• University of Maine Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners have received in-depth horticultural training from Extension faculty and industry experts. In return, the 17 current students of the 2007 training program and many past graduates have donated over 500 hours volunteering on community projects.
   
• For the third year, the Windham State Correctional Facility was the site of a pilot vocational training project. Eight women participated in the Greenhouse Management course that provided hands-on training in a skill they can use to support themselves upon release.
   
• 4-H is the youth development program of University of Maine Cooperative Extension. In Oxford County, 4-H is supported by the Oxford County budget, the United Way of Oxford County, the Pine Tree State 4-H Foundation and individual program grants and donations. The Program:
  • reaches over 5,000 young people.
  • has completed six Aspirations & Career Educational Programs in past years where teen participants explore their interests, talents and aspirations while they study resumé and portfolio writing, career exploration, job shadowing and how to prepare and pay for college.
     
• University of Maine Cooperative Extension Eat Well program staff provide nutrition education to limited-income citizens, including food stamp recipients, throughout the state. Last year, more than 80 family members and 300 youth participated. Participants learn—in small groups, in schools, in their homes or through correspondence courses—strategies for expanding their food dollars and eating well on low budgets.
   
• Extension Homemakers continue to have a vital presence in Oxford County. Nine local Extension Homemaker groups with approximately 171 members are located throughout the county. The local groups meet monthly to conduct a wide variety of educational programs and community service projects. They also provide social support.
   
• The University of Maine Cooperative Extension Senior Companion Program is offered in Oxford and Androscoggin Counties. Lower-income elders visited by the senior companions receive practical information and assistance for daily living, as well as companionship to help them maintain their independence. In the past year, six senior companions in Oxford County provided over 4,000 volunteer hours, making 1,135 visits to 20 elderly, homebound clients.

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