By Alison Crane
EHC does not stand for Educators Helping Communities, but those words describe the members of the Extension Homemakers clubs. With a long history, generations of members have worked together to learn better ways of doing things and serve their communities through volunteering.
Partnering with the U of A Cooperative Extension Service, Extension Homemakers are one of the largest volunteer groups in the state and provide hours of community service. Garland County has 132 members participating in twelve clubs with the mission of empowering individuals and families to improve their quality of living.
Whether it is planning a birthday party for the young adults at First Step or fixing sausage biscuits in the wee hours of the morning to serve the homeless, EH members generously give their time and talents. Each club has its own projects and focus allowing the members ways to use his or her talents and interests, plus they come together for county projects.
Garland County EHC President, Phyllis Pipkin says, “Joining EHC gives you the opportunity to volunteer for community projects that interest you. It gives you the opportunity to share your accumulated knowledge with others.”
Club members find personal satisfaction and value in their service, but the hours they give has real value for the community. For the year FY19, over 39,000 hours were given in community service by EH members. According to the Independent Sector, a national organization of charitable organizations, the dollar value of their service is worth almost one million dollars.
EHC has been described as “lifelong learners serving as lifelong volunteers.” That description is accurate as the clubs meet together to learn new things at their meetings plus plan service projects. Forty-one-year member, Janie Woods, said she was invited by a friend to come to a meeting and knew it was the organization for her.
Anyone can join EHC and while many of its members are retired, membership is not limited by age or gender. The only requirement is having a willingness to serve in the EHC Kitchen during the fairs and participate in your club’s projects. Club member, Rita Blackwood, loves being around the Fiber Therapy club members because they share the common interest of knitting and crocheting. And maybe, like Rita, you will meet some nice new friends along the way.
If you would like more information about Garland County EHC, please contact the Cooperative Extension office at 501-632-6841, or visit www.uaex.edu. Like @GarlandCountyEHC on Facebook to follow all of the latest activities and projects.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
