic conditions Poverty, especially among our youth and elderly population Growing elderly/aging population Generational and technological divides Workforce Development Training Consumer Economic education for all ages Financial literacy classes Poverty Need for increased participation of area youth in 4-H Question #2 What do you feel is Extension s greatest contribution to the community? Extension in our area is one of the best in the state in connecting with the youth Teaching leadership skills Teaching area youth/ 4-H 14

124 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 SPIN Clubs/ Sewing Teaching leadership skills to area youth Excellent resource for information Network of experts Work Extension does with low income people Help provide resources Question #3 How do you see yourself or your organization partnering with the Extension? Cooperation between Extension and Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation on programs and projects Helping with after school projects Help with SPIN clubs Provide flyers and information on upcoming events to Lincoln Land Community College Sharing resources with Lincoln Land Community College to provide programs Specific Program Suggestions: Summer gardening series (Mini workshops on composting, unique gardens, etc.) Workshop for youth that would teach work related skills, how to find their first job, job skills, respect for others, etc. Transportation resources Listing of health care resources both within county as well as in St. Louis and Springfield area 15

125 Preliminary Conclusions Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Economic and social concerns dominated the feedback received. This feedback validates many of the recent additions made to the Unit and shows Unit 18 Extension to be positioning itself correctly to better meet the needs of the communities it serves. The recent addition of a Community and Economic Development Educator is integral in helping address the numerous economic concerns facing area communities. The current search for a full time Educator of Family and Consumer Sciences (Nutrition and Wellness), will help address the numerous nutritional education, family life and consumer economic needs identified in the feedback. And the recent addition of a Publicity and Promotions person will help to address the concerns that Extension and all its services often go unrecognized by the public. However, the feedback received also suggests that even these additions may not be enough to adequately service the needs of the Unit. The Unit may have to look at acquiring additional staff in certain key areas or entering into strategic partnerships in order to help effectively deliver and implement programs that directly meet the needs of the communities and citizens with in Unit 18. The Unit may also consider reevaluating current programs and prioritizing resources to best meet the demand. All of the Unit s Educators, no matter their subject matter, can be utilized in helping tackle the concerns identified by the public. Most of the problems identified are complicated and often do not reside solely in one program area, but rather require an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to solving the problems. Conducting public meetings has reinforced the importance of gathering feedback from the community on a regular basis. Feedback should be sought from program participants and by the community and its institutions. Comments and feedback should be used to improve Unit 18 Plan of Work and help it provide the best programs and outreach education possible to the community it serves, with an emphasis on areas that are of greatest need that align with the mission of Extension. These public meetings will start a three year planning cycle that Unit 18 is in the process of developing and implementing. 16

126 Contact Information Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Main Office (Montgomery County) #1 Industrial Park Dr. Hillsboro, IL Phone: FAX: Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am - 12 pm, 1 pm - 4:30 pm Christian County 1120 N Webster St. Taylorville, IL Phone: FAX: Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 11:30am, 12:30pm pm Jersey County 200 North Lafayette, Suite 6 2nd Floor Jerseyville, IL Phone: FAX: Hours: Monday & Wednesday 8 am - 12 pm and 1pm - 4:30 pm Macoupin County #60 Carlinville Plaza Carlinville, IL Phone: FAX: Hours: Monday - Thursday 8 am - 12 pm; 1 pm - 4:30 pm On-line: Website: Facebook: Twitter: University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences * United States Department of Agriculture * Local Extension Councils Cooperating. University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs & employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please contact our office. 17

127 UNIT 18 PUBLIC MEETING SUMMARY Unit 18 Serving Christian, Jersey, Macoupin and Montgomery Counties 2014

128 Table of Contents... Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 About Us Introduction Meeting Agenda 3 Staff... 3 Public Comments Christian County Jersey County Macoupin County Montgomery County Preliminary Conclusions Contact Information Supplemental Documents i. Educator Presentations ii. Positive Development of Youth: Comprehensive Findings from the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development Tufts University iii. A Summary Profile Unit 18 1

129 About Us.... Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Our Mission: To enable people to improve their lives and communities through learning partnerships that put knowledge to work. About University of Illinois Extension Unit 18 University of Illinois Extension is the flagship outreach effort of the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign, offering educational programs to residents of all of Illinois' 102 counties and far beyond. University of Illinois Extension Unit 18 (Christian, Jersey, Macoupin, Montgomery) is the link between U of I Extension and you. Extension offers practical, research-based education to help people improve their lives and communities through learning partnerships. Our Unit staff is committed to improving the quality of life for community members by focusing on the public's needs. The success and impact of U of I Extension is attributed to the dedication and shared vision of "Extending Knowledge - Changing Lives." Introduction... The University of Illinois Extension Unit 18 Council and staff conducted public meetings in each of the four counties they serve. The meeting locations and dates were: (Montgomery County) Hillsboro Extension office - January 29 (Macoupin County) Carlinville Extension office - February 13 (Christian County) Taylorville Extension office - February 27 (Jersey County) Jerseyville Feyerabend Building - March 10 The purpose of the meetings was to inform the public of programs currently being offered by the Unit and to seek comment from the public. Over 80 people attended the meetings representing County and local government, education, health care, Extension Council, Master Gardeners, 4-H members/leaders, the business community, as well as interested individuals. The meetings began with a brief presentation by Unit staff on programs and services the Extension currently offers. Extension staff then received feedback from the attendees as to what they felt were areas of concern for the community and what new educational programs or services could be offered. Input from these meetings will help the Unit determine what additional programs are needed and how best to serve the region going forward. The meetings also helped identify new collaborative opportunities, which will aid in the development of new educational opportunities. 2

