Volunteer Opportunities Through EHC

Hot Springs, Ark. –  The clubs of the Garland County Extension Homemakers Council are seeking new members.  The mission of EHC is to empower individuals and families to improve their quality of living through three focus areas: continuing education, leadership development, and community service.  EHC clubs give adults an opportunity to participate in educational programs of the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, as well as develop and spearhead delivery of new programs to meet the needs of local residents.  In addition, by specializing in leadership development and community service, EHC contributed over 28,000 hours of volunteer time during the past year.

Garland County EHC is currently made up of 224 members in 10 clubs.  Members of these clubs work in the EHC kitchen during the annual Garland County Fair in September and the annual Hot Springs Arts and Crafts Fair in October.  They also fill stockings and dress bears to be given to the Salvation Army for distribution to children of families with moderate or limited income and collect non-perishable food items for seniors.

1. Busy Bees support the “Open Door” project and meet at 10 a.m. the first Thursday of every month.
2. Cooks R Us is a cooking club which meets at 9 a.m. the fourth Tuesday of every month.
3. Crazy Quilters is a quilting club whichmeets at 10 a.m. the second Tuesday of every month.
4. Lakeside focuses on projects for the elderly, children, and needy in the community.  They meet at 9:30 a.m. the second Thursday of every month.
5. Loyal Ladies is a community focused group which meets at 10:00 a.m. the third Thursday of every month.
6. Mis Amigas is a club with many active crafters who make walker bags for area nursing homes and hospitals.  They meet at 1:00 p.m. the third Tuesday of every month.
7. Park/Heights works with the adults at First Step School and meet at 1:00 p.m. the second Wednesday of every month.
8. Strong Women-HSV West is an exercise based clubwhich meets at 9 a.m. on Monday and Thursday every week.
9. Upholstery Club meets at various times throughout the year to teach others how to refurbish furniture.
10. Yes We Can is a food preservation club which meets at 9:30 a.m. the third Monday of every month.

Each of these clubs has their own special interest areas and community service projects.  Membership in these clubs and their programs is available to all eligible persons regardless of age, race, color, national origin, religion, gender, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status.  For more information about meetings, Extension Homemakers Club membership or program benefits, contact the Garland County Extension Office at 623-6841 or 922-4703, email Jessica at jvincent@uada.edu, or visit the Arkansas EHC website at http://www.arextensionhomemakers.org. 

EHC Information

Are you interested in joining an existing Extension Homemakers Club? EHC is the largest volunteer organization in the state. For information on EHC call 623-6841 or 922-4703 or email jvincent@uada.edu.

Master Gardeners

If you’re interested in becoming a Master Gardener and would like more information, you’re welcome to attend their monthly meeting on the 3^rd Thursday of each month at 1pm at the Elks Lodge.  You may also call the Extension office on 623-6841 or 922-4703 or email abates@uada.edu.

4-H Information

We have several 4-H clubs for our Garland county youth who are 5 to 19 years old.  For more information on all the fun 4-H activities there are, call the Extension Office at 623-6841 or 922-4703 or email Linda Bates at lbates@uada.edu. 

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution.

By Jessica Vincent
County Extension Agent - FCS
The Cooperative Extension Service
U of A System Division of Agriculture

Media Contact: Jessica Vincent
County Extension Agent - FCS
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
236 Woodbine Hot Springs AR 71901
(501) 623-6841
jvincent@uada.edu

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact your County Extension office (or other appropriate office) as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of 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.