Our Impact
Making A Difference in Our County
University of Georgia Extension is working hard for its constituents. The following are examples of Extension’s impact in the county over the past year.
FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES
The Baldwin County Family and Consumer Sciences program expanded its reach and impact through strategic partnerships, research-based education, and innovative programming. Efforts in financial capability, food safety, and relationship education strengthened the overall well-being of individuals and families across Baldwin County and surrounding areas.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program experienced significant growth, nearly tripling the number of returns completed from the previous year. This effort returned over $49,000 in federal and state refunds to the local economy, secured nearly $8,000 in earned income credits, and saved clients an estimated $19,600 in tax preparation fees, providing critical financial relief and stability for working families.
Educational programming also addressed broader community needs. Food safety initiatives resulted in 32 ServSafe certifications, contributing to an estimated $50,000 in prevented foodborne illness costs. Relationship education through ELEVATE Couples Georgia achieved an 85.7% graduation rate, the highest in the state, equipping couples with skills to improve communication, reduce conflict, and build stronger family foundations.
Additional outreach efforts raised awareness of challenges faced by lower-income communities, expanded financial education through the award-winning MoMoney Mo$aving$ Blog, and delivered resources to over 2,600 individuals.
4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Baldwin County 4-H empowers youth to learn, grow, and thrive through hands-on experiences, leadership opportunities, and community involvement. In 2025, 4-H reached 673 youth through 200 in-school club meetings, supported by 10 certified volunteers dedicated to mentoring the next generation. Our program offers a wide range of activities designed to build life skills and confidence, including STEM clubs, community service, leadership development, and creative outlets like music and crafting. Signature experiences such as Summer Fun Days, Teen Leader Training, Project Achievement, and 4-H Day at the Capitol give youth opportunities to explore their interests and develop real-world skills. Popular programs like Cloverleaf Summer Camp at Rock Eagle, District
The ANR program in Baldwin County delivered hands-on agricultural support through innovative projects and technical expertise that strengthened local land use and production practices. The establishment of a blackberry U-Pick site at Sinclair Baptist Church transformed underutilized land into a community resource, producing its first harvest and creating opportunities for future expansion. The agent also supported producers in improving pasture productivity by developing alternative weed management strategies for alfalfa and bermudagrass, promoting healthier forage and long-term yield. Through ongoing site visits, diagnostics, and partnerships with residents and lawn care professionals, the agent addressed critical issues related to tree health, pond management, and weed control, while providing targeted education to support the county’s strong base of cattle and forage producers.