Child and Family Resilience Archives - Page 3 of 4 - Land-Grant Impacts

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two people holding hands

In New York, Extension program offers support for families dealing with estrangement

When a rift divides a family and relatives becomes estranged from one another, there’s limited guidance for how to handle these emotional situations and attempt to reconcile. Seeking to create resources and tools to help, Cornell University Extension professionals in New York developed an online course and website focused on this issue. The online training targets professionals, including Extension educators, [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2025, Child and Family Resilience, Cornell University, Extension, New York, Northeast

a 4-H participant smiles next to her show sheep

Illinois 4-H program guides youths on the path to success

Beyond the immediate benefits felt by communities through the service projects spearheaded by 4-H youths, the lasting effects extend far into adulthood. Research shows that individuals who engage with 4-H during their formative years are not only more likely to attain economic stability but also exhibit heightened civic engagement compared to their counterparts in the general population. Commitment to community [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2025, Child and Family Resilience, Extension, Illinois, North Central, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Workforce Development and Readiness, Youth Development/4-H

a group of campers sit in a circle with their hands raised

Expanding access to high-quality summer learning with Missouri 4-H

Experiential learning helps youth develop essential life skills, yet educational gaps widened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Research confirms that quality out-of-school programs improve personal development, academic attitudes and long-term success. To address these challenges, Missouri 4-H expanded programming in 2024, increasing accessibility and forging new partnerships to reach youth. With grant support, Missouri 4-H introduced career exploration programs, simulations and day [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2025, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Missouri, North Central, Rural Communities/Health, University of Missouri, Youth Development/4-H

two young teens running on a school track

Health without barriers: Addressing youth obesity and mental health

Youth obesity and its associated cardiometabolic health challenges remain pressing public health concerns in the United States, disproportionately affecting rural, low-income and other communities. Limited access to high-quality health programs exacerbates these disparities, particularly in La Plata County, Colorado, where Native American and Latino populations face heightened risks of obesity, depression and related health conditions. Recognizing this urgent need, Colorado [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 2025, Child and Family Resilience, Colorado, Colorado State University, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Public Health, Rural Communities/Health, Western

farmer looking into the distance

Extension equips Colorado’s rural communities to address mental health challenges

Rural Colorado communities face significant mental health challenges due to isolation, limited access to services, and stigma. Cultural expectations like “Cowboy Up” worsen these barriers. Farmers and ranchers are especially vulnerable, with higher suicide rates than the national average. A 2024 report shows nearly all Colorado counties have behavioral health provider shortages, intensifying the crisis. To address this issue, Colorado [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 2025, Child and Family Resilience, Colorado, Colorado State University, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Public Health, Rural Communities/Health, Western

a closeup on two people holding hands

Extension helps Wisconsin residents tackle daunting task of end-of-life planning

It’s a subject no one wants to talk about: end-of-life planning. It can be a confusing and emotional topic but being proactive in making these plans can alleviate future stress and financial burden on loved ones. Only 37% of Americans have completed Advance Care Directives. When Extension educators with the University of Wisconsin discovered a need for more educational outreach [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2025, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, North Central, University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin

youth learn about financial education in a fair setting

Empowering Arkansas families to make informed financial decisions

The Financial Capability Survey revealed that nearly 20% of Arkansans report spending more than their income, and 50% do not have an emergency savings fund. Additionally, 67% could not correctly answer more than three of five questions about financial management. Extension programs can enhance financial stability, reduce economic stress and contribute to stronger, more resilient communities. The University of Arkansas [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2025, Arkansas, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Economic Development, Extension, Southern, University of Arkansas

a young child in a highchair eats a piece of broccoli

Extension educates families on the link between poor diet, dental cavities in young children

Dental decay is the most common chronic condition in children, and those from families with low-income experience poor diet quality and cavities. Families face challenges in promoting healthy diets and dental care to their children due to barriers such as lack of transportation, targeted advertising and limited access to healthy foods. The University of Connecticut Extension supports the SNAP-Ed nutrition [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 2025, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Connecticut, Extension, Food Security, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Northeast, Research, University of Connecticut

aerial view of rural homes

Multistate research shows health effects from chronic stress impact rural residents more than urban

