What We Do

Purdue Extension Health and Human Sciences provides education to individuals and communities in each of Indiana’s diverse counties. We bring university information to the local level – both in person and online – to help people strengthen relationships, eat smart, improve health, and achieve financial wellness.

Contact Us

Emily Christ
HHS Educator - Elkhart County
17746 County Road 34 Ste E
Goshen, IN 46528
ewitters@purdue.edu
574-533-0554

Upcoming programs

View our upcoming programs for August/September/October here and November/December here.

seniors stretching

Matter of Balance SeriesCurrently full; Waitlist available

Many older adults experience concerns about falling and restrict their activities. Learn how to view falls as controllable, set goals for increasing activity levels, make changes to reduce fall risks at home, and exercise to increase strength and balance. The series will be held Monday and Thursday mornings from 9:30am-11:30am starting Monday, October 27th through Thursday, November 20th at the Purdue Extension Elkhart County office (located on the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds). Fee is $25 per participant. For more information or to register, call Jenn at (574) 533-0554 or email fink24@purdue.edu . Registration is required by October 17th.

air fryer on counter

Cooking with An Air Fryer

Technology is always evolving including the technology we use in the kitchen. The air fryer has become increasingly popular over the last few years. Learn about the ins and outs of an air fryer, different model options, and safety techniques. Offered Wednesday, October 29th at 11:00am at the Owls Club (2715 E. Jackson Blvd., Elkhart). Owls Club is a private, community organization that exists to help aging adults in Elkhart County and surrounding communities thrive. Call the Owls Club at (574) 336-2652 to learn more and sign up for a free membership to register for upcoming programs including this program. Duration: 1 hour. Cost: Free. 

diabetes items

Diabetes 101

Learn essential knowledge and practical skills for managing diabetes effectively. This program is tailored for individuals diagnosed with diabetes, as well as their caregivers and loved ones. Participants will gain knowledge on fundamental information about diabetes, its management, and strategies for optimizing health and wellbeing. Offered Wednesday, November 5th at 3:00pm at the Elkhart County Family Resource Center (500 N Nappanee St., Suite 4A, Elkhart - New Location). Duration: 1 hour. Cost: Free. To register, call Jenn at (574) 533-0554 or email fink24@purdue.edu 

 

Alzheimer's Association logo

10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's is a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking skills, and reasoning skills. Learn 10 warning signs to look for and the next steps to take when seeking help from a physician. Offered Thursday, November 13th at 4:00pm at the Elkhart Public Library - Pierre Moran Branch (2400 Benham Ave., Elkhart). Duration: 1 hour. Cost: Free. To register, call Jenn at (574) 533-0554 or email fink24@purdue.edu 

 

charcuterie board

Charcuterie 101

Discover the secrets of crafting exquisite charcuterie boards that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Our hands-on class will elevate your entertaining game to new heights! Space is limited - open to ages 18 and older. Registration is required. Offered Thursday, November 20th at 5:00pm at Elkhart Public Library - Dunlap Branch (58485 County Road 13, Elkhart). To register, call Jenn at (574) 533-0554 or email fink24@purdue.edu . Duration: 1 hour. Cost: Free.

 

Habit Shifting

Transforming Mindsets Through Habit Shifting

Do you ever find yourself going back to your old habits? Want to change a habit but don't know how to create a successful one? Learn why we create habits, revert back to old habits, and how to adjust seamlessly. Offered Monday, December 1st at 11:00am at the Salvation Army - Elkhart (300 N. Main St., Elkhart). Duration: 1 hour. Cost: Free. To register, call Jenn at (574) 533-0554 or email fink24@purdue.edu 

 

heart-healthy-nutrition

Heart Healthy Nutrition

Heart-healthy eating is an important way to lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. The program will provide an overview of foods proven to benefit cardiovascular health, accompanied by practical recipes for daily use. Offered Wednesday, December 3rd at 3:00pm at the Elkhart Family Resource Center (500 N. Nappanee St., Suite 4A, Elkhart - New Location). Duration: 1 hour. Cost: Free. To register, call Jenn at (574) 533-0554 or email fink24@purdue.edu

Seniors doing chair based exercises

Fit for Life (2-Part Series)

This 2-session chair-based exercise program is designed to help participants improve their endurance, strength, flexibility, and balance using seated exercise. This program offers a safe and effective way for individuals who may have limited mobility or who are seeking a low-impact fitness option to stay active. Offered Wednesday, December 3rd and 10th at 10:00am at the Owls Club (2715 E. Jackson Blvd., Elkhart). Owls Club is a private community organization that exists to help aging adults in Elkhart County and surrounding communities thrive. Call the Owls Club at (574) 397-0275 to learn more and sign up for a free membership to register for upcoming programs including this program. Duration: 2 hours each session. Cost: Free.

Stress and your health

Stress and Your Health

Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by the demands of everyday life? Stress can build gradually until it feels unmanageable. This program is designed to provide practical strategies and techniques that you can use during high-stress situations. Participants will learn effective coping skills to manage stress, improve resilience, and regain a sense of balance in daily life. Offered Wednesday, December 10th at 1:00pm at the Purdue Extension Elkhart County office (located on the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds). Duration: 1 hour. Cost: Free. To register, call Jenn at (574) 533-0554 or email fink24@purdue.edu 

charcuterie board

Charcuterie 101

Discover the secrets of crafting exquisite charcuterie boards that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Our hands-on class will elevate your entertaining game to new heights! Offered Tuesday, December 16th at 1:00pm at the Owls Club (2715 E. Jackson Blvd., Elkhart). Owls Club is a private community organization that exists to help aging adults in Elkhart County and surrounding communities thrive. Call the Owls Club at (574) 397-0275 to learn more and sign up for a free membership to register for upcoming programs including this program. Duration: 1 hour. Cost: $10 payable at the door by cash/check. Space is limited.

heart-healthy-nutrition

Heart Healthy Nutrition

Heart-healthy eating is an important way to lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. The program will provide an overview of foods proven to benefit cardiovascular health, accompanied by practical recipes for daily use. Offered Wednesday, December 17th at 4:00pm at the Elkhart Public Library - Pierre Moran Branch (2400 Benham Ave., Elkhart). Duration: 1 hour. Cost: Free. To register, call Jenn at (574) 533-0554 or email fink24@purdue.edu

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Purdue University prohibits discrimination against any member of the University community on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or status as a veteran. If you are in need of accommodations to attend a program, please contact Emily Christ at 574-533-0554 or ewitters@purdue.edu at least two weeks prior to the program. For special dietary needs, contact Emily Christ at 574-533-0554 or ewitters@purdue.edu at least two weeks prior to the program. If you need an interpreter or translator, please contact Emily Christ at 574-533-0554 or ewitters@purdue.edu at least three weeks prior to the program.

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OPEN CLASS HOME & FAMILY ARTS
Download booklet, see contest rules, and view contest results.
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FOOD SAFETY & PRESERVATION
View and download various food safety and preservation publications.
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ELKHART CO. EXTENSION HOMEMAKERS
View information on programs/classes, newsletters, forms, etc.

I'm looking forward to getting my air fryer into use now. "Cooking with an Air Fryer" was a very helpful and useful program. Emily was well spoken, clear, and precise. She has very nice programs!

- Kris, New Paris

My wife and I just finished the "Be Heart Smart" series. It really opened my eyes to all of the foods that are affecting not only my heart but also my general health.

- Dave, Goshen

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