Impacts made in Clare County through Michigan State University Extension
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EmailAcross the state, Michigan State University Extension is helping youth, adults and communities grow and prosper. Let’s explore some highlights of how MSU Extension programs impacted Clare County in 2017.
Michigan State University Extension is developing youth and communities through a variety of different ways. Helping youth succeed, supporting career exploration and developing life skills through experiences are the heart of the children and youth programs. In 2017, MSU Extension staff in Clare County worked with many community partners like the Student of Promise program and SPARKS afterschool program, as well as 70 volunteers that were screened and trained to provide positive youth development throughout the county. MSU Extension’s children and youth programs reached over 1,100 youngsters and adults working with youth in Clare County.
Ensuring safe and secure food while keeping people healthy is another area MSU Extension is involved in Clare County. Last year, MSU Extension worked with the Community Nutrition Network, schools and afterschool programs to provide nutritional education and resources. MSU Extension also hosts food preservation classes and tests pressure canners. Over 900 people were reached through the health and nutrition programs.
The Clare County Master Gardeners is an active group of volunteers in the community sharing their love for horticulture with the community. The Master Gardener Program put in 367 hours of volunteer service to the community that was worth $11,143 in time and economic value.
Strong communities are built through teaching local officials about planning and zoning, as well as helping families stay in their homes. MSU Extension staff in Clare County reached 98 distressed homeowners facing foreclosure and helped homeowners navigate Step Forward Michigan. Approximately 11 households received money management education and 13 households received homeownership education.
Supporting food and agriculture in Clare County is also an area MSU Extension has a rich history of being a part of for the past 100 years. Working with local farmers and producers, MSU Extension educators and specialists inform them about current research. Over 200 homeowners and producers received services related to soil test or educational information related to agriculture best practices.
The Clare County MSU Extension office also created a new partnership with Mid-Michigan Community College to strengthen both organization mission to reach new audiences and provide programming for youth and adults.
The complete Clare County Annual Report can be found on the Clare County MSU Extension website.
