2016 marks the 100th year of Extension in Greene County. In addition to agricultural outreach, family science services and many other programming services, one of the pillar programs for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is 4-H youth development.
Greene County 4-H members are celebrating National 4-H Week Oct. 2-8. Behind the scenes, our Greene County 4-H Foundation is working to financially support these youth programs. In the past year, nearly every one of our 201 enrolled Greene County 4-Hers, or their families, benefited from 4-H Foundation funds.
Demand is on the rise for 4-H and youth development programs.
- Greene County 4-H programs span the range of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and citizenship to the growing sheep, dog, poultry and rabbit project areas. As project areas grow, so does the demand for new materials and resources.
- Our Clover Kids program, for kindergarten through 3rd graders is a popular introduction to the learning opportunities in 4-H.
- Our high schoolers are getting involved on the state and national level. We have a Greene County 4-H member on the State 4-H Council and a student who participated in National Conference in Washington D.C. Some of these programs cost hundreds of dollars for our youth to participate.
The need for funding is real.
- Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, and the 4-H program, cannot discriminate against individuals who cannot afford to participate. Our Foundation is committed to helping make 4-H accessible to all Greene County youth.
- Our #1 revenue source is the Clover Café at each summer’s Greene County Fair.
- Our only other source of major income comes from generous donations from community members and businesses.
As Greene County Extension and Outreach launches a new century of strong, community-focused youth programs, we thank each and every parent, volunteer, 4-H leader, business, organization and community member who have supported 4-H in Greene County!
Sincerely, the Greene County 4-H Foundation board of directors – Billie Jo Hoskins, Loel Larson, Bill Steussy, Dr Steve Karber and Alicia Heun, and staff Lori Mannel, Kayla Hyett and Laura Ballard
