Last month, Purdue Extension – Allen County highlighted a year of impactful community engagement, education, and innovation. We continued our mission of delivering practical, research-based education through traditional programs like 4-H, Master Gardener, and Extension Homemakers, while expanding outreach to underserved audiences.
Volunteers contributed over 14,793 hours, supporting programs that reached more than 11,600 participants through more than 850 educational sessions and 365 nutrition programs. Youth engagement was strong, with more than 5,500 young learners involved. Extension also helped home owners with nearly 300 diagnostic samples for plants, insects, and soil.
A standout initiative was the Emmanuel Christian Afterschool 4-H Club, which offered 46 students hands-on learning in science, art, cooking, and gardening, culminating in a showcase of their projects. Johnnie Mae Farm produced over 11,500 vegetable servings and launched the Plant, Pick, Plate program, funded by a $250,000 grant, to teach middle schoolers food cultivation and cooking. We also welcomed new staff as Caroline Everidge, Health and Human Sciences, Cheyanne Geideman, Community Development, and Erin McBain, Administrative Assistant, joined our office team.
Additional programs included the Mock Grocery Store Challenge promoting healthy budgeting and nutrition, JCAP gardening sessions at the Allen County Jail fostering personal growth, and the Fort Wayne Farm Show, which educated farmers on pesticide safety and agricultural best practices.
Purdue Extension - Allen County continues to be a vibrant, evolving extension service deeply rooted in community support and lifelong learning.