U of I Extension Cook County 2014 Annual Report

Annual Report 2014

University of Illinois Extension Cook County

Extension:Leveraging the Power of Team

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MISSION

University of Illinois Extension in Cook County provides practical education you can trust to help people, businesses and communities solve problems, develop skills and

build a better future.

The Cooperative Extension System has offered practical education focused on solving problems; developing skills and building a better future for more than 100 years. But Extension is not too old to try something new. This year

we formed interdisciplinary teams to address Cook County’s most critical issues. From food insecurity and chronic disease; to rising obesity rates and a

workforce short on science, technology, engineering and math skills, the Extension team worked together with unprecedented focus and commitment.

Leveraging the power of team helped us to break down silos, uncover more effective ways to teach and make a difference. With a staff of fewer than 50, we reached more than 141,210 individuals and hundreds of organizations. Our partners learned more about what we have to offer. Extension’s practical, research-driven knowledge delivers some powerful results. Thank you for taking the time to learn about our work. Your continued support allows us to change our world, starting right here in Cook County.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed. It is the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead

Willene BuffettCook County Director

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Source: University of Illinois Extension

Funding

* overhead, travel, educational materialsSource: University of Illinois Extension

Who We ServeExtension reaches both individuals living in Chicago and suburban Cook County, men and women, and all ages and ethnicities. The chart below illustrates the demographic profile of program participants. A special emphasis is placed on reaching Cook County residents who face the highest risk for food insecurity and certain health issues.

FundingA majority of the $3.6 million in funding for University of Illinois Extension Cook County comes from the state of Illinois. Funding from local sources (other than the state), program fees and donations remained steady in 2014. We continue to pursue private and public donations. In addition we have been successful in obtaining grants which have allowed us to increase funding from $3.2 million in 2012 to $3.6 million in 2014.

ExpensesThrough effective stewardship of funds we held expenses within budget. Vacancies in four teacher and four coordinator positions were filled in 2014, bringing the staff count to the budgeted level. ResultsForty-six staff members engaged 141,210 Cook County residents in Extension programs during 2014, a 35% increase over the prior reporting period. Combined with contacts made by volunteers who share what they learn from Extension educators, we reached more than 1.5 million residents. The Extension Cook County website is also a widely used source for learning, with visitors accessing an average of 30,000 page views each month.

Female Participantsby Race

Male Participantsby Race

By Gender

MaleFemaleTotal

WhiteBlackOtherAsianUnknownTotal

WhiteBlackOtherAsianUnknownTotal

34%66%

100%

49%34%14%2%1%

100%

49%31%17%2%1%

100%

Profile of Extension Cook County Participants

72%State

8%Other

8%Local

12%Federal

77%Wages

11%Leases12%

Operating Expenses*

Expenses

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STEM HIGHLIGHTS 2014Summer Institute BreaksAttendance RecordA record-breaking 300 Cook County teachers took advantage of classes offering hands-on experience and teaching strategies for science, technology, engineering and math. More than 28 different classes were offered, including several taught by visiting faculty from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Extension is offering more programs for teachers as they work toward implementing Next Generation Science Standards.

The Cook County Forest Preserves offer the perfect classroom for scientific adventures. Inquiry Adventures, made possible through a unique partnership between the Forest Preserves of

Cook County and University of Illinois Extension, provides an outdoor learning experience for summer camps and schools. In 2014, the program was expanded to include teacher orientation, classroom inquiry practice, field trip and an Inquiry Adventures Symposium Day where student teams present their results.

Scientific investigation is an important component of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) recently adopted in Illinois and Inquiry Adventures is a great opportunity to let students design and conduct a scientific investigation. Activities have included tree surveys, insect counts, pond dipping, and studies of decaying logs. When the forest is your classroom, the possibilities are endless.

Why We Do ItInquiry Adventures not only helps develop the skills that are critical to developing a

technologically literate workforce, but also helps combat what author Richard Louv called the “nature deficit disorder.” Studies have shown links between youth who spend little time outdoors and

social, academic and behavioral issues.

The Power of TeamThe multidisciplinary team of Extension educators from Horticulture, STEM and Youth Development, along with trained Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists, led small groups of students through investigative activities. More than 300 students from local schools and youth organizations experienced scientific discovery in the Cook County Forest Preserves through Inquiry Adventures.