A study led by a team of Pennsylvania State University researchers has shown that living rurally is associated with more “wear and tear” on the body’s system from exposure to chronic stress than for urban residents. The findings were published in the journal “SSM–Population Health.” Studies have long shown that rural populations in the United States have worse health outcomes than [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 2025, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Research, Rural Communities/Health, The Pennsylvania State University, Youth Development/4-H

a group of people outdoors, smiling

Cultivating mental health resilience

The Land-grant University System is tackling mental health challenges through innovative programs. Extension professionals are uniquely positioned to educate and support urban, suburban and rural communities, offering programs that teach coping skills, recognize mental health signs, and normalize conversations about mental health. Addressing mental health is crucial because it enhances overall well-being, improves quality of life and fosters healthier, [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 2025, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Delaware, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Illinois, North Central, Northeast, Oregon, Oregon State University, Pennsylvania, Public Health, Rural Communities/Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University of Delaware, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Western, Youth Development/4-H

closeup on hands planting seeds in a garden plot

California Extension partners to plant therapeutic garden for those in transitional housing

California has one of the highest populations of unhoused people in the nation, 44 out of every 10,000 people do not have stable housing. Being unhoused is strongly tied to food insecurity, including a lack of access to fresh foods, like fruits and vegetables. When Alameda County CalFresh Healthy Living, University of California Cooperative Extension (CFHL, UCCE), decided to restart [...]

Nutrition and Health, Story 2025, California, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Organic Agriculture

shelves of a food bank

Novel data set combines public and private food assistance measures

Determining whether food insecurity is a temporary event or a long-term condition for families is difficult given a lack of comprehensive food assistance information. Researchers at the Cornell Agricultural Experiment Station in New York constructed a novel data set that matched Food Bank client use records from a six-county region with similar data of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) [...]

Food Security, Story 2025, Child and Family Resilience, Cornell University, Food Security, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, New York, Northeast, Research

a student writes in a notebook

Illinois Extension program prepares youths for the real world

Young people often don’t have a grasp of how much money it takes to cover necessities like food and bills. At a time when many Americans live paycheck to paycheck, money management strategies are more important than ever. The 4-H Welcome to the Real World program, offered through the University of Illinois Extension 4-H team, opens young people’s eyes to [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2024, Child and Family Resilience, Economic Development, Extension, Illinois, North Central, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Youth Development/4-H

a father and daughter hike in the woods

Oklahoma Extension program helps parents navigate divorce, coparenting

While adjusting to new family dynamics from separation or divorce can be a challenge for parents and children alike, effective communication and organization skills can help make the transition easier. Oklahoma State University’s Extension-led Co-parenting for Resilience program helps parents going through separation or divorce reduce negative impacts on children. Topics discussed include how to talk to children about a [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2024, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Southern

a woman cares for her elderly father

Extension in the Dakotas helps caregivers find support

An estimated 21.3% of Americans are caregivers — those who are helping relatives or friends with daily tasks such as eating, dressing, bathing and managing medications as they face situations such as end-of-life decline, chronic illness and recovery from surgery or illness. Becoming a caregiver can present many difficulties. As the Baby Boomer generation gets older and more Americans [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2024, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, North Central, North Dakota, North Dakota State University, South Dakota, South Dakota State University

two teens prepare food for a charcuterie board

Florida 4-H Extension leverages charcuterie trend to teach youths about food safety, financial planning

Charcuterie boards have been all the rage in recent years. These artfully arranged spreads of cured meals, cheeses, fruits and preserves combine creativity with delicious flavors. University of Florida 4-H Extension leaders have leveraged the charcuterie trend to teach youth about food and kitchen safety and financial planning, among other topics. A contest called Charcuterie Masters allows 4-H members to [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2024, Child and Family Resilience, Economic Development, Extension, Florida, Southern, University of Florida, Youth Development/4-H

a father raises his child in the air

Oklahoma “Strong Dads” program strengthens father-child bonds

In response to the prevalence of absent fathers in Oklahoma homes, Oklahoma State University Extension collaborated with Oklahoma Human Services to launch the “Strong Dads” program in September 2023. This 12-week initiative operates across nine counties, focuses on reinforcing the father-child bond and is offered in both English and Spanish Participants. The program encompasses those facing economic or relational [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2024, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Southern

