Handbook Updates – The KEHA Manual Handbook at https://keha.org/manual/ has been revised into three parts. In an effort to promote ease of access, you can now find forms conveniently located with the relevant content.

Theme-Based Officer Training Materials – KEHA officer training materials specific to the 2026-2027 KEHA year and connected to the theme “Hooray for KEHA!!” are now available at https://keha.org/officer-training/. The materials include a Dates to Remember document for the year and a Kickoff/Overview presentation that summarizes all the educational chairperson Programs of Work and shares a reporting statistic from each. Please review and use these materials as best fits with your county and/or area officer training sessions.

Reports Are Due for Individuals and Clubs – Visit the reports webpage at https://keha.org/reports/ for a detailed process timeline and links to fillable forms, available now. Please be aware of the following deadlines and submit reports on time. Be sure to use forms dated 2025-2026 to cover the period from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. Remember, nothing is too small to report! Even small successes add up when totaled statewide.

August 15 – COUNTY-level reports are due. The county tallies the reports received in July and submits the totals online by Aug. 15, printing a copy to share with each area educational chairperson. Links to online forms will be coming soon. County VSU reports are due via paper forms.

September 15 – AREA-level reports are due. Area VSU Reports are due to the KEHA State Leadership Development Chairperson.

Save the Date for 2027 State Meeting – Next year’s KEHA State Meeting will take place May 4-6, 2027, in Owensboro, Ky. Watch for details coming soon!

KEHA Launches New Website – KEHA is excited to introduce a new website. The home page will remain www.keha.org, but all inside page address links will change. Please update any saved bookmarks and be aware to look for pages with www.keha.org in the URL when using browsers to search.

Dates to Remember

• Aug. 15 – Due date for county reports. County VSU reports are due via paper forms, and educational chair reports must be entered online.
• Sept. 15 – Due date for area VSU reports via paper forms.
• October 11-17 – KEHA Week 2026

State Newsletter Coming Soon! – Watch for the 2026 State Newsletter, which will be mailed to KEHA member households in mid- to late February. It will be posted on this website once the mailing has gone out. The state newsletter has the registration form and details about the State Meeting in May. It also has information about upcoming deadlines, state officer elections, and more.

Member Recognitions – Area Membership Recognition Reports (including 50-year member and deceased member lists) should be sent to KEHA 2nd Vice President Martha Colley by Jan. 31. County results should be compiled into only one area form. See KEHA Manual Appendix page 19.

Contests, Scholarships, and Grants – March 1 is the deadline for most KEHA contests, scholarships, and grants. For questions regarding any of these opportunities, contact the officer or chairperson listed in the KEHA Manual.

• Contests – Please see Manual Appendix pages 4-5 for a summary of contests and awards, complete with contact information for each.
• Scholarships – Now through February is the perfect time to promote KEHA scholarship opportunities within your counties. Encourage eligible members to apply and continue the tradition of support and empowerment through education. For more information on scholarships, including application forms due March 1, visit our Scholarships and Grants page.
• KEHA Grants – Applications for both KEHA Mini-Grants and KEHA Development Grants are due March 1. KEHA mini-grants (KEHA Handbook page 107) are awarded to KEHA members, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension agents, or Family and Consumer Sciences Extension state staff for research and study that will provide a benefit to KEHA. KEHA Development Grants (KEHA Handbook page 110) are awarded to counties or areas for the implementation of projects to benefit the membership. Applications must be prepared by KEHA members and outline the role of members and FCS professionals. Development grant applications should be sent via certified mail to the KEHA 2nd Vice President.

Nominate a Candidate for KEHA State Board – April 10 is the postmark deadline for state officer and chairperson credentials (see KEHA Manual Appendix). Up for election this year are:

• First Vice President
• Treasurer
• Environment, Housing & Energy Chairperson
• Leadership Development Chairperson
• Food, Nutrition & Health Chairperson
• Marketing & Publicity Chairperson

Qualified candidates should apply! Additional details and forms.

