Extension Homemakers to start 2026 with new lessons
Dec. 16, 2025
By Tracy Courage
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Fast Facts:
- Monthly programs focus on personal finance, nutrition, health, and family life
- Extension specialists provide research-based curricula
(329 words)
Photo: EHC members learning chair yoga
LITTLE ROCK — As 2026 approaches, many people will make familiar resolutions — to get healthier, manage money better, or learn something new — in the new year. Arkansas Extension Homemakers Clubs offers a way to accomplish all three goals and more.
For the first four months of the year, EHC clubs will offer monthly programs focused on a specialty area within Extension’s Family and Consumer Sciences division — including health, nutrition, personal finance and family life.
The 2026 featured lessons include:
- January — Health and Well-being - Living a Healthier Life through the 8 Dimensions of Wellness
- February — Family Life - Smartphone Smarts: A Guide to Healthier Scrolling Habits
- March — Nutrition - Stay Safe: Food, Fundraisers, Potlucks & Picnics
- April — Personal Finance - Consumer Protection: How to Avoid the Latest Scams
“The curricula are written by state specialists who are experts in their field,” said Laura Hendrix, statewide adviser for EHC clubs and extension’s personal finance expert. “I encourage clubs to offer these programs across the state.”
Extension Homemakers, one of the state’s largest volunteer organizations, is part of the Cooperative Extension Service, the outreach arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. EHC’s three-part mission is to empower people through informal education in Family and Consumer Sciences, leadership development, and community service.
Each year, the organization surveys its members to assess impact. The 2025 survey showed:
- 64 percent of members said they make a difference in their communities because of EHC
- 65 percent gained new knowledge and skills
- 48 percent are more comfortable in leadership roles
- 88 percent are more active as volunteers
In 2025, EHC clubs in Arkansas reported a combined 5,040 volunteers who contributed 337,778 volunteer hours, valued at $11.7 million.
For more information about EHC, visit uaex.uada.edu/ehc or contact your county extension agent. Follow us on X and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu. Follow on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three campuses.
Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.
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Media Contact: Tracy Courage
Director of Communications-Extension
U of A System Division of Agriculture
501-658-2044