MSU Extension Gladwin County

On August 8, 2023, Gladwin County residents will be asked to continue investment in MSU Extension programs that helps families, businesses and professionals gain the knowledge they need to be healthy and safe, do their jobs better, build strong communities, protect local environments and help young people gain the confidence and skills needed to be successful. MSU Extension programs in Gladwin County help reduce the cost of public investment in health care and other governmental remediation services and increase the educational resources that helps families and local communities thrive.

Empowering and Equipping Youth Success

Data from 2012-2017 Michigan 4-H college access review shows that Michigan 4-H alums are more likely to enroll in college the fall after high school than other Michigan students. Since 2012, 61% of Michigan 4-H youthhave enrolled in college the fall after high school. In Michigan overall, that rate is 55%. This data is important as research shows students who enroll in college "on time" are more likely to complete their degree.

In 2023, Gladwin County MSU Extension 4-H programs engaged a total of 262 Gladwin County
youth in a variety of virtual 4-H clubs and programs. 4-H club participation has proven to help prepare
young people for work, especially for jobs in science, technology, engineering and math. In 2023, Gladwin County 4-H provided 22 program activities to over 800 youth, with 14 clubs and 32 adult volunteers.

Educating to Fight Foreclosure

Michigan has the third highest rate of foreclosure (one in every 2,617 housing units) in the U.S., according to ATTOM, a curator of the nation's property database.

MSU Extension offers financial and homeownership education to community
members. Financial capability education offers families and individuals tools and support to manage their personal finances and achieve financial goals.

"Thank you so much for all of the help from the start and to the finish, with many phone calls and e-mails
to you when needed, and keep up the wonderful work that you are doing because you are the very best at it! We need MIHAF, MSU and HUD… so that you can help so many other homeowners in the same situation as I have been in for the last two years.” – Program Participant

Educating for Greater Farm Profitability and Sustainability

Gladwin County is home to 723 producers managing 5,212 heads ofcattle, 1,201 broilers and other meat-type chickens, according to the USDA 2017 census. They also manage 11,155 acres of farm land for hay/haylage; 7,409 acres of soybeans;4,822 acres of corn for grain; and1,762 acres of wheat for grain. 99percent of farms in the county are family farms.

Access to research-based information is critical when businessdecisions depend on it. MSU Extension is a leader indiscovering information and helping farmers apply testedsolutions that benefit their farms, their families and theircommunities. Gladwin County MSU Extension educatorsprovide access to articles, webinars and timely social mediaposts designed to help producers manage the challenges ofdisruptions to agriculture, prepare for tax season and managethe ongoing financial and business planning needed for farming.

MSU Extension’s Farm Stress programs provide behavioralhealth and financial management and planning supports andservices to farmers and their families to help manage theemotional and financial ups and downs of farm production.Online access to teletherapy, resiliency tools and assistanceresources have been expanded to ensure Gladwin Countyfamilies have what they need to live happy and healthy lives.

Helping Families Make Healthy Decisions

MSU Extension delivers affordable, relevant, evidence-based education to help adults, young people, and families eat well, consume food safely and stay healthy.

In 2022, Gladwin County reached an estimated 999people, with 420 of them being new, through indirectactivities such as social media, distributing informationand resources that indirectly reach SNAP recipients.Through direct education, 359 participants engaged inevidence-based nutrition education programs. MSUExtension educators provide nutrition and healtheducation programming to individuals and families provento improve family diet and physical well-being.

Financial Resources

MSU Extension provides Financial & Homeownership training and resources, foreclosure prevention assistance,
homeownership education, and money management for the residents of Gladwin
County.

"I just wanted to follow up and say thank you again for the information you and your colleague presented in the Homebuyer Education class. The information I learned is unmeasurable and the HBE should be a mandatory class for all first time homebuyers. I have told many people about my great experience and the wealth of information I obtained. Michigan State University Extension is offering a great service in the State of Michigan with this class and at a very reasonable cost! I am so thankful I was able to attend."
- Program Participant

MSU Extension is eager to continue serving Gladwin County residents in strong partnership with the County Board of Commissioners. By working together, MSU Extension can continue to help people improve their lives by bringing the vast knowledge resources of Michigan State University directly to individuals, families, businesses and communities