Impacting Individual and Family Well-being
74%
Increased their knowledge after attending a program to promote workforce knowledge and skills.
96%
Plan to share the information they learned during the program with others.
94%
Will use the information they learned during the program at their place of work.
Title
Extension Invests in Illinois Workforce Development
Well-trained professionals reduce employee turnover, offer opportunities for career advancement, and improve employee performance and job satisfaction. Increased skills and knowledge open opportunities for increased earning potential. In workplaces, workforce development reduces skill gaps and offers competitive advantages.
65%
Increased their knowledge after attending a program to promote workforce knowledge and skills.
97%
Plan to share the information they learned during the program with others.
97%
Will use the information they learned during the program at their place of work.
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Food: Enhancing Food Safety and Preservation Skills
Food safety is essential to protect public health. Our nutrition and wellness educators delivered critical food safety education through a variety of accessible formats, including statewide webinars, in-person workshops, online content, and blogs — ensuring participants could access information when and how they needed it.
Through 203 food preservation sessions, nearly 2,000 participants gained hands-on experience with canning, freezing, dehydrating, and fermenting techniques, enhancing their ability to preserve food safely and effectively.
Post-session evaluations revealed that:
- 87.7% of participants improved their food preservation knowledge.
- 94.4% plan to share their newly acquired skills and knowledge with others, amplifying the program's reach and impact.
These efforts not only improve food safety practices but also empower families to reduce food waste and improve food security.
Family: Strengthening Relationships and Building Resilience
Family life programs equip individuals and families with the tools they need to navigate life’s transitions, manage stress, and maintain healthy relationships. Participants gained confidence and resilience through education and support which helped them address challenges and achieve their goals despite setbacks.
Strong Couples, one of our cornerstone programs, improved communication and strengthened relationships through intervention, skill development, and coaching. Additionally, through 283 social-emotional health programs, we reached 4,095 participants, helping them enhance their communication skills, emotional wellness, and ability to make healthy decisions during difficult times—whether related to family, work, finances, or health.
Outcomes included:
- 75.8% of participants reported improved knowledge in managing life’s challenges.
- 95.2% plan to share what they learned, expanding the positive impact to their families and communities.
Finances: Promoting Financial Wellness and Food Security
Our financial well-being programs aim to enhance resource management across the lifespan. Recognizing that food insecurity is a critical concern, we launched the Gardening and Grocery Planning program to equip participants with tools to manage food resources effectively.
This unique program, led by finance and horticulture educators, bridges financial literacy and home gardening, teaching participants how to incorporate financial planning into meal planning while growing their own fresh produce. Participants were also provided with a Grocery Planner tool to apply these lessons at home.
Program outcomes demonstrate significant success:
- Over 84% of participants improved their knowledge of meal planning and financial management.
By promoting financial stability and increasing access to fresh food, this program addresses both immediate and long-term food security needs.
Health: Empowering Healthier Lives Through Brain Health Programs
Illinois Extension empowers residents to make lifestyle choices that prevent or manage chronic health conditions, enhancing both physical and cognitive health.
Through 194 brain health sessions offered statewide, participants engaged in cognitive challenges while learning practical strategies for improving memory and adopting brain-healthy habits such as engaging in regular exercise, eating a heart-healthy diet, and getting adequate sleep, and managing stress.
In addition to intellectual engagement, participants of Wits Workout experienced the joy of social interaction, which is especially vital for older adults. One participant expressed how much the program filled a void in her life, saying, “I’m going to talk a lot today. I am very lonely.”
Wits Workout not only stimulates the mind but also revitalizes the spirit, addressing critical social and cognitive needs among older adults. These programs promote independence, engagement, and improved quality of life.
Through these diverse and impactful programs, Illinois Extension is improving food safety, strengthening families, enhancing financial well-being, and promoting healthy lifestyles across the state. By empowering participants with knowledge and skills, we are fostering long-term positive change that extends beyond individual participants and benefits entire communities.
We look forward to continuing this vital work and expanding our reach to improve the lives of Illinois residents.
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At University of Illinois Extension, Family and Consumer Science experts are here to serve you and our communities across Illinois
