6th Annual Backpack Project to Benefit Woodford County Youth

Photo by o5com

The Woodford County Extension Homemakers 6^th Annual Backpack Project is underway. This project provides school supplies to 300 local youth whose families could not otherwise afford them.

Last year Homemakers collected and purchased over 4,000 school supplies from members, businesses, churches and the community to coordinate backpacks for Woodford County students grades K-12.  The project was also featured at the Woodford County Annual Farm Tour where a hat auction and donation table added $2,300 and numerous supplies to the project, doubling the total collection!

Photo by jonathangarcia

Monetary and gift card donations are graciously accepted at the Extension Office where we will pass them on to the Homemaker project chairpersons for purchasing supplies. In addition, supplies are welcome, but the list is specific. More expensive items such as multi-colored 3-prong pocket folders, 5 subject spiral notebooks (wide rule) and blunt-blunt scissors are often the most needed. Please call the Extension Office for a list of specific supplies needed.

The Backpack Project will once again have a booth at the Woodford County Farm Tour on July 25 for accepting supply or monetary donations. The hat auction will also take place! Have a local business or product? We welcome the donation of any new hats to auction off. These can be dropped off at the Extension Office before July 22^nd.

Important dates:

July 15 – Supply and monetary donations due to the Extension Office

July 25 – Woodford County Farm Tour – donation table and hat auction

July 29 – Twilight Festival – donation and information table

August 3 – Volunteers are needed to load and transport supplies to the Simmons/Northside Family Resource Center

We are looking forward to another successful year. Please support our Homemakers in their work to help the Woodford County community!

This project is made successful through collaboration with 4-H members, Kiwanis and the Family Resource Center.

New Opportunity School for Women Accepting Applications

Free program that provides boost, inspiration for Appalachian women taking applications

Photo by Video4net

 

Berea, KY - For 24 years, nearly 600 women across Appalachia have been learning they have the strength and courage to finish their education and to build the self-esteem they need to find their potential.   At no cost to them, women who find themselves in transition and are seeking to be inspired and build their confidence are doing just that through the New Opportunity School for Women (NOSW) in Berea, KY. 

"For me, the NOSW was a chance of a lifetime.  I wish every woman could attend.  I feel more alive now.  I feel like myself again.  Before the school, I had gotten so depressed because I felt like my life was over because I couldn’t work.  Now I feel like I may be able to work again with the education that I’m now getting.  Before the NOSW, I felt I was too old to go to college and begin again.  Now I know that I’m not – I see a future in my life again,” said a NOSW graduate from Norton, VA.

Now is the time to submit applications for the Summer, 2011 session.  Applicants who are selected and complete the three-week residential program will find themselves to be more self-sufficient, more confident, and will be an inspiration for their families and community.  Additionally, the New Opportunity School staff and alumni provide a strong support system for graduates.

The New Opportunity School’s unique program has received national recognition on Oprah and in People magazine.  The 2011 NOSW Summer Residential Session is June 5 –25.  The deadline for application is April 15, 2011. 

Requests for applications and/or additional information should be addressed to The New Opportunity School for Women, 204 Chestnut Street, Berea, KY 40403, or by calling 859-985-7200.  Our website, www.nosw.org, provides additional information regarding our no-cost program and a printable application. 

The New Opportunity School for Women, Inc. (NOSW) was founded in 1987 by Jane B. Stephenson to assist women of Appalachia and Kentucky in their pursuit of employment, education, and personal growth. The NOSW accepts women over 30 who have completed high school, have a GED (or actively working on a GED), and do not have a college degree.

 The program provides educational opportunities through classes in building self-esteem, computer basics, leadership development, Appalachian literature, self-defense, understanding violence against women, public speaking, learning how to become enrolled in further education, and cultural field trips and art related events.  Job search skills will be identified and participants will learn to write resumes and practice interview techniques.  Participants will intern in a field of interest, either on the Berea College campus or in the community.  Health screenings include mammograms, pap tests and dental exams.  Lodging and meals are provided; grants for travel and childcare are available.