130 Meeting Agenda.. Each meeting had the following agenda: Call Meeting To Order History of Unit 18: Amanda Cole Purpose of Meeting: Amanda Cole Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Community and Economic Development Programming: Chris Casey Youth Development/4-H/Ag Literacy Programming: Peggy Hampton Horticulture Programming: Andrew Holsinger Energy and Environmental Stewardship Programming: Gary Letterly Family and Consumer Science/SNAP-Ed: Amanda Cole Thank You * Each Educator delivered a report on the programs and services available in their educational area. Those reports are attached to this summary report. Staff. The Unit 18 Director and Extension Educators delivered reports on programs and services currently available. 3

131 Public Comments Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 After the presentations by Unit staff on programs and services the Extension currently offers, staff then received feedback from the attendees as to what they felt were areas of concern for the community and what new educational programs or services could be offered. Below is the feedback that was received by each county. Christian County Feedback: The following is a list of written or oral feedback collected from attendees at the meeting. Question #1 What is the number one issue facing the county today? Economic: Unemployment Youth development and job availability Jobs, which is a part of community development The need for good paying jobs with benefits Financial wellness Poverty One in four kids in poverty in our county. How we can best assist families in poverty. Transportation Coping with the government s new rules and regulations Economic growth, support local businesses to grow and expand Social: Leadership with in the community Public needs guidance/help to become more invested & involved in the community around them A need to reach out to citizens for help 4

132 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Education: Youth: Education, lack of quality teachers Stressing the importance of advanced education & technology Lack of funding for education Changing family structures Activities for youth after school Youth Development and job availability Evolving demographic - The public is becoming more disconnected from the Ag production. Youth have a lack of understanding where their food comes from. Children living in poverty and broken homes. These children need a community support system/platform (like 4-H) to help them explore and learn lifelong skills that are not taught by school or in the home. Question #2 What do you feel is Extension s greatest contribution to the community? Availability for hands-on communication A voice to leadership about concerns and issues that impact our lives Extension has the potential to be the go to source for community needs. It provides programs that help youth all the way through adults. There is generally a knowledgeable response available to questions asked. The knowledge that extension has available Education of the young elderly By the amount of programs you offer it is a great help to the community. Resources, programs, community partnerships The community groups appreciate the auditorium for meetings and health fairs 5

133 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 All of it, but I do like 4-H the most! The Extension is constantly looking at the needs of the community to attempt to meet and exceed the needs. The Educators live and work in the community and are personally invested. Educational resources shared to clientele through exceptional customer services Ag education and economic education 4-H to the point where it over shadows other wonderful programs, but it is a fantastic program Educating the youth through 4-H and Ag literature and Ag in the classroom Question #3 How do you see yourself or your organization partnering with the Extension? Open forum meetings, leadership community vs co-operative education programs between other clubs and organizations. Willing to volunteer as needed Company is willing to provide job shadowing experiences. Additionally provide youth Agronomy days to local students. 4-H Foundation willing to continue to provide assistance as needed Ag literacy, providing materials for the schools Tap into the experience of our older citizens. Post upcoming events on public bulletin boards and at the library. The county has been a partner with the Extension and will continue to do so. Will utilize the SNAP-ED and Nutrition and wellness programs Help with funding. Having educators come to Head Start to share programs in classrooms and at family connection gatherings for parents. Access Extension website and distribute educational materials to help children and families. Especially in regards to employment (preparing for interviews), relationships, and consumer economics. 6

134 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Volunteer leadership and organization Offer expertise that may not be available with the resources available to Extension. Specific Program Suggestions: Hands on youth activities. Educate youth on career paths and what it takes to get a job in today s market. Farm to Fork: Explain production practices and the safety concerns. WBE/DBE Workshops Disaster Education Lesson on Operation Santa early in the season, so we could help with stocking fillers. The soldiers are coming home but how many? 7

135 Jersey County Feedback: Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 The following is a list of written or oral feedback collected from attendees at the meeting. Question #1 What is the number one issue facing the county today? Economic: Social: Financial Employment opportunities Transportation Financial needs Funding Economic Growth Job market The need for economic development in the area Lack of awareness of the Extension, even though there is involvement in the community if people aren t directly involved in Extension or 4-H, they are unaware of the benefits Extension has to offer. Finding young people to join and offer leadership in any organization. Education/Youth: The need for increased education Job skills School Funding Question #2 What do you feel is Extension s greatest contribution to the community? Dissemination of information between those with a need and those who are experts 8

136 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Youth education 4-H 4-H SPIN Clubs Involvement in the community Leadership in an unbiased manner Educational and youth programs Nutritional education Community development and education Provides so many services Adult education Career Training Ag education Providing activities and programs for youth, other than sports Question #3 How do you see yourself or your organization partnering with the Extension? Master Gardeners can help field questions from local landowners/residents about horticultural natural resources. Help with funding for programs. Volunteer when needed. County Board can help by continuing to support Extension, and attend and help advertise events. Advertise Extension events on Jersey County website. Health Department/WIC partnership to deliver programs with SNAP ED person Use facilitators to talk about healthy food choices. 9

137 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Work with Extension to provide health education to adults and nutrition information to WIC clients. Partner with Extension in Leadership programs Help with Farmers Markets Partner with mass transit project HCE could help provide home economics training Specific Program Suggestions: Provide date to possible companies who might locate in Jersey County. (Such as: land cost/location, workforce, unemployment numbers, and expertise of workforce/age, utility cost, infrastructure, water, roads, rail, and river. Work on recruitment of light industry to move into the community. Have the Jerseyville office opened at least one other day per week. Bring back local testing of the private applicators license training/testing. Host a locally directed cover crop tour, perhaps in conjunction with the Jersey SECD/NRCS office. Offer a SPIN club for Gardening Offer more Ag literacy education 10