Inquiry Adventures: Where Nature and Science Meet

“The teachers thought it was our best field trip ever. I would highly recommend it to everyone.” - 5th grade teacher after Inquiry Adventures at Bemis Woods

STEM IN ACTION Extension educators show teachers how to conduct chemical tests on artificial urine samples. Few things capture the interest of 5th-8th graders like tinkle testing.

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When the McCormick Tribune YMCA was looking for aprogram for summer day campers centered around theirlarge community garden and green space, Extension responded with an innovative team approach thatemphasizes the relationship between gardening, healthand nutrition.

Lessons for the 80 campers were held one day a week from June 18-Aug. 20, with each camper receiving 30-minute educational sessions covering health, nutrition and gardening. Extension horticulture educators taught students about planting and worm composting. Campers had a chance to catch butterflies and visit an “insect petting zoo.” In the kitchen, Extension nutrition educators engaged students in preparing healthy snacks and explained how healthy foods fight chronic heart disease. To demonstrate how blood flows through the heart, health educators and coordinators had students simulate the workings of the four major chambers of the heart with physical play.

Why We Do ItDig In” addresses childhood obesity, a rampant problem in the U.S. and Cook County. Studies show nearly a third of U.S. children are obese and those who face food insecurity are more likely to be obese. In Cook County, where this interdisciplinary project was conducted, almost 850,000 residents are uncertain where they will find their next meal. The Power of the Team“Dig In” educators and coordinators from three different disciplines (Horticulture, Community Health and Nutrition) collaborated on the project, breaking down subject matter silos and offering students hands-on learning opportunities that demonstrated the relationship between gardening, nutrition and health.

“Dig In” Collaboration Makes Connections between Gardening, Health and Nutrition

“The Extension team is highly skilled, engaging, and has made a significant impact in exposing the Y’s campers to gardening, healthy eating and good heart health.” - Adriana Stanovici, Health and Wellness Manager, McCormick Tribune YMCA

HEALTH HIGHLIGHTS 2014In 2014, Extension launched its first online course on Breast Cancer to create awareness of the signs and symptoms as well as early detection methods. Extension continues to explore ways technology can expand the impact of our offerings.

HEALTH IN ACTIONMore than 50 individuals took part in Extension’s Being Active, Increasing Latino’s Healthy Aging (BAILA) program in 2014, offered at Villa Guadalupe Senior Services Center and the Chicago Southwest Senior Center. The BAILA program offers Spanish-speaking adults over 50 a holistic perspective of their health, covering topics such as reducing stress, healthy eating practices, diabetes, breast cancer, prostate cancer, osteoporosis, self-esteem, healthy relationships, and effective communication.

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RISE Above Targets Teens at RiskThe path from childhood to adulthood isn’t an easy one for many teens. Seeking to take a different approach to help teens reach their full potential, Extension Cook County, created its RISE Above program. This multidisciplinary effort is designed to help underserved teens Reach their goals, Invest in themselves, Succeed and Embrace who they are (RISE).

RISE Above addresses topics such as risky behavior, goal setting, healthy relationships, and peer pressure. Hands-on activities keep participants engaged. In May, Extension partnered with New Moms to provide programming for a one-day symposium for disadvantaged teen moms. In July, working with the Illinois Department of Human Services, Extension provided workshops for Teen Parent Services during a week-long event.

Why We Do ItIt is not uncommon for some teens to engage in risky behaviors such as substance abuse, fighting, reckless driving and unprotected sex. Accidents, homicide and suicide are among the leading causes of death in this age group, yet these are all preventable.

The Power of TeamStaff and educators from Community Health, STEM, Youth Development, Family Life and Social Emotional Learning each bring a unique perspective to the issues facing teens today. Programs such as Real Issues of the Sexual Kind educate teens about sexual health and to encourage youth to avoid (or change) sexual risk-taking behaviors. By increasing awareness of risks and providing teens with additional knowledge and options, Extension helps teens make positive changes.

“This was fun. I can definitely use this to make some positive changes in my relationship with my boyfriend.”

- Teen who attended “Real Parenting with Real Issues”, at the New Moms Symposium

HORTICULTURE HIGHLIGHTSExtension educators and Master Gardener volunteers at the Chicago Flower & Garden Show educate attendees on the value of composting. The 2014 event drew upwards of 40,000 people to Navy Pier.

