Summer2023

Dear Community,

As your County Extension Director, as always, I am pleased to present our team’s accomplishments over the last quarter in our ongoing journey to make a positive, long-lasting impact in our community. Throughout the next few pages you’ll see how our programs have demonstrated their fruitfulness in empowering individuals and families in Bond, Clinton, Jefferson, Marion and Washington counties.

Illinois Extension, the linchpin between local communities and University resources, has been the conduit for some transformative initiatives this summer in our area. Extension is not merely about research, but translating insights found in the research into actionable strategies. During "Back to Basics" this summer we did just that as we provided our communities with critical cost-saving tips.

Just as summer represents a season of growth and energy, we continue to invest in our youth, recognizing their potential to shape our world. By providing nurturing environments and learning opportunities, we continue to equip them to become stewards of positive change. In this report you will read about Mason, an Illinois Junior Chef, who was inspired to make a salad for his family. We are proud of you, Mason!

We are here to empower Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to address challenges, make informed decisions, and embrace our always evolving corner of the world. This is a huge ask, but important work and we are honored to do it. The impact you will read about in this report is a testament to the professionalism and dedication of our team. I extend my gratitude for their unwavering commitment to our mission.

As summer comes to a close, I encourage you to explore the array of events and opportunities listed on our website extension.illinois.edu/bcjmw/events. Find something that sparks interest, and register to join us!

Bring on the crisp fall air,

Jordee

County Extension Director

Extension Councils Serve An Important Role In Programming

Our multi-county Extension Council helps drive the needs assessment which guides our local educational programming priorities. Through this Advisory Council, Extension comes alongside community partners to address issues related to food, health, economy, environment and community. Current members include:

Julie Brooks

Mike Bruns

Korbin Collins

Dee DeMoss

Wesley Gozia

Marla Guggenheimer

Matt Hornbostel

Julie Karmeier

Galen Mahle

Elaine McNamara

Julie Miessner

Bernard Myers

Sam Phillips

Jeff Pingsterhaus

Natalie Shook

Jamie Storey

Nick Suess

Terry Wilkerson

Herb Williams

Julie Wollerman

Illinois Junior Chef Teaches Nutrition Skills for Life

With over half of Illinois adults having chronic health conditions, it is crucial that children learn about healthy eating and how to cook nutritious meals. The Illinois Junior Chef program is a week-long day camp designed to improve youth nutrition education, diet, and well-being. Without learning about healthy foods and diet, the youth of our communities may develop chronic health conditions. Our SNAP-Ed staff members meet with these youth to help reduce unhealthy eating choices through hands-on nutrition education. In June and July, over 80 youth across Jefferson and Marion counties participated in Illinois Junior Chef.

A youth attendee’s mother stated that her son Mason loved attending Illinois Junior Chef and was ready to go every morning. On Vegetable Day, Mason learned about knife safety and how to make a cucumber salad. Cucumbers are one of Mason’s favorite vegetables and he loved the cucumber salad so much that he made the salad for his family. Mason is learning kitchen skills and how to make healthier choices that will stay with him for a lifetime.

Let's Talk Money Addresses Financial Well-Being

Financial instability can negatively affect physical, mental, and social health and can ultimately lead to bankruptcy. Illinois Extension supports financial well-being tools for all ages and stages which helps improve self-sufficiency, reduces the need for communities to provide support services, and creates opportunities for individuals to protect and build wealth.

Local Finance Educator, Jamie Mahlandt, along with the State Financial Education team provided a seven-week webinar series over the summer to help community members gain the confidence to talk with family and friends about money. More than 240 people participated over the course of the series. Over 79% said they learned something that they plan to use in their work, organization, or personal life.

Many of the webinar topics are also tackled in Jamie's blog, Finding Financial Balance. Each month she focuses on a timely situation that area residents are facing. Financial education can make a huge impact in people's lives. Find upcoming webinars, Financial Education information and Jamie's blog online at extension.illinois. edu/bcjmw/finances.