138 Macoupin County Feedback: Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 The following is a list of written or oral feedback collected from attendees at the meeting. Question #1 What is the number one issue facing the county today? Economic: Social: Economy Jobs Closing of Coal Mine Lack of funding for organizations Health care and insurance cost Adequate nutrition Nutritional education Environmental issues/ Radon Not enough staff/volunteers to implement available programs within counties Lack of communication between various community groups. Communication between groups would improve services to the public. Question #2 What do you feel is Extension s greatest contribution to the community? Youth education and programs Programs working with youth, such as 4-H and SPIN Providing resources to the community and organizations Working with youth Continuing to add new staff to the Extension and up-to-date programs being developed 11

139 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary H Educating the community Research and testing Question #3 How do you see yourself or your organization partnering with the Extension? Working with Chris Casey (Community and Economic Development) to access needed Economic Development data. Extension partner with St. Louis Dairy Council Work with the Health Department in Emergency Disaster coordination, water quality and sewer/septic tank issues. Work more with Gary Letterly Energy and Environmental Stewardship Educator. Continue to work with Master Gardeners Volunteering to help with events Partner with CNB Bank & Trust to offer financial literacy to youth. Take advantage of free online financial literacy game called Money Island, designed for ages CNB would support programs and community organizations that help lower income families. Specific Program Suggestions: Partner with Macoupin County Public Health & Transportation to promote programs for young families, such as nutrition, finance, parenting, food preservation, sanitation, etc. Extension could have booths at County fair and farmers markets. Improved promotion of events Improve how Extension brands itself on programs it assist with. Promote HCE to young people 12

140 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Promote that SPIN club isn t just for 4-H members. Improve how the Extension website presents program information. Youth need the Extension to teach subjects that are not being taught in schools Work with those collecting data on rainfall, snowfall that is used by National Weather Service Community garden programs, such as Enos Park Offer classes related to the new Cottage Law Tree planting for public schools and government buildings Re-establish prairies along high speed rail corridor. Leadership Academy Montgomery & Macoupin Marketing festival and events of non-profit organizations Workshops on technology for seniors Add video to telnets. Farm safety for kids First responder training Speakers Bureau for Gardening Open Meeting Act training of Elected Officials. Youth Entrepreneurship Programs on Specialty Crops Offer workshops on basics of gardening. Teen Teaching Kids program Food sanitation class for individuals Food preservation Keep collaborating with local agencies, such as Carlinville Winning Communities. Arrange a tour of the old courthouse and jail for 4-H members. 13

141 Montgomery County Feedback: Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 The following is a list of written or oral feedback collected from attendees at the meeting. Question #1 What is the number one issue facing the county today? Economic: Social: Education: Youth: Unemployment Economic conditions Poverty, especially among our youth and elderly population Growing elderly/aging population Generational and technological divides Workforce Development Training Consumer Economic education for all ages Financial literacy classes Poverty Need for increased participation of area youth in 4-H Question #2 What do you feel is Extension s greatest contribution to the community? Extension in our area is one of the best in the state in connecting with the youth Teaching leadership skills Teaching area youth/ 4-H 14

142 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 SPIN Clubs/ Sewing Teaching leadership skills to area youth Excellent resource for information Network of experts Work Extension does with low income people Help provide resources Question #3 How do you see yourself or your organization partnering with the Extension? Cooperation between Extension and Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation on programs and projects Helping with after school projects Help with SPIN clubs Provide flyers and information on upcoming events to Lincoln Land Community College Sharing resources with Lincoln Land Community College to provide programs Specific Program Suggestions: Summer gardening series (Mini workshops on composting, unique gardens, etc.) Workshop for youth that would teach work related skills, how to find their first job, job skills, respect for others, etc. Transportation resources Listing of health care resources both within county as well as in St. Louis and Springfield area 15

143 Preliminary Conclusions Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Economic and social concerns dominated the feedback received. This feedback validates many of the recent additions made to the Unit and shows Unit 18 Extension to be positioning itself correctly to better meet the needs of the communities it serves. The recent addition of a Community and Economic Development Educator is integral in helping address the numerous economic concerns facing area communities. The current search for a full time Educator of Family and Consumer Sciences (Nutrition and Wellness), will help address the numerous nutritional education, family life and consumer economic needs identified in the feedback. And the recent addition of a Publicity and Promotions person will help to address the concerns that Extension and all its services often go unrecognized by the public. However, the feedback received also suggests that even these additions may not be enough to adequately service the needs of the Unit. The Unit may have to look at acquiring additional staff in certain key areas or entering into strategic partnerships in order to help effectively deliver and implement programs that directly meet the needs of the communities and citizens with in Unit 18. The Unit may also consider reevaluating current programs and prioritizing resources to best meet the demand. All of the Unit s Educators, no matter their subject matter, can be utilized in helping tackle the concerns identified by the public. Most of the problems identified are complicated and often do not reside solely in one program area, but rather require an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to solving the problems. Conducting public meetings has reinforced the importance of gathering feedback from the community on a regular basis. Feedback should be sought from program participants and by the community and its institutions. Comments and feedback should be used to improve Unit 18 Plan of Work and help it provide the best programs and outreach education possible to the community it serves, with an emphasis on areas that are of greatest need that align with the mission of Extension. These public meetings will start a three year planning cycle that Unit 18 is in the process of developing and implementing. 16

144 Contact Information Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Main Office (Montgomery County) #1 Industrial Park Dr. Hillsboro, IL Phone: FAX: Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am - 12 pm, 1 pm - 4:30 pm Christian County 1120 N Webster St. Taylorville, IL Phone: FAX: Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 11:30am, 12:30pm pm Jersey County 200 North Lafayette, Suite 6 2nd Floor Jerseyville, IL Phone: FAX: Hours: Monday & Wednesday 8 am - 12 pm and 1pm - 4:30 pm Macoupin County #60 Carlinville Plaza Carlinville, IL Phone: FAX: Hours: Monday - Thursday 8 am - 12 pm; 1 pm - 4:30 pm On-line: Website: Facebook: Twitter: University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences * United States Department of Agriculture * Local Extension Councils Cooperating. University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs & employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please contact our office. 17