“The garden is important because it has been shown that community gardening is a healthy activity for youth that can bring them closer to nature and allow them to interact with each other in a socially meaningful and productive way. Without the dedication and efforts of Mr. Wolford (Extension educator), the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center would not be able to provide this program.”

- Florida Turner, MPADirector, Volunteer Services & Internship ProgramCook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center

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Spring break in Chicago is often cold and wet. Finding activities that both engage and educate can be a challenge for many community youth programs. This past year Extension’s program coordinators set out to change all that. The Spring Splash event, created by University of Illinois Extension, provided a full day’s worth of activities to four different Youth organizations during the Chicago Public Schools Spring break (April 14-17). Organizations chose activities from many Extension programs, providing a “splash” of all that Extension has to offer. Children could also select four out of five activities offered at each site.

In Future Engineers, campers built a catapult with Popsicle sticks, rubber bands and binder paper clips; then used it to launch marshmallows as far as they could go. In the Buzz About Bees, students learned about the environmental role of the bee, while tasting three different kinds of honey. Our Chefs for the Day made hummus wraps, and explored better food and lifestyle choices. A Walk in My Shoes activity focused on building respect between generations.

Why We Do ItOur reasons are as varied as the programs we offer. We’re inspiring the next generation of workers in science, technology, engineering and math. Programs like Buzz About Bees, encourage students to get closer to nature. Learning about nutrition and a healthy lifestyle helps prevent obesity and other chronic illnesses. Youth Development activities such as Walk in My Shoes help children acquire and apply the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary to manage their emotions, set goals, feel empathy for others, and maintain positive relationships.

The Power of the Team“Spring Splash” educators and coordinators from Youth Development, Nutrition, Horticulture, and STEM collaborated to offer students a wide variety of hands-on learning opportunities in the course of a day. Exposure to different parts of Extension Cook County generated interest in new activities among our partners.

Extension Activities Make for a Memorable “Spring Splash”

Extension Supports the Autistic Youth GardenExtension educators and Master Gardener volunteers helped design, build and maintain the Autistic Youth Garden: Growing Solutions Urban Farm. Located in the Illinois Medical District on Chicago’s west side, the garden provides vocational opportunities to youth and young adolescents with autism.

Cook County Commissioner Robert Steele participated in

a Youth Development activity with first and second graders at Rauner YMCA located in

South Lawndale. This activity helps children learn how to

cope with stress while managing their chores and duties. At the

end of the activity, students enjoyed breaking the large

chain representing their chores and responsibilities.

SEL HIGHLIGHTSFriendship, fun and learning were the end result as more than 20 girls aged 9-12 attended The Girls Empowerment Circle project in 2014. Extension offered physical, social, emotional, and environmental health programming, mentoring, and service-learning to the girls over the course of six weeks.

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Robotics Provides Youth with a Doorway to 4-HThere is nothing like building something from scratch and watching it work. Robotics has a way of capturing kids’ imaginations and Extension educators are using this to drive interest in 4-H robotics clubs. In 2014, Extension educators reached out to schools and churches to offer training and support in building robots using the 4-H curriculum of University of Illinois Extension. With 15 clubs established, the number of students participating the 4-H Robotics Competition to be held in the Spring of 2015 is expected to triple. More than 100 youth ages 8 to 18 are expected to compete.

By providing the materials, curriculum training and support for youth leaders, Extension encourages youth leaders to tackle the fun and rewarding project.

Why We Do ItThe 4-H Robotics program is a national initiative to inspire an early interest in robotics engineering and technology. Delivered through 4-H clubs, camps, school enrichment and after school programs, 4-H Robotics makes science engaging and fun, while addressing a critical shortage in our nation’s science, engineering, mathematics, and technology workforce.

First All-County 4-H FairMore than 1,000 4-H members gathered at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill. on June 28, 2014, for the first all-county 4-H Fair. More than 300 judges volunteered to meet individually with 4-H’ers to evaluate and discuss their projects. Winners advanced to the State Fair.

Casa Juan Diego SPIN ClubExtension Cook County 4-H partnered with Casa Juan Diego Summer Camp youth to build a community vegetable, herb, and flower garden at Holy Trinity Church on Chicago’s lower west side in the summer of 2014. Nearly 40 youths aged five to 15 learned about the importance of gardening and making healthy lifestyle choices.

