The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
OSU Extension aims at youth skills
Office introduces newest 4-H educator
The OSU Extension of Lorain County invited members, volunteers and families of 4-H programs to an open house Oct. 21 at the extension facility at 42110 Russia Rd. in Elyria.
Guests had the first opportunity to get a look at the extension’s programs, services, educators, assistants and to meet the newest 4-H youth development educator, Jacki Baca.
Activities and services focused on the meaning of 4-H – Head, Hands, Heart and Health – were showcased, including STEM and nutritional programs, agriculture, natural resources, community development opportunities and youth activities offered in 4-H.
Ann Chanon, agriculture and natural resources educator, said the Extension is in partnership with The Ohio State University in which “the university is brought to the community through programming that creates researchbased answers to problems.”
Chanon said the extension wanted the community to get a better understanding of what they offer for youth and families and to have a chance to meet Baca.
Baca, a Spencer native, has been involved in 4-H for about 14 years in New Mexico and has been an educator within Lorain County for over a month, she said.
Baca said she is looking forward to helping people improve their quality of life through practical
research-based information, “Whether it’s feeding your family more nutritiously, (learning) how to start a garden or teaching life skills now and for the future.”
Baca, Chanon and Area Leader Kyle White said there are a number of programs the OSU Extension offers such as sewing, robotics, animal care, mechanics, cake decorating and more.
“The subject matter is the means to teach the kids those life skills - leadership, communication, team building, problem solving, critical thinking and what they’re investing,” Baca said. “4-H is really an amazing program and we’re excited to work with youth in addition to working with the adults, as well, and empowering them as volunteers.”
In her new position as youth educator, Baca said
she will work with all programming dealing with youth ages 5-18.
However, she said she wants to first focus on getting acquainted.
“I’ve already been able to meet many people and volunteers within this program,” she said. “We have got an amazing program here in Lorain County, very active, very busy. I have not even had an opportunity to be bored here. I really need to get to know the program here and the needs of our youth in Lorain County before I can make any changes or think about big picture.”
She said she’s looking forward
to meeting key leaders, attending meetings and events and learning what the county’s program is doing.
“I’m really excited because Ohio 4-H is so large and so active, and in Lorain County specifically, a lot of the work I get to do is with the volunteers,” she said.
“That’s how we’re able to extend our reach to the youth by training our volunteers and empowering them to work with the youth. So if I train 150 volunteers they can then each reach more youth. If I did it by myself it would limit our reach.”