145 UNIT 18 PUBLIC MEETING SUMMARY Unit 18 Serving Christian, Jersey, Macoupin and Montgomery Counties 2014

146 Table of Contents... Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 About Us Introduction Meeting Agenda 3 Staff... 3 Public Comments Christian County Jersey County Macoupin County Montgomery County Preliminary Conclusions Contact Information Supplemental Documents i. Educator Presentations ii. Positive Development of Youth: Comprehensive Findings from the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development Tufts University iii. A Summary Profile Unit 18 1

147 About Us.... Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Our Mission: To enable people to improve their lives and communities through learning partnerships that put knowledge to work. About University of Illinois Extension Unit 18 University of Illinois Extension is the flagship outreach effort of the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign, offering educational programs to residents of all of Illinois' 102 counties and far beyond. University of Illinois Extension Unit 18 (Christian, Jersey, Macoupin, Montgomery) is the link between U of I Extension and you. Extension offers practical, research-based education to help people improve their lives and communities through learning partnerships. Our Unit staff is committed to improving the quality of life for community members by focusing on the public's needs. The success and impact of U of I Extension is attributed to the dedication and shared vision of "Extending Knowledge - Changing Lives." Introduction... The University of Illinois Extension Unit 18 Council and staff conducted public meetings in each of the four counties they serve. The meeting locations and dates were: (Montgomery County) Hillsboro Extension office - January 29 (Macoupin County) Carlinville Extension office - February 13 (Christian County) Taylorville Extension office - February 27 (Jersey County) Jerseyville Feyerabend Building - March 10 The purpose of the meetings was to inform the public of programs currently being offered by the Unit and to seek comment from the public. Over 80 people attended the meetings representing County and local government, education, health care, Extension Council, Master Gardeners, 4-H members/leaders, the business community, as well as interested individuals. The meetings began with a brief presentation by Unit staff on programs and services the Extension currently offers. Extension staff then received feedback from the attendees as to what they felt were areas of concern for the community and what new educational programs or services could be offered. Input from these meetings will help the Unit determine what additional programs are needed and how best to serve the region going forward. The meetings also helped identify new collaborative opportunities, which will aid in the development of new educational opportunities. 2

148 Meeting Agenda.. Each meeting had the following agenda: Call Meeting To Order History of Unit 18: Amanda Cole Purpose of Meeting: Amanda Cole Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Community and Economic Development Programming: Chris Casey Youth Development/4-H/Ag Literacy Programming: Peggy Hampton Horticulture Programming: Andrew Holsinger Energy and Environmental Stewardship Programming: Gary Letterly Family and Consumer Science/SNAP-Ed: Amanda Cole Thank You * Each Educator delivered a report on the programs and services available in their educational area. Those reports are attached to this summary report. Staff. The Unit 18 Director and Extension Educators delivered reports on programs and services currently available. 3

149 Public Comments Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 After the presentations by Unit staff on programs and services the Extension currently offers, staff then received feedback from the attendees as to what they felt were areas of concern for the community and what new educational programs or services could be offered. Below is the feedback that was received by each county. Christian County Feedback: The following is a list of written or oral feedback collected from attendees at the meeting. Question #1 What is the number one issue facing the county today? Economic: Unemployment Youth development and job availability Jobs, which is a part of community development The need for good paying jobs with benefits Financial wellness Poverty One in four kids in poverty in our county. How we can best assist families in poverty. Transportation Coping with the government s new rules and regulations Economic growth, support local businesses to grow and expand Social: Leadership with in the community Public needs guidance/help to become more invested & involved in the community around them A need to reach out to citizens for help 4

150 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Education: Youth: Education, lack of quality teachers Stressing the importance of advanced education & technology Lack of funding for education Changing family structures Activities for youth after school Youth Development and job availability Evolving demographic - The public is becoming more disconnected from the Ag production. Youth have a lack of understanding where their food comes from. Children living in poverty and broken homes. These children need a community support system/platform (like 4-H) to help them explore and learn lifelong skills that are not taught by school or in the home. Question #2 What do you feel is Extension s greatest contribution to the community? Availability for hands-on communication A voice to leadership about concerns and issues that impact our lives Extension has the potential to be the go to source for community needs. It provides programs that help youth all the way through adults. There is generally a knowledgeable response available to questions asked. The knowledge that extension has available Education of the young elderly By the amount of programs you offer it is a great help to the community. Resources, programs, community partnerships The community groups appreciate the auditorium for meetings and health fairs 5

151 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 All of it, but I do like 4-H the most! The Extension is constantly looking at the needs of the community to attempt to meet and exceed the needs. The Educators live and work in the community and are personally invested. Educational resources shared to clientele through exceptional customer services Ag education and economic education 4-H to the point where it over shadows other wonderful programs, but it is a fantastic program Educating the youth through 4-H and Ag literature and Ag in the classroom Question #3 How do you see yourself or your organization partnering with the Extension? Open forum meetings, leadership community vs co-operative education programs between other clubs and organizations. Willing to volunteer as needed Company is willing to provide job shadowing experiences. Additionally provide youth Agronomy days to local students. 4-H Foundation willing to continue to provide assistance as needed Ag literacy, providing materials for the schools Tap into the experience of our older citizens. Post upcoming events on public bulletin boards and at the library. The county has been a partner with the Extension and will continue to do so. Will utilize the SNAP-ED and Nutrition and wellness programs Help with funding. Having educators come to Head Start to share programs in classrooms and at family connection gatherings for parents. Access Extension website and distribute educational materials to help children and families. Especially in regards to employment (preparing for interviews), relationships, and consumer economics. 6

