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The Racine County UW-Extension office exists because of a partnership between Racine County, the University of Wisconsin - Extension (Cooperative Extension), and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). The mission is to plan, develop, and deliver research-based education which enhances the quality of life for all of Racine County. Racine County provides 40 percent of the faculty salaries for this department. The University of Wisconsin-Extension contributes the remaining 60 percent, which includes USDA funding. In addition, the County provides operating expenses and support staff. Six University faculty and staff supervise, train and support 11 additional educators who are funded by the University and other contacts and grants. Educational programs are also enhanced by the efforts of over 450 volunteers. Educational efforts focus on five program areas: Agriculture, Community Resource Development, Family Living, 4-H Youth Development, and Horticulture.
Maintain and protect natural resources; promote applied agricultural practices that are sustainable and economically viable.
Improve work capacity and effectiveness of individuals and groups in the areas of community, economic and natural resource development.
Effectively use community resources to reinforce positive parenting and nutrition choices made by families.
Increase environmental awareness and improve horticultural knowledge and practices.
Supported leadership development in neighborhoods on the T-Block; recipient of the Neighborhood Watch award.
Continued collaboration with UW-Parkside to implement the second year of HUD grant, the Neighborhood University Alliance, in Racine developing activities at the 6th Street Neighborhood Center.
Assisted with educational support of the 2000 Census.
Conducted a county-wide needs assessment to focus the next four years of Extension programming.
Produced a Trends and Analysis chapter focusing on youth issues/concerns.
Piloted an urban 4-H After School program at the 6th Street Community Police Station in conjunction with UW Parkside.
Secured funding for a Success by Six Coordinator, through an allocation from Racine Area United Way, to develop, market, and increase availability of parenting resources.
Offered nutrition education in the Racine Unified elementary schools and during the summer at community centers through the Racine/Kenosha Nutrition Education Program.
Trained sixty new Master Gardeners, some of whom are now planning and planting a beautification garden with the residents on the T-Block, Randolph and Maple Streets.
Relocated the Racine/Kenosha Nutrition Education program to expanded space at Next Generation Now to better service needs of the community.
Supported Youth as Resources, a key project in the All America City competition, in awarding grants totaling $27,000 for youth-led community and service learning projects, while adding a second component, Building Communities Together, in the western end of the County.
Through the Parenting Resource Coordinator located at Love Community Center, provided parenting sessions for 243 families and collaborated with community agencies to hold events for professionals, families, and kindergarten students to promote healthy brain development.
Initiated a pilot program to train Urban Master Gardeners.
Continued the community garden at a new site downtown to provide garden education and fresh vegetables for residents in need.
Coordinated efforts to establish the Family Information Network, a subcommittee of Family Preservation and Support Initiative, resulting in more effective communication among collaborative groups and community resources.
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