Local Programs
While viewing the family unit as the cornerstone of a healthy community, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agents and volunteers work in Sussex County with a focus on improving wellness for individuals and their families. There are many aspects of overall wellness including nutrition, health, financial management, and family dynamics throughout the life span. As educators, community resources, and links to professionals throughout the community, their goal is to implement effective educational and outreach programs that provide people with the life skills needed to make positive changes, and improve their overall sense of well-being. Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) programs provide practical, research-based education, which will empower individuals, families, and communities to increase their knowledge and make informed decisions in the 3 FCS pillar areas of:
Volunteers Needed for Family & Consumer Science Program
The Sussex office of Virginia Cooperative Extension, Family & Consumer Sciences is interested in obtaining passionate individuals that want to hone their skills while working with the diverse residents of Sussex Va. Volunteers are needed in the area of family financial management, volunteer coordinator support, senior educators (older adults).
Comprehensive training takes candidates from entry level to experienced educators, mentors, budget counselors, and other dynamic positions. Volunteers will have the opportunity to attend various training, join networking groups, build community partnerships, attend resource fairs, conduct community and internal trainings, and much more.
- Master Financial Education Volunteers* (registration fee applies)
- Master Food Volunteers* (registration fee applies)
- Marketing and Administrative support volunteers*
*Registration cost include: the price of comprehensive educational manuals and CD's, tote bags, aprons for Master Food Volunteers only, food used in class demonstrations for Master Food Volunteers only, name badge or button.
Related Links
Publications
- Preparing for an Emergency: The Smart Thing to Do
- Beating Stress: Challenges, Choices, Changes
- Learning in Families Together: Aging*
- 20 Ways to Save at the Grocery Store
- Boiling Water Bath Canning – Including Jams, Jellies, and Pickled Products
- Healthy Eating for Children Ages 2 to 5 Years Old: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers
- Food Storage Guidelines For Consumers
Financial Resources
Use these helpful links to increase your knowledge of money management issues:
Go here to get your FREE annual credit report!
Education is a key tool to prevent consumer injury. This website offers publications with advice on avoiding scams and rip-offs, as well as tips on other consumer topics.
Sussex does not have a 4-H program at this time. For more information on getting youth involved in other localities please contact the office.
Engaging with Communities
Virginia Cooperative Extension specialists in community viability work with Extension agents, campus-based faculty, organizational partners, communities, and individuals to further opportunity and build capacity in five program areas:
- Leadership & Planning
- Community Enterprise and Resiliency
- Community Food System and Enterprises
- Community Planning
- Emerging Community Issues
Examples of our work include training county elected officials, educating entrepreneurs, facilitating collaborative projects, supporting the growth of community food systems and local economies, enhancing agent skills and community capacity in facilitation and leadership, conducting problem-driven research, and creating publications and tools that address critical community needs.
Do you have a question about Community Viability?
Perhaps one of the Community Viability specialists below can help you. Contact a Community Viability specialist or direct a question to them using our Ask an Expert system.
Community Viability Specialists
Services Available Through the Sussex Extension Office:
Insect Identification Laboratory
Homeowners and farmers can submit insect samples for identification by bringing a live or dead insect sample (well preserved) to the Sussex Extension Office. Bring sample in a zip lock plastic bag. Master Gardener volunteers or Extension Agents will try to identify and make a management recommendation if necessary. If we are unable to identify the insect, we will submit it to the Insect ID lab at Virginia Tech. You should have an answer in about 10-days.
Plant Disease Laboratory
Homeowners and farmers can submit plant samples for disease identification by bringing a plant sample with root intact in a ziplock bag with one pint of moist soil to the Sussex Extension Office. If Extension Agents or Master Gardeners are not able to identify the disease, we will mail the plant sample to the Plant Disease Laboratory at Virginia Tech. You should have an answer in about 10-days.
Weed Identification Laboratory
Homeowners and farmers can submit weed samples for identification by bringing freshly dug weed with root wrapped in a moist paper towel inside a ziplock bag to the Sussex Extension Office. If Extension Agents or Master Gardeners are not able to identify the weed, we will mail the sample to the Weed ID Laboratory at Virginia Tech. You should have an answer in about 10-days.
Soil Testing
Homeowners and farmers can submit soil samples to the Soil Testing Laboratory at Virginia Tech by picking up soil sample boxes at the Sussex Extension Office. We will provide you with the application form and instructions for taking the soil sample and mailing to the lab. A report will be mailed to you from the Soil Testing Lab with recommendations for the plant/crop you plan to grow. Soil samples generally take two weeks to receive a report back in the mail.
Sussex Master Gardener Volunteers
Extension Master Gardeners are trained volunteer educators. VCE-MGs work within their local communities to encourage and promote environmentally sound horticulture practices through sustainable landscape management education and training. As an educational outreach component of Virginia Cooperative Extension, the Master Gardener program brings the resources of Virginia’s land-grant universities – Virginia Tech and Virginia State University – to the people of the Commonwealth.
After completing an application process, participants will attend a nine week training course from January through April. All volunteers are trained with at least 50 hours of horticultural classes and return at least 50 hours of volunteer community service through their local Extension office. Contact our office for more information.