152 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Volunteer leadership and organization Offer expertise that may not be available with the resources available to Extension. Specific Program Suggestions: Hands on youth activities. Educate youth on career paths and what it takes to get a job in today s market. Farm to Fork: Explain production practices and the safety concerns. WBE/DBE Workshops Disaster Education Lesson on Operation Santa early in the season, so we could help with stocking fillers. The soldiers are coming home but how many? 7

153 Jersey County Feedback: Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 The following is a list of written or oral feedback collected from attendees at the meeting. Question #1 What is the number one issue facing the county today? Economic: Social: Financial Employment opportunities Transportation Financial needs Funding Economic Growth Job market The need for economic development in the area Lack of awareness of the Extension, even though there is involvement in the community if people aren t directly involved in Extension or 4-H, they are unaware of the benefits Extension has to offer. Finding young people to join and offer leadership in any organization. Education/Youth: The need for increased education Job skills School Funding Question #2 What do you feel is Extension s greatest contribution to the community? Dissemination of information between those with a need and those who are experts 8

154 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Youth education 4-H 4-H SPIN Clubs Involvement in the community Leadership in an unbiased manner Educational and youth programs Nutritional education Community development and education Provides so many services Adult education Career Training Ag education Providing activities and programs for youth, other than sports Question #3 How do you see yourself or your organization partnering with the Extension? Master Gardeners can help field questions from local landowners/residents about horticultural natural resources. Help with funding for programs. Volunteer when needed. County Board can help by continuing to support Extension, and attend and help advertise events. Advertise Extension events on Jersey County website. Health Department/WIC partnership to deliver programs with SNAP ED person Use facilitators to talk about healthy food choices. 9

155 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Work with Extension to provide health education to adults and nutrition information to WIC clients. Partner with Extension in Leadership programs Help with Farmers Markets Partner with mass transit project HCE could help provide home economics training Specific Program Suggestions: Provide date to possible companies who might locate in Jersey County. (Such as: land cost/location, workforce, unemployment numbers, and expertise of workforce/age, utility cost, infrastructure, water, roads, rail, and river. Work on recruitment of light industry to move into the community. Have the Jerseyville office opened at least one other day per week. Bring back local testing of the private applicators license training/testing. Host a locally directed cover crop tour, perhaps in conjunction with the Jersey SECD/NRCS office. Offer a SPIN club for Gardening Offer more Ag literacy education 10

156 Macoupin County Feedback: Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 The following is a list of written or oral feedback collected from attendees at the meeting. Question #1 What is the number one issue facing the county today? Economic: Social: Economy Jobs Closing of Coal Mine Lack of funding for organizations Health care and insurance cost Adequate nutrition Nutritional education Environmental issues/ Radon Not enough staff/volunteers to implement available programs within counties Lack of communication between various community groups. Communication between groups would improve services to the public. Question #2 What do you feel is Extension s greatest contribution to the community? Youth education and programs Programs working with youth, such as 4-H and SPIN Providing resources to the community and organizations Working with youth Continuing to add new staff to the Extension and up-to-date programs being developed 11

157 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary H Educating the community Research and testing Question #3 How do you see yourself or your organization partnering with the Extension? Working with Chris Casey (Community and Economic Development) to access needed Economic Development data. Extension partner with St. Louis Dairy Council Work with the Health Department in Emergency Disaster coordination, water quality and sewer/septic tank issues. Work more with Gary Letterly Energy and Environmental Stewardship Educator. Continue to work with Master Gardeners Volunteering to help with events Partner with CNB Bank & Trust to offer financial literacy to youth. Take advantage of free online financial literacy game called Money Island, designed for ages CNB would support programs and community organizations that help lower income families. Specific Program Suggestions: Partner with Macoupin County Public Health & Transportation to promote programs for young families, such as nutrition, finance, parenting, food preservation, sanitation, etc. Extension could have booths at County fair and farmers markets. Improved promotion of events Improve how Extension brands itself on programs it assist with. Promote HCE to young people 12

158 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Promote that SPIN club isn t just for 4-H members. Improve how the Extension website presents program information. Youth need the Extension to teach subjects that are not being taught in schools Work with those collecting data on rainfall, snowfall that is used by National Weather Service Community garden programs, such as Enos Park Offer classes related to the new Cottage Law Tree planting for public schools and government buildings Re-establish prairies along high speed rail corridor. Leadership Academy Montgomery & Macoupin Marketing festival and events of non-profit organizations Workshops on technology for seniors Add video to telnets. Farm safety for kids First responder training Speakers Bureau for Gardening Open Meeting Act training of Elected Officials. Youth Entrepreneurship Programs on Specialty Crops Offer workshops on basics of gardening. Teen Teaching Kids program Food sanitation class for individuals Food preservation Keep collaborating with local agencies, such as Carlinville Winning Communities. Arrange a tour of the old courthouse and jail for 4-H members. 13

159 Montgomery County Feedback: Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 The following is a list of written or oral feedback collected from attendees at the meeting. Question #1 What is the number one issue facing the county today? Economic: Social: Education: Youth: Unemployment Economic conditions Poverty, especially among our youth and elderly population Growing elderly/aging population Generational and technological divides Workforce Development Training Consumer Economic education for all ages Financial literacy classes Poverty Need for increased participation of area youth in 4-H Question #2 What do you feel is Extension s greatest contribution to the community? Extension in our area is one of the best in the state in connecting with the youth Teaching leadership skills Teaching area youth/ 4-H 14

