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College of
Agricultural Sciences

Family Living Program

 

There are many opportunities for volunteering in the Extension family living program. From arranging facilities, hosting satellite programs, preparing demonstration materials, to leading workshops and exercise programs, volunteers work closely with the Family and Consumer Science educators to extend the research of the university to community residents in nutrition and food safety, child and family development, and resource management.

Family Living Advisory Leadership Committees
Local residents provide leadership and guidance to ensure local program needs are addressed. Advisory committee members help identify program needs, assist staff in developing, marketing and delivering educational programs, and evaluate program impact. For details of how to help in your community, contact the family living educator in your county extension office.

StrongWomen Volunteers
The StrongWomen program offers mid-life and older women an opportunity to learn about bone disease and nutrition as well as engage in physical activity. Trained program leaders guide women through simple, safe and effective exercises using free and ankle weights. Volunteers sustain the program by serving multiple roles, from arranging the site and promoting the program to conducting strength tests and teaching exercises. Maintaining and improving bone health is the greatest benefit of volunteering for the StrongWomen program. Contact the family living educator in your county or region to learn more about the StrongWomen program.

Better Kid Care
The Better Kid Care program focuses on improving the accessibility, availability, and quality of child care by offering professional development activities for child care providers. Volunteers can host satellite downlinks or provide leadership for the hands-on activities featured in the training. In addition, volunteer committees help plan, organize, and make arrangements for child care conferences. For details on volunteering for Better Kid Care in your community, contact the family living educator in your county extension office.

Nutrition Links
Nutrition education programs that target those with fewer economic and social resources include the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and the Pennsylvania Nutrition Education Tracks (PA TRACKS). These programs are designed to assist limited resource audiences in acquiring the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and changed behavior necessary to create a healthy diet for themselves and their families. Volunteers can help arrange facilities, organize groups, purchase and prepare food for demonstrations, assist with lessons, provide child care, or serve in advisory capacities. Contact the nutrition educator in your county extension office to explore opportunities for volunteering.

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Last modified Monday, April 21, 2008 15:55