Rockets to the RescueIn celebration of National Youth Science Day, more than 50 youth attended the Rockets to the Rescue event held at Chicago State University on Oct. 8, 2014. Participants designed and built an aerodynamic food transportation device to deliver a payload of nutritious food to disaster victims.

4-H HIGHLIGHTS 4-H IN ACTION

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As America considers the ramifications of its aging population, Extension Cook County’s Learning is Timeless program puts into practice a simple, yet effective solution to improve the quality of life for older adults. More than 130 programs offered annually by Extension educators provide opportunities for older adults to learn new skills that will help them cope with the issues they face every day.

Classes cover a broad range: Wits Fitness, a brain exercise class; sessions on journaling and generational understanding; health classes on nutrition, depression and laughter; horticulture workshops and more. Social aspects of the program are as valuable as the content, because participants form a community.

Why We Do ItResearch shows challenging the brain and staying socially engaged contribute to brain health as individuals age. Learning is Timeless provides an opportunity for older adults to learn new skills to better their lives in retirement, which increases confidence in their abilities, reduces their stress, and contributes to their overall physical/emotional health. They remain independent and active in their communities longer.

The Power of TeamLearning is Timeless relies on the collaborative efforts of University of Illinois Extension educators in Family Health, Nutrition and Horticulture to deliver a balance of information focused on the needs of older adults.

NUTRITION HIGHLIGHTSIn August 2014, Extension’s Illinois Nutrition Education Program (INEP) took to the demonstration kitchens at four WIC grocery stores operated by Catholic Charities to inspire and teach parents and caregivers with limited resources the skills they need to eat healthier. (Pictured left)

NUTRITION IN ACTIONHelping Seniors Find Solutions to Healthy Eating ChallengesA Snap Ed Nutrition Education Workshop led by Extension educators held at the T.R.C. Senior Village in Chicago helped seniors address the challenge of eating more fruit and vegetables. Solutions included using fruits and vegetables in different ways – soup, chili, salads and smoothies; organizing a carpool for transportation to stores with produce; joining a garden club; and visits to a local food pantry.

“Learning is Timeless” Strengthens Mind, Body and Community

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Celebrating 100 Years of Extension Services In 2014 we celebrated the 100 year anniversary of the Smith Lever Act which established a system of cooperative extension services, connected to the land-grant universities. Its mission was to inform people about current developments in agriculture, home economics, public policy/government, leadership, 4-H, economic development and other topics.

On May 3, 2014, State Rep. Marcus Evans, Jr. (D-33rd)(left) and Extension Cook County Director Willene Buffet celebrated 100 Years of Extension with a Community Shred Day. During the event, residents from Auburn-Gresham, Chatman and Avalon brought sensitive paper documents to be safely shredded.

Cook County Extension Director Willene Buffet accepts a plaque from Comissioner John P. Daley, of the Cook County Board, in recognition of Extension’s work.

Several hundred guests attended the Celebration event held at the Chicago Cultural Center on May 14, 2014. Highlights included a video history of Extension, remarks from University of Illinois President Robert Easter, and a keynote address from Illinois Rep. William Davis (D-30th) (pictured far left).

Master Gardener and Master Naturalist volunteers helped share in the celebration of Extension’s centennial on May 31, 2014, at a Bemis Woods picnic.

“Our organizations came from the same stock, from the same roots, from the same people. The Cook County Farm Bureau and Extension began and grew together. Congratulations on 100 years of great service to our county.”

- Robert A. Rohrer, Manager, Cook County Farm Bureau

Illinois State Rep. Toi Hutchinson (D-40th) and Extension Coordinator Tabitha Hoskins. The Illinois General Assembly issued a proclamation in honor of Extension’s work.

U of I Horticulture Educator Ron Wolford congratulates Gerald and Lorean Earles who received a lifetime achievement award for their work in the Slumbusters community garden.

Audra Wilson, chief of staff for Congresswoman Robin Kelly (District 2), meets with Extension Coordinator Tabitha Hoskins and Director Willene Buffet.