160 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 SPIN Clubs/ Sewing Teaching leadership skills to area youth Excellent resource for information Network of experts Work Extension does with low income people Help provide resources Question #3 How do you see yourself or your organization partnering with the Extension? Cooperation between Extension and Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation on programs and projects Helping with after school projects Help with SPIN clubs Provide flyers and information on upcoming events to Lincoln Land Community College Sharing resources with Lincoln Land Community College to provide programs Specific Program Suggestions: Summer gardening series (Mini workshops on composting, unique gardens, etc.) Workshop for youth that would teach work related skills, how to find their first job, job skills, respect for others, etc. Transportation resources Listing of health care resources both within county as well as in St. Louis and Springfield area 15

161 Preliminary Conclusions Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Economic and social concerns dominated the feedback received. This feedback validates many of the recent additions made to the Unit and shows Unit 18 Extension to be positioning itself correctly to better meet the needs of the communities it serves. The recent addition of a Community and Economic Development Educator is integral in helping address the numerous economic concerns facing area communities. The current search for a full time Educator of Family and Consumer Sciences (Nutrition and Wellness), will help address the numerous nutritional education, family life and consumer economic needs identified in the feedback. And the recent addition of a Publicity and Promotions person will help to address the concerns that Extension and all its services often go unrecognized by the public. However, the feedback received also suggests that even these additions may not be enough to adequately service the needs of the Unit. The Unit may have to look at acquiring additional staff in certain key areas or entering into strategic partnerships in order to help effectively deliver and implement programs that directly meet the needs of the communities and citizens with in Unit 18. The Unit may also consider reevaluating current programs and prioritizing resources to best meet the demand. All of the Unit s Educators, no matter their subject matter, can be utilized in helping tackle the concerns identified by the public. Most of the problems identified are complicated and often do not reside solely in one program area, but rather require an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to solving the problems. Conducting public meetings has reinforced the importance of gathering feedback from the community on a regular basis. Feedback should be sought from program participants and by the community and its institutions. Comments and feedback should be used to improve Unit 18 Plan of Work and help it provide the best programs and outreach education possible to the community it serves, with an emphasis on areas that are of greatest need that align with the mission of Extension. These public meetings will start a three year planning cycle that Unit 18 is in the process of developing and implementing. 16

162 Contact Information Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Main Office (Montgomery County) #1 Industrial Park Dr. Hillsboro, IL Phone: FAX: Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am - 12 pm, 1 pm - 4:30 pm Christian County 1120 N Webster St. Taylorville, IL Phone: FAX: Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 11:30am, 12:30pm pm Jersey County 200 North Lafayette, Suite 6 2nd Floor Jerseyville, IL Phone: FAX: Hours: Monday & Wednesday 8 am - 12 pm and 1pm - 4:30 pm Macoupin County #60 Carlinville Plaza Carlinville, IL Phone: FAX: Hours: Monday - Thursday 8 am - 12 pm; 1 pm - 4:30 pm On-line: Website: Facebook: Twitter: University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences * United States Department of Agriculture * Local Extension Councils Cooperating. University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs & employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please contact our office. 17

163 UNIT 18 PUBLIC MEETING SUMMARY Unit 18 Serving Christian, Jersey, Macoupin and Montgomery Counties 2014

164 Table of Contents... Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 About Us Introduction Meeting Agenda 3 Staff... 3 Public Comments Christian County Jersey County Macoupin County Montgomery County Preliminary Conclusions Contact Information Supplemental Documents i. Educator Presentations ii. Positive Development of Youth: Comprehensive Findings from the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development Tufts University iii. A Summary Profile Unit 18 1

165 About Us.... Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Our Mission: To enable people to improve their lives and communities through learning partnerships that put knowledge to work. About University of Illinois Extension Unit 18 University of Illinois Extension is the flagship outreach effort of the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign, offering educational programs to residents of all of Illinois' 102 counties and far beyond. University of Illinois Extension Unit 18 (Christian, Jersey, Macoupin, Montgomery) is the link between U of I Extension and you. Extension offers practical, research-based education to help people improve their lives and communities through learning partnerships. Our Unit staff is committed to improving the quality of life for community members by focusing on the public's needs. The success and impact of U of I Extension is attributed to the dedication and shared vision of "Extending Knowledge - Changing Lives." Introduction... The University of Illinois Extension Unit 18 Council and staff conducted public meetings in each of the four counties they serve. The meeting locations and dates were: (Montgomery County) Hillsboro Extension office - January 29 (Macoupin County) Carlinville Extension office - February 13 (Christian County) Taylorville Extension office - February 27 (Jersey County) Jerseyville Feyerabend Building - March 10 The purpose of the meetings was to inform the public of programs currently being offered by the Unit and to seek comment from the public. Over 80 people attended the meetings representing County and local government, education, health care, Extension Council, Master Gardeners, 4-H members/leaders, the business community, as well as interested individuals. The meetings began with a brief presentation by Unit staff on programs and services the Extension currently offers. Extension staff then received feedback from the attendees as to what they felt were areas of concern for the community and what new educational programs or services could be offered. Input from these meetings will help the Unit determine what additional programs are needed and how best to serve the region going forward. The meetings also helped identify new collaborative opportunities, which will aid in the development of new educational opportunities. 2

166 Meeting Agenda.. Each meeting had the following agenda: Call Meeting To Order History of Unit 18: Amanda Cole Purpose of Meeting: Amanda Cole Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Community and Economic Development Programming: Chris Casey Youth Development/4-H/Ag Literacy Programming: Peggy Hampton Horticulture Programming: Andrew Holsinger Energy and Environmental Stewardship Programming: Gary Letterly Family and Consumer Science/SNAP-Ed: Amanda Cole Thank You * Each Educator delivered a report on the programs and services available in their educational area. Those reports are attached to this summary report. Staff. The Unit 18 Director and Extension Educators delivered reports on programs and services currently available. 3