Last Chance to Register for the Kentucky Volunteer Forum – The Kentucky Volunteer Forum, Feb. 26-28, 2026, is a developmental and educational conference geared towards 4-H and Extension volunteers from all program areas. A special Homemakers track will take place on Friday, Feb. 27, and Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Hyatt Regency in Lexington. The final deadline for registration is Jan. 16. For more information or to register, visit https://4-h.mgcafe.uky.edu/core-program-areas/kentucky-volunteer-forum.

Bakers May Want to Attend Grain Gathering – The Southeastern Grain Gathering returns in 2026, bringing together farmers, researchers, millers, bakers, brewers, distillers, and partners from across the region to continue building a regional grain economy. Hosted by the Ohio Valley Grain Exchange and held at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, the 2026 Southeastern Grain Gathering brings research, farming, and markets together in a hands-on working session, including baking classes. Details on programming, registration, lodging, on-site camping, and sponsorship opportunities are coming soon. Contact Katie Ellis with questions at elliskatier@gmail.com.

Consider Joining the KEHA Choir – Do you love to sing? Consider joining KEHA’s choir! The choir rehearses and performs during the KEHA State Meeting (registration required). Choir members get a rehearsal CD and music to practice prior to the event. For questions, contact Choir Director Wendy Hood at wendy8hood@gmail.com. To join, send $10 payable to Wendy Hood, 202 Park Avenue, Harrodsburg, KY 40330.

Forms Due for Homemaker Showcase at State Meeting – Showcase forms are due March 15 to 1st Vice-President Ann Porter (see KEHA Manual Appendix page 34 for the form). Several people or groups can submit a display:

• Each area can have up to two displays, featuring club, county, or area projects.
• Each state educational chairperson can submit one display.
• KEHA Development Grant winners may submit a showcase display to highlight their project.

2026 KEHA State Meeting Room Block Open – Next year’s KEHA State Meeting will take place May 12-14, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency in Lexington. The theme is “Hooray!! KEHA!” and Bluegrass Area is the host. Reserve your hotel room now in the KEHA group block! Find details.

Dates to Remember

• Jan. 16 – (Agents/staff) County membership database/updates due via the web-based system.
• Jan. 16 – KEHA Newsletter content deadline – Information due to KEHA 2nd Vice-President and KEHA State Advisor.
• Jan. 16 – Final registration deadline for the Kentucky Volunteer Forum.
• Jan. 31 – Area Membership Recognition Reports (compiled in one form) due to State 2^nd Vice-President Martha Colley (see KEHA Manual Appendix page 19).
• February – KEHA State Newsletter coming soon!
• Feb. 26-28 – Kentucky Volunteer Forum in Lexington, KY.
• March 1 – Deadline for KEHA scholarships, grants, and most contests.
• March 4-6 – KEHA Leadership Academy at Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park.
• March 16-17 – Spring Board Meeting, Lexington.
• March 15 – KEHA Showcase forms due to the 1st Vice President (see KEHA Manual Appendix page 34).
• April 1 – (Agents) Area lesson schedules for 2025-26 due to KEHA State Advisor.
• April 10 – Postmark deadline for state officer and chair credentials.

KEHA State Newsletter – Be checking your mailbox! The State Newsletter is on its way. The state newsletter has the registration form and details about the State Meeting in May. It also has information about upcoming deadlines, state officer elections, and more. It will be posted on this website once the mailing has gone out. State meeting registration is first-come, first-served, so don’t miss out!

Last Call for Contests, Scholarships, and Grants – March 1 is the deadline for most KEHA contests, scholarships, and grants. Be sure to submit your entries on time and to the correct address or email. For questions regarding any of these opportunities, contact the officer or chairperson listed in the KEHA Manual.

Forms Due for Homemaker Showcase at State Meeting – Showcase forms are due March 15 to 1st Vice-President Ann Porter. A fillable form or survey option is available on the State Meeting webpage (or in the KEHA Manual, Appendix page 34). Several people or groups can submit a display:

• Each area can have up to two displays, featuring club, county, or area projects.
• Of those area applications, priority should be given to KEHA Development Grant winners to highlight their projects.
• Each state educational chairperson can submit one display.