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Daniel Boone Elementary-ChicagoDarwin Elementary-ChicagoDaughters of Destiny Food Pantry-ChicagoDawes Elementary School-Chicago 10Delano Elementary School-ChicagoDelia M. Turner School-RobbinsDewey Child-Parent Center-ChicagoDewey Elementary School-ChicagoDistrict 214 Community Education-Arlington HeightsDr. Pedro Albizy Campus High School-ChicagoDurkin Park-ChicagoEberhart Elementary School-ChicagoEdward Dunne Elementary School-ChicagoEdwards Center for Young Learners-ChicagoEl Hogar del Niño-ChicagoEli Whitney Elementary School-ChicagoElmwood Park Garden Club-Elmwood ParkErie Elementary Charter School-ChicagoEvergreen Park Kids Health Fair-Evergreen ParkFacing Forward to End Homelessness-ChicagoFamily Focus-Bond Elementary School-ChicagoFamily Focus-Englewood-ChicagoFamily Focus-Holmes School-ChicagoFamily Focus (Lawndale)-ChicagoFamily Focus-Lawndale-Kenwood Academy-ChicagoFamily Focus Inc.-Nuestra Familia-ChicagoFamily Strengthening Center-BerwynFeatherFist-Hope Village-ChicagoFederico Garcia Lorca Elementary-ChicagoFerguson Child-Parent Center-Chicago,First Lutheran YMCA-ChicagoForest Preserve District of Cook County-River ForestFoster Park-ChicagoFranciscan Community Garden-ChicagoFranklin Park District-Franklin ParkFreedom School-BerwynGage Park High School-ChicagoGarden Club of Park Forest-Park ForestGeorge Pullman-ChicagoGilda’s Club Chicago-ChicagoGinkgo Organic Gardens-ChicagoGrace Lutheran Church-La GrangeGrace Seeds Ministry-Bedford ParkGraceland West Community Association-ChicagoGrant Schoo-Chicago HeightsGraves Elementary School-SummitGray Elementary School-ChicagoGreen Community Corrections-Oak ParkGreen Parents Network-ChicagoGrowing Home Inc.-ChicagoHammond Elementary School-ChicagoHay Market Center/Family Recovery Program-ChicagoHealing Temple Church Head Start-ChicagoHelen C. Pierce School ofInternational Studies-ChicagoHeritage Middle School-BerwynHermosa Community Center-ChicagoHerzel Child Parent Center-ChicagoHope for Youth-ChicagoHoward Area Community Center-ChicagoHRDI Essence House-ChicagoIllinois Municipal Retirement Fund-Oak BrookImproved Child Care Management/AlbanyChild Care Center-ChicagoInterfaith House-ChicagoIrma C. Ruiz Elementary School-ChicagoIrving Park Community-ChicagoJ.C. Orozco Academy-ChicagoJane Addams School-District 299-ChicagoJohn B. Murphy Elementary School-ChicagoJohn F. Kennedy School-ChicagoJohn M. Smyth Elementary School-ChicagoJohnnie Colemon Academy-ChicagoJones Academy Preschool-ChicagoJungman Elementary School-ChicagoKellar Middle School-Robbins