167 Public Comments Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 After the presentations by Unit staff on programs and services the Extension currently offers, staff then received feedback from the attendees as to what they felt were areas of concern for the community and what new educational programs or services could be offered. Below is the feedback that was received by each county. Christian County Feedback: The following is a list of written or oral feedback collected from attendees at the meeting. Question #1 What is the number one issue facing the county today? Economic: Unemployment Youth development and job availability Jobs, which is a part of community development The need for good paying jobs with benefits Financial wellness Poverty One in four kids in poverty in our county. How we can best assist families in poverty. Transportation Coping with the government s new rules and regulations Economic growth, support local businesses to grow and expand Social: Leadership with in the community Public needs guidance/help to become more invested & involved in the community around them A need to reach out to citizens for help 4

168 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Education: Youth: Education, lack of quality teachers Stressing the importance of advanced education & technology Lack of funding for education Changing family structures Activities for youth after school Youth Development and job availability Evolving demographic - The public is becoming more disconnected from the Ag production. Youth have a lack of understanding where their food comes from. Children living in poverty and broken homes. These children need a community support system/platform (like 4-H) to help them explore and learn lifelong skills that are not taught by school or in the home. Question #2 What do you feel is Extension s greatest contribution to the community? Availability for hands-on communication A voice to leadership about concerns and issues that impact our lives Extension has the potential to be the go to source for community needs. It provides programs that help youth all the way through adults. There is generally a knowledgeable response available to questions asked. The knowledge that extension has available Education of the young elderly By the amount of programs you offer it is a great help to the community. Resources, programs, community partnerships The community groups appreciate the auditorium for meetings and health fairs 5

169 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 All of it, but I do like 4-H the most! The Extension is constantly looking at the needs of the community to attempt to meet and exceed the needs. The Educators live and work in the community and are personally invested. Educational resources shared to clientele through exceptional customer services Ag education and economic education 4-H to the point where it over shadows other wonderful programs, but it is a fantastic program Educating the youth through 4-H and Ag literature and Ag in the classroom Question #3 How do you see yourself or your organization partnering with the Extension? Open forum meetings, leadership community vs co-operative education programs between other clubs and organizations. Willing to volunteer as needed Company is willing to provide job shadowing experiences. Additionally provide youth Agronomy days to local students. 4-H Foundation willing to continue to provide assistance as needed Ag literacy, providing materials for the schools Tap into the experience of our older citizens. Post upcoming events on public bulletin boards and at the library. The county has been a partner with the Extension and will continue to do so. Will utilize the SNAP-ED and Nutrition and wellness programs Help with funding. Having educators come to Head Start to share programs in classrooms and at family connection gatherings for parents. Access Extension website and distribute educational materials to help children and families. Especially in regards to employment (preparing for interviews), relationships, and consumer economics. 6

170 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Volunteer leadership and organization Offer expertise that may not be available with the resources available to Extension. Specific Program Suggestions: Hands on youth activities. Educate youth on career paths and what it takes to get a job in today s market. Farm to Fork: Explain production practices and the safety concerns. WBE/DBE Workshops Disaster Education Lesson on Operation Santa early in the season, so we could help with stocking fillers. The soldiers are coming home but how many? 7

171 Jersey County Feedback: Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 The following is a list of written or oral feedback collected from attendees at the meeting. Question #1 What is the number one issue facing the county today? Economic: Social: Financial Employment opportunities Transportation Financial needs Funding Economic Growth Job market The need for economic development in the area Lack of awareness of the Extension, even though there is involvement in the community if people aren t directly involved in Extension or 4-H, they are unaware of the benefits Extension has to offer. Finding young people to join and offer leadership in any organization. Education/Youth: The need for increased education Job skills School Funding Question #2 What do you feel is Extension s greatest contribution to the community? Dissemination of information between those with a need and those who are experts 8

172 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Youth education 4-H 4-H SPIN Clubs Involvement in the community Leadership in an unbiased manner Educational and youth programs Nutritional education Community development and education Provides so many services Adult education Career Training Ag education Providing activities and programs for youth, other than sports Question #3 How do you see yourself or your organization partnering with the Extension? Master Gardeners can help field questions from local landowners/residents about horticultural natural resources. Help with funding for programs. Volunteer when needed. County Board can help by continuing to support Extension, and attend and help advertise events. Advertise Extension events on Jersey County website. Health Department/WIC partnership to deliver programs with SNAP ED person Use facilitators to talk about healthy food choices. 9

173 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Work with Extension to provide health education to adults and nutrition information to WIC clients. Partner with Extension in Leadership programs Help with Farmers Markets Partner with mass transit project HCE could help provide home economics training Specific Program Suggestions: Provide date to possible companies who might locate in Jersey County. (Such as: land cost/location, workforce, unemployment numbers, and expertise of workforce/age, utility cost, infrastructure, water, roads, rail, and river. Work on recruitment of light industry to move into the community. Have the Jerseyville office opened at least one other day per week. Bring back local testing of the private applicators license training/testing. Host a locally directed cover crop tour, perhaps in conjunction with the Jersey SECD/NRCS office. Offer a SPIN club for Gardening Offer more Ag literacy education 10

174 Macoupin County Feedback: Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 The following is a list of written or oral feedback collected from attendees at the meeting. Question #1 What is the number one issue facing the county today? Economic: Social: Economy Jobs Closing of Coal Mine Lack of funding for organizations Health care and insurance cost Adequate nutrition Nutritional education Environmental issues/ Radon Not enough staff/volunteers to implement available programs within counties Lack of communication between various community groups. Communication between groups would improve services to the public. Question #2 What do you feel is Extension s greatest contribution to the community? Youth education and programs Programs working with youth, such as 4-H and SPIN Providing resources to the community and organizations Working with youth Continuing to add new staff to the Extension and up-to-date programs being developed 11

