BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — As the Cooperative Extension service across America is poised to celebrate a birthday on May 8th – a day which marks the 111 anniversary of the passing of the Smith-Lever act which established the Extension network – Illinois Extension in Grundy, Kankakee, and Will counties is sharing stories of impact in the community.
4-H4All helps adults with disabilities through partnership with Navarro Farms.
The 4-H experience is for everyone. At least, that's what the sign says. Illinois Extension prides itself on programming that everyone can access and enjoy. But for the adults of Navarro Farm, there were some challenges.
"The 4-H age is typically 8 to 18, but that poses an issue for the passionate adults who have neurodevelopmental differences," says Brittney Muschetto, youth development educator, "Tina Gnade approached us with an amazing plan to provide a space for adults with disabilities to come together, learn new life skills, and participate in their own project showcase as part of the 4-H program."
As a volunteer at Navarro Farm, a five-acre farm that creates agricultural experiences for people with disabilities, Gnade recognized the exceptional value of the 4-H program. So, she contacted the staff who ran the 4-H program, and the rest is history.
Now in its second year, the 4-H4All club is a 4-H club at Navarro Farm for adults with disabilities. As participants work to find their spark in various activities, they complete projects and share their passion with their peers. The year culminates in a project showcase in June.
I am so proud of the hard work and dedication of all who participated in the 4-H4All 2024 showcase. It was such a joy to walk through and hear about all the great experiences everyone had. I learned a lot, and this project is a great example of what happens when 4-H members find their ‘spark’ and can explore their interests in safe spaces filled with mentorship.
-Brittney Muschetto, Extension Educator
The 2024 project showcase
June of 2024 saw the culmination of a year's worth of work at the inaugural project showcase. As participants set up booths to showcase their projects and some of their work around the farm, the public arrived to take part and were given a passport to help guide them through the ten stations.
At each station, participants like Robbie and Bethany explain their projects. For Bethany, this was a glimpse into the process of candles and candle making. For Robbie, his work with the Navarro farm pigs.
A strong sense of community brings people together to develop shared goals, support one another in times of need and growth, and work together for the good of the whole. Accepting and celebrating differences creates an environment where all voices are recognized and respected. When strong networks of peers and organizations support youth and families, all community members feel they belong and are valued.
Local, first. That's Extension.
Illinois Extension’s staff has been embedded across the state’s 102 counties for more than 100 years, translating university research, delivering over 28,000 annual educational programs with over 800,000 program attendees, and offering training and services that positively impact the lives of adults and youths.
To learn more about local impact in Grundy, Kankakee, and Will Counites, read Illinois Extension's local impact report. To give directly to Extension and impact local programs, give online.
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University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.