Kelly Library-ChicagoKIPP Ascend Middle School-ChicagoKizer Memorial Summer Day Camp-HarveyKleo Community Family Life Center-Chicago.Kohn Elementary School-ChicagoLa Grange Public Library-La GrangeLaGrange School District 102-La Grange ParkLake Katherine Nature Center andBotanic Gardens-Palos HeightsLane Tech College Prep-ChicagoLangley Church of God-ChicagoLee Elementary School-ChicagoLet’s Go Chicago-ChicagoLexington Elementary School-MaywoodLincoln Park Zoo-ChicagoLincoln School-BrookfieldLittle City Foundation-PalatineLittle Village Academy-ChicagoLogan Square Neighborhood Association-ChicagoLogan Square YMCA First Lutheran Head Start-ChicagoLouis’ Groceries-ChicagoLutheran Social Services-ChicagoLutheran Social Services Austin Town Hall-ChicagoMariano Azuela Elementary School-ChicagoMarvin Camras Children’s Engineering School-ChicagoMary Crane Center-ChicagoMaryville Jen School-Des PlainesMcCormick Tribune YMCAMcCutcheon Elementary School-ChicagoMcNair Elementary School-ChicagoMemorial Park District-ChicagoMetropolitan Family Services-ChicagoMidlothian Park District-MidlothianMohawk Intermediate Center-Park ForestMoraine Valley Community College-Palos HillsMt. Greenwood Garden Club-ChicagoMujeres Latinas en Acción-ChicagoMuseum of Science and Industry-ChicagoNamaste Charter School-ChicagoNational Asian Pacific Center on Aging-ChicagoNational Teachers Academy-ChicagoNear North Unity Program-ChicagoNew Landmark Missionary Baptist Church-ChicagoNew Life Covenant Church Green Thumbs Ministry-ChicagoNew Pisgah Haven Homes-ChicagoNiles Public Library-NilesNorth Park Village Garden-ChicagoNorthwest Suburban SpecialEducation Organization-Mount ProspectNorthwestern UniversitySettlement Assoc.-ChicagoOak Brook Park District-Oak BrookOak Lawn Park District-Oak LawnOak Park Conservatory-Oak ParkOctagon Robotics-ChicagoOnward House-ChicagoOtis School-ChicagoOur Lady of Tepeyac Church-ChicagoPae Classical School-ChicagoPAEC Elementary-MaywoodPAEC High School-MaywoodPalmer Elementary-ChicagoPark District of Oak Park-Oak ParkPark Forest Health Department-Park ForestParker CPC-ChicagoPasteur Elementary School-ChicagoPatton House-GlenviewPeter A. Reinberg Elementary School-ChicagoPickard Elementary School-ChicagoPillars-Hickory HillsPilsen Community Academy-ChicagoPilsen Community School-ChicagoPilsen Elementary Community Academy-ChicagoPortage Park School-ChicagoPraise Tabernacle Deliverance Center-ChicagoPrimo Center for Women & Children-Chicago Proviso West

High School-HillsidePullman Library-ChicagoPullman Urban Gardeners-ChicagoRauner YMCA-ChicagoRBHO ProCare Head Start-BellwoodRogers Park Children Center-ChicagoRonald McDonald House-HinesRosa Parks Middle School-DixmoorRoseland Neighborhood Community Organization-ChicagoSalvation Army:CiceroSalvation Army-Family Outreach Initiative-ChicagoSalvation Army: Incarnation Head Start-ChicagoSalvation Army Incarnation High School-ChicagoSan Jose Obrero Mission-ChicagoSawyer Elementary School-ChicagoSchaumburg Barn-Schaumburg Schwab Rehab Hospital Rooftop Garden-ChicagoSertoma Center-AlsipSheffield Neighborhood Association-ChicagoSherwood Park District-ChicagoSister’s House-ChicagoSmart from the Start Day Care-ChicagoSouth Cook County 4-H Association-ChicagoSouth Side Help Center-ChicagoSouthside Education and Economic Development-ChicagoSouthwest Chicago Christian (Oak Lawn Campus)-Chicago,St. Blasé Catholic Charities-SummitSt. Joseph Catholic Charities-ChicagoSt. Joseph Catholic School-SummitSt. Kieran School-Chicago HeightsSt. Lawrence O’Toole School-MattesonSt. Linus Parish-Oak LawnSt. Sylvester/Advocate-ChicagoStockton Child Parent Center-ChicagoSumner Academy-ChicagoTalcott Elementary School-ChicagoTeen Parent Services Central-ChicagoThe Admiral at the Lake-ChicagoThe Beverly Arts Center-ChicagoThe Brickyard Garden-ChicagoThe Children’s Center-BerwynThe Children’s Center Cicero-BerwynThe Community Builders, Inc.-ChicagoThe Garden Club of Morgan Park/ Beverly Hills-ChicagoThe Leadershop-LaGrangeThe Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum-ChicagoThe Salvation Army in Blue Island-Blue IslandThe Salvation Army New Hope Head Start-Chicago The Sugar Beet Co-op-Oak ParkThorn Creek Nature Center-Park ForestTrailside Museum of Natural History-River ForestTrinity Resources-High Mountain-ChicagoTuesdays Child-ChicagoUnited Presbyterian Church-South HollandUnited States Postal Service-Tinley ParkUnity Junior High School-CiceroUniversity of Illinois Extension CouncilValentine Boys and Girls Club-ChicagoVillage of Oak Park-Oak ParkVillage of Richton Park-Richton ParkVillage of Thorton-ThorntonWalsh Elementary School-SummitWashington Elementary School -EvanstonWest Harvey Dixmoor School District-HarveyWest Suburban Senior Services-BellwoodWestdale School-NorthlakeWharton Elementary School-SummitWheatley Child and Parent Center-ChicagoWhistler Elementary-ChicagoWomen Ambassadors for Christ-BellwoodYMCA-Jesse Jackson Jr. –West - ChicagoYMCA Metropolitan-High Ridge-ChicagoYMCA of Metro Chicago-ChicagoYouth Crossroads-Berwyn