175 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary H Educating the community Research and testing Question #3 How do you see yourself or your organization partnering with the Extension? Working with Chris Casey (Community and Economic Development) to access needed Economic Development data. Extension partner with St. Louis Dairy Council Work with the Health Department in Emergency Disaster coordination, water quality and sewer/septic tank issues. Work more with Gary Letterly Energy and Environmental Stewardship Educator. Continue to work with Master Gardeners Volunteering to help with events Partner with CNB Bank & Trust to offer financial literacy to youth. Take advantage of free online financial literacy game called Money Island, designed for ages CNB would support programs and community organizations that help lower income families. Specific Program Suggestions: Partner with Macoupin County Public Health & Transportation to promote programs for young families, such as nutrition, finance, parenting, food preservation, sanitation, etc. Extension could have booths at County fair and farmers markets. Improved promotion of events Improve how Extension brands itself on programs it assist with. Promote HCE to young people 12

176 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Promote that SPIN club isn t just for 4-H members. Improve how the Extension website presents program information. Youth need the Extension to teach subjects that are not being taught in schools Work with those collecting data on rainfall, snowfall that is used by National Weather Service Community garden programs, such as Enos Park Offer classes related to the new Cottage Law Tree planting for public schools and government buildings Re-establish prairies along high speed rail corridor. Leadership Academy Montgomery & Macoupin Marketing festival and events of non-profit organizations Workshops on technology for seniors Add video to telnets. Farm safety for kids First responder training Speakers Bureau for Gardening Open Meeting Act training of Elected Officials. Youth Entrepreneurship Programs on Specialty Crops Offer workshops on basics of gardening. Teen Teaching Kids program Food sanitation class for individuals Food preservation Keep collaborating with local agencies, such as Carlinville Winning Communities. Arrange a tour of the old courthouse and jail for 4-H members. 13

177 Montgomery County Feedback: Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 The following is a list of written or oral feedback collected from attendees at the meeting. Question #1 What is the number one issue facing the county today? Economic: Social: Education: Youth: Unemployment Economic conditions Poverty, especially among our youth and elderly population Growing elderly/aging population Generational and technological divides Workforce Development Training Consumer Economic education for all ages Financial literacy classes Poverty Need for increased participation of area youth in 4-H Question #2 What do you feel is Extension s greatest contribution to the community? Extension in our area is one of the best in the state in connecting with the youth Teaching leadership skills Teaching area youth/ 4-H 14

178 Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 SPIN Clubs/ Sewing Teaching leadership skills to area youth Excellent resource for information Network of experts Work Extension does with low income people Help provide resources Question #3 How do you see yourself or your organization partnering with the Extension? Cooperation between Extension and Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation on programs and projects Helping with after school projects Help with SPIN clubs Provide flyers and information on upcoming events to Lincoln Land Community College Sharing resources with Lincoln Land Community College to provide programs Specific Program Suggestions: Summer gardening series (Mini workshops on composting, unique gardens, etc.) Workshop for youth that would teach work related skills, how to find their first job, job skills, respect for others, etc. Transportation resources Listing of health care resources both within county as well as in St. Louis and Springfield area 15

179 Preliminary Conclusions Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Economic and social concerns dominated the feedback received. This feedback validates many of the recent additions made to the Unit and shows Unit 18 Extension to be positioning itself correctly to better meet the needs of the communities it serves. The recent addition of a Community and Economic Development Educator is integral in helping address the numerous economic concerns facing area communities. The current search for a full time Educator of Family and Consumer Sciences (Nutrition and Wellness), will help address the numerous nutritional education, family life and consumer economic needs identified in the feedback. And the recent addition of a Publicity and Promotions person will help to address the concerns that Extension and all its services often go unrecognized by the public. However, the feedback received also suggests that even these additions may not be enough to adequately service the needs of the Unit. The Unit may have to look at acquiring additional staff in certain key areas or entering into strategic partnerships in order to help effectively deliver and implement programs that directly meet the needs of the communities and citizens with in Unit 18. The Unit may also consider reevaluating current programs and prioritizing resources to best meet the demand. All of the Unit s Educators, no matter their subject matter, can be utilized in helping tackle the concerns identified by the public. Most of the problems identified are complicated and often do not reside solely in one program area, but rather require an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to solving the problems. Conducting public meetings has reinforced the importance of gathering feedback from the community on a regular basis. Feedback should be sought from program participants and by the community and its institutions. Comments and feedback should be used to improve Unit 18 Plan of Work and help it provide the best programs and outreach education possible to the community it serves, with an emphasis on areas that are of greatest need that align with the mission of Extension. These public meetings will start a three year planning cycle that Unit 18 is in the process of developing and implementing. 16

180 Contact Information Unit 18 Public Meeting Summary 2014 Main Office (Montgomery County) #1 Industrial Park Dr. Hillsboro, IL Phone: FAX: Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am - 12 pm, 1 pm - 4:30 pm Christian County 1120 N Webster St. Taylorville, IL Phone: FAX: Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 11:30am, 12:30pm pm Jersey County 200 North Lafayette, Suite 6 2nd Floor Jerseyville, IL Phone: FAX: Hours: Monday & Wednesday 8 am - 12 pm and 1pm - 4:30 pm Macoupin County #60 Carlinville Plaza Carlinville, IL Phone: FAX: Hours: Monday - Thursday 8 am - 12 pm; 1 pm - 4:30 pm On-line: Website: Facebook: Twitter: University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences * United States Department of Agriculture * Local Extension Councils Cooperating. University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs & employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please contact our office. 17