kids swimming in a natural body of water

Strengthening families through engaging programs

Research and Cooperative Extension professionals in the Land-grant University System are dedicated to developing innovative programs that impact diverse communities nationwide. This work helps improve the lives of youths and families by connecting them with educational resources and engaging opportunities. Here are a few examples of that work: In Oklahoma, the Co-Parenting for Resilience program is helping parents effectively cope with [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 2024, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Connecticut, Cornell University, Extension, Georgia, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Indiana, Kansas, Kansas State University, New York, North Central, Northeast, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Purdue University, South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Southern, The University of Georgia, University of Connecticut, University of Vermont, Vermont, Youth Development/4-H

young woman examines a plant in her garden

Historically Black land-grant universities reach diverse communities

In 1890, the Land-grant University System was expanded to include institutions for Black citizens. Today, these institutions continue to provide access to higher education for underserved communities, and their research and Extension programs impact people worldwide through advancements in agricultural productivity and sustainability, food security, human health, and community and youth development. Here are a few examples of that work: First-time [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 1890, 2024, Advanced Breeding/Genomics, Alabama, Alabama A&M University, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Arkansas, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies, Broadband Access/Digital Literacy, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Crop Management, Economic Development, Extension, Fort Valley State University, Georgia, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Prairie View A&M University, Research, Texas, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Youth Development/4-H

Young child smiles holding vegetables

Strengthening Tribal communities through collaboration

Working with federally recognized Tribes, land-grant universities help provide evidence-based education and resources that represent the community’s history customs, governance system and food traditions. These programs promote and improve health, food security and sustainability for Tribal communities. Here are a few examples of that work: Representation and cultural relevancy for Tribal communities is critical for Extension outreach success. Health and nutrition [...]

Summary, Youth, Family, and Communities 1994, 2024, Broadband Access/Digital Literacy, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Connecticut, Extension, Food Security, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Michigan, Michigan State University, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, North Central, Northeast, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Southern, University of Connecticut, University of Wisconsin, Western, Wisconsin

4-H fair, agent samples planting for a group of students

4-H buddies help special needs youth experience camp

Camping programs are among the hallmark experiences in 4-H that many young people look forward to every year. But some 4-H participants with special needs, such as disabilities and medical concerns, are unable to participate. In Columbia County, Georgia, a 4-H volunteer approached Extension staff with the idea of hosting an inclusive mini camp. Three two-day programs were held that [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2024, Child and Family Resilience, Extension, Georgia, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Southern, The University of Georgia, Youth Development/4-H

rural barn on the country

Minnesota youth program addresses rural stress

Rural and farm stress has been a challenge for Minnesotans in recent years. Effective programs addressing this issue cannot ignore youths, who are aware of and affected by family stress. For that reason, the University of Minnesota Extension implemented a youth worker training program that bridges research and practice in a variety of ways. Outreach efforts include in-person and virtual [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2024, Child and Family Resilience, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Minnesota, North Central, University of Minnesota

grandfather and grandchildren watering a garden

Arkansas grandparents grow relationship with grandchildren through gardening

An increasing number of grandparents are raising their grandchildren. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s Cooperative Extension Program is developing ways to support them and provide necessary resources. One way is by helping grandparents to grow their own food. The university’s School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences partnered with the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service and the Pine Bluff [...]

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 1890, 2024, Arkansas, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

photo of two older adults using resistance bands for exercise

Supporting healthy aging through activity, social connectedness, positive outlook

The older adult population is growing more rapidly than other age groups in the United States. At the same time, aging stigma and lack of information on aging can affect health outcomes. Land-grant universities across the country have unique programming to aid healthy aging by promoting activity, social connectedness, positive outlook and more. Here are a few examples of that [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 2024, Child and Family Resilience, Colorado, Colorado State University, Community Development/Engagement, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, New Mexico, New Mexico State University, North Central, North Dakota, North Dakota State University, South Dakota, South Dakota State University, University of Wisconsin, Western, Wisconsin

peppers being sliced on a cutting board

Supporting families with community nutrition programs

Youths and adults face a variety of health issues, from food insecurity to cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes. Cooperative Extension’s Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) serve low-income residents nationwide and help address these issues by helping participants eat healthy, shop on a budget and stay active. Here are a few examples [...]

Nutrition and Health, Summary 1994, 2024, Child and Family Resilience, Community Development/Engagement, Cornell University, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, Michigan, Michigan State University, Missouri, New York, North Central, Northeast, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Southern, Texas, Texas A&M University, University of Missouri