Our Partners17th District Police Seniors-Chicago4-H Club Oakdale Community - Chicago4-H Community Club-Austin Cloves-Chicago4-H Family Club – WheelingAlbany Park Community Center-ChicagoAlbany Park Community Center-ChicagoAltgeld Sawyer Corner Farm-ChicagoAnthony Overton Child-Parent Center-ChicagoAscension Catholic Church-Oak ParkAsian Human Services-ChicagoAspirations of Life-ChicagoAustin Clovers (4H) Community Club-ChicagoBelmont-Cragin Early ChildhoodEducation Center-ChicagoBernhard Moos Elementary School-ChicagoBessie Coleman Library-ChicagoBethel New Life Right School Boys and Girls Club of West Cook County-BellwoodBrainerd Children LibraryCalmeca Academy-ChicagoCalumet Park Township Center-Calumet ParkCameron School-ChicagoCarl Von Linne Elementary School-ChicagoCasa Central-La Posada-ChicagoCasa Central Muñoz-Marin-Lowell EarlyChildhood Center-ChicagoCasa Central-Early Learning Program-CSC-ChicagoCasa Esperanza-ChicagoCatholic Charities-ChicagoCatholic Charities, Chicago Lawn-ChicagoCCSD 146/Central Middle School-Tinley ParkCEDA Children’s Home & AidHeadstart Center-SchaumburgCEDA Franklin Park-Franklin ParkCEDA Headstart Des Plaines-Des PlainesCEDA Palatine Headstart-PalatineCEDA Presence Headstart-BellwoodCEDA Ray Walker-SchaumburgCermak Health Services-ChicagoChalmers Elementary School-ChicagoChase Elementary School-ChicagoChatham-Avalon Ministries-ChicagoChicago Botanic Garden-GlencoeChicago Knights Robotics (4H)-ChicagoChicago Lawn Head Start-ChicagoChicago Park District (Sherwood Park)-ChicagoChicago Public Library-Brainerd BranchChicago Public Library-ChicagoChicago Public Schools-ChicagoChicago Uptown Ministry-ChicagoChicago Youth Centers-ABC/Polk-ChicagoChicago Youth Centers-Centro Nuestro-ChicagoChicago Youth Centers-FellowshipHouse-ChicagoChicago Youth Centers-Rebecca K. Ceown-ChicagoChild Learning Center Coordinator-CiceroChinese American Service League-ChicagoChristian Community Health Center-AmaniHouse-ChicagoChristopher School-ChicagoCicero Family Services-CiceroCICS: West Belden-ChicagoCity of Chicago Dept. of Cultural Affairs &Special Events-ChicagoClover Cubs (Bethel Community Church)-ChicagoColumbus West Elementary-CiceroCommunity Consolidated Schools District 168-Sauk VillageCommunities In Schools of Chicago-ChicagoCommunity Garden-ChicagoCommunity Support Services BethLacey Center-CiceroConcerned Citizens/Mother’s HouseCorazon Community Services-CiceroCook County Farm Bureau-CountrysideCorner Farm Chicago-Chicago

Partners on our TeamExtension partners are also part of our team. Without these schools, senior centers, museums, agencies community- and faith-based organizations who share our mission, it would be difficult to do our work.

Extension Cook County Main Office8751 Greenwood Avenue, Suites 112-122Chicago, IL 60619773-768-7779Email: [email protected]: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

University of Illinois • U.S. Department of Agriculture• Local Extension Councils CooperatingUniversity of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities inprograms and employment.

http://web.extension.illinois.edu/cook/

Our Council MembersThank you to Extension Cook County Council volunteers who help us in planning, promoting, developing, implementing, evaluating and financing Extension programs to meet the needs, interests, and resources of our community. Welcome to our new Council members for 2015. We look forward to working with you.

Angelo R. ChaversJames CooperMelvin JeffersonMichael JohnsTimothy JonesMartha Madkins

Marvin McNeilGeri ReddDedra RiesDion SmithReginald Summerrise