Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County Offers Vital Resources for the Orange County Community

The Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) mission in Orange County is to enable people to improve their lives and communities by bringing local experience and research-based solutions together. This mission stands as strong as ever as communities across the globe are experiencing unprecedented times. CCE educators and community resource partners have worked diligently to gather information that benefits Orange County residents in a variety of areas, including public health, food access, things to do at home, financial resources, resources for families and raising children, and information and resources about farming. Although the CCEOC office in Middletown is currently closed, our staff is working as a team and remains committed to serving Orange County while working remotely to plan virtual programming.

A special one-hour webinar on Tapping into Resilience has also been made available for streaming or to download, which provides concrete strategies for individuals and families to stay in, or return to one’s “resilient zone” during this time of so many firsts.

Executive Director Lucy Joyce says “Our affiliation with Cornell University allows for access to a wealth of research-based information, including evidence-based practices, which are designed to support the cornerstones of healthy communities. Given the impact of the epidemic in Orange County, we are committed to serving as a vital resource for individuals, families and community partners as they navigate this critical time.”

To that end, CCE is offering virtual family-budgeting and financial literacy consultations, virtual parenting and family life consultations and parenting classes, as well as continued support to our Relatives as Parents Program (RAPP), kinship families, farmers and home gardeners. Additionally, the 4-H programs continue to support our youth in their development through online STEM activities and animal science.

All resources mentioned can be accessed at www.cceorangecounty.org/COVID-19or by calling (845) 344-1234. Here is a list of extensions for specific resources and supports:

Family Budgeting and Financial Literacy: x 226
Parenting and Family Life: x 274
RAPP Program: x 269
Farming Support: x 256
Gardening Help-line: 845-343-0664
4-H Youth Programming: x 232

The CCE vision is to continue to create measurable change in order to positively affect agriculture, families, youth, environment, and economic development within Orange County communities. We hope you and your families are well and want you to know that we are still here for you and providing research-based information.

Cornell Cooperative Extension and its partnerships provide programs for Orange County residents on youth and family development; nutrition, health, and food safety; community and economic vitality; and agricultural sustainability through Cornell based research. Committed to Orange County, we design programs to meet local needs to enable people to improve their lives and communities. For more information call Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County at 845-344-1234 or visit our website at www.cceorangecounty.org.

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CONTACT: Jenna Ricker 845-344-1234