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 January/February 2025 here.

smartphone-and-tablet

Smartphone & Tablet Basics (2-Part Series)

If you have an interest in learning about smartphone and tablet basics, you won’t want to miss this two-part educational series! Participants will learn how to connect to Wi-Fi, use Password Keeper, add and delete apps, utilize the Cloud, create ICE contacts, and explore the basics of their device’s camera. Participants will need to bring their smartphone and/or tablet with them to engage in hands-on practice. Remember to bring your charger or have your device fully charged prior to class. If you have an Apple device, please bring your Apple ID log in and password with you. Feel free to come with questions about your device.

Offered Wednesday, January 15th and 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 series. Duration: 1 hour each session.

stack of papers

Purge Your Papers

Do you find yourself getting overwhelmed with the stack of papers accumulating on the counter? It can be confusing knowing which papers to dispose of and which ones to keep. Learn about which paperwork to keep for a certain period of time and which ones can go in the garbage. Offered Tuesday, January 28th at 1:00pm at the Purdue Extension Elkhart County office (17746 County Road 34, Goshen). To register, call Jenn at (574) 533-0554 or email fink24@purdue.edu . Duration: 1 hour.

money and budgeting

"Where Does Your Money Go?" Two-Part Program

Do you run out of money before the end of the month? Is it difficult to pay your bills on time? Do you wish you had more money? Learn to recognize where your money is going, stop money leaks, save money for what you really want, and develop a savings/spending plan. This two-part program is offered Wednesday, February 5th & 19th at 1:30pm at the Family Resource Center (612 E. Bristol St., Elkhart). To register, call Jenn at (574) 533-0554 or email fink24@purdue.edu . Duration: 1 hour each day.

Air Fryer

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 Tuesday, February 11th at 5:30pm at the Elkhart Public Library - Dunlap Branch (58485 CR 13, Elkhart). To register, call Jenn at (574) 533-0554 or email fink24@purdue.edu . Duration: 1 hour.

Food that are heart healthy in the shape of a heart

Heart Healthy Nutrition

Heart-healthy eating is an important way to lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. With heart disease being the top cause of deaths in Americans, it is important to eat for your heart health. Learn about different heart-healthy foods and recipes that are beneficial for one’s heart-health.

Offered Wednesday, February 19th 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.

Interested in receiving our monthly program flyer?

Stay up-to-date on our upcoming educational programs via postal mail or e-mail.

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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.

Health & Human Sciences Columns

Supplements and whole foods

Supplements Versus the Real Thing

In an age where health-conscious individuals are constantly seeking ways to optimize their well-being, the debate between supplements and whole...

Sad snowman outside with a black hat

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

As the days grow shorter and the temperature drops, many people find themselves grappling with a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder...

Thanksgiving classic  dinner table with a turkey as a main dish

Turkey Talk

With the holiday season ramping up, we begin the intense cooking process to create lavish meals for our loved ones. This takes patience, time, and...

Frozen vegetables

Freezing Vegetables

Vegetables can add a significant amount of nutrients and vitamins to our diet. Incorporating vegetables in every meal can be a great way to assure...

Food cooking on grill

Grilling Tips and Tricks

As the weather gets warmer, we find ourselves getting outside more whether it’s to exercise, cook, or just relax. A popular summertime...

Earth with hands of different colors

How Diversity is Knowledge

There are many ways to utilize the power of diversity. It starts with a different lens and scope to how diversity is experienced amongst all...

food thermometer in piece of steak

Food Safety Techniques

When it comes to food safety, you may feel like certain things are no brainers, but there are many things you may not know about keeping yourself...

a bunch of blueberries

Hello Blueberries

This is the time of the year we begin to see blueberries pop up at our favorite local markets. During the summer, there is nothing quite like a big...

Bills of money with calculator and tablet of paper

Tips to Save

Americans have many ways they can save money these days. Several attributes go into saving money including credit, debt, entertainment, family and...

Mix of food groups

MyPlate Management

Recently I learned that many people don’t know much about MyPlate and where it originated. Many of us know the food pyramid which was...

Two people exercising with laptop

Virtual Fitness

Sometimes fitting exercise into our busy schedules can be difficult. For some it may come easy and for others it may be more difficult to get to a...

array of plates of egg foods

Eggtastic (What To Do With Your Eggs)

Eggs can be beneficial for our diet in many different ways. They are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals and are high in protein along with...

array of breakfast items

How to Build a Balanced Breakfast

Making healthier choices can be difficult, overwhelming, or even frustrating. However, it doesn’t have to be. If we find something we like...

food in freezer

Food Preservation Safety

The invention of the freezer is incredibly helpful when it comes to protecting foods and preserving them for long periods of time. It’s...

cutting meat and vegetables on cutting board

Meat Managing

Have you ever wondered if you are handling meat properly? Some meats should be kept separate from other products to avoid cross-contamination and...

fruits and vegetables

Eat the Rainbow

It is tremendously important for individuals of all ages to maintain a nutritious diet. Make sure to consume all five food groups including dairy,...

Swimming Safety

Be Your Own Lifeguard

Swimming is a popular activity during the summer months. With the warm weather, children and adults are doing anything to cool off. Knowing the...