Nominate a Candidate for KEHA State Board – A total of six positions will be elected by delegate vote at the State Meeting business meeting in May 2026. Credentials must be sent by certified mail and postmarked by April 10, 2026. Qualified candidates should apply! Additional details and forms.

KEHA Membership Update – The total membership for this year is 10,840. This is a decrease of 513 members from last year’s total membership. A complete report will be shared in voting delegate packets at the KEHA State Meeting.

Updated Board Directory Available – The new state board directory will be available here. (Note: KEHA members needing state board contact information should request the full directory from their county agent.)

KEHA State Meeting – KEHA State Meeting will take place May 12-14, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency in Lexington. The theme is “Hooray!! KEHA!” and Bluegrass Area is the host. Reserve your hotel room now in the KEHA group block. Find details on the State Meeting webpage.

State Meeting Registration Refund Policy – The policy remains unchanged from last year.

• Registrations are first-come, first-served once payment is received. If fee-based workshops are full, the State Treasurer will issue refunds for those workshop fees. Those who wish to attend workshops that include a fee are encouraged to submit their registrations quickly.
• Those who wish to cancel their entire registration will not receive a full refund. If it is cancelled before the final registration deadline, half will be refunded. After the final registration deadline, no refunds will be issued.
• Registration may be transferred to another individual rather than cancelled.

Consider Joining the KEHA Choir – Do you love to sing? Consider joining KEHA’s choir! The choir rehearses and performs only during the KEHA State Meeting (registration required). Choir members get a rehearsal CD and music to practice prior to the event. For questions, contact Choir Director Wendy Hood at wendy8hood@gmail.com. To join, send $10 payable to Wendy Hood, 202 Park Avenue, Harrodsburg, KY 40330.

Calling All Quilters! – The Center for Courageous Kids in Scottsville, Ky., needs new twin bed quilts. The needed size is 66 inches by 83 inches, and quilts can be homemade or store-bought. Drop off at the Center in Scottsville or bring to the KEHA State Meeting’s collection point. Also, quilters are invited to participate in this year’s Quilt Square Auction and Showcase at the State Meeting by making a 12-inch finished quilt square. Details are in the KEHA Newsletter.

Master Farm Homemakers Guild Luncheon and Meeting – Once again, the MFHG luncheon and meeting will be held in conjunction with the KEHA State Meeting. Again this year, there will be a separate registration for the MFHG luncheon. Members will receive details from MFHG President Susan Hansford.

Dates to Remember

• Feb. 26-28 – Kentucky Volunteer Forum in Lexington, KY.
• March 1 – Deadline for KEHA scholarships, grants, and most contests.
• March 4-6 – KEHA Leadership Academy at Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park.
• March 15 – KEHA Showcase forms due to the 1st Vice President (see State Meeting webpage).
• March 16-17 – Spring Board Meeting, Lexington.
• April 1 – (Agents) Area lesson schedules for 2026-27 due to KEHA State Advisor.
• April 10 – Postmark deadline for state officer and chair credentials.
• April 13 – Reservation deadline for conference lodging rate at State Meeting hotel.
• April 13 – Postmark deadline for discounted registration fee for 2026 KEHA State Meeting. REGISTER EARLY as classes may fill!
• April 28 – Final postmark deadline for 2026 KEHA State Meeting registration. No registration refunds will be issued after April 28, and no late registrations will be accepted.
• May 12-14 – KEHA State Meeting in Lexington!

International Chairperson Vacancy – The KEHA Board has an upcoming vacancy to be filled for International Educational Chairperson. The remainder of the term will be from May 31, 2026, to June 30, 2027. Credentials are due to State Secretary Barbara Seiter via certified mail postmarked April 20. More information, including links to qualifications and forms.

KEHA Has Launched A New Website! Note: while our website is new, all inside page address links will change.

Hooray!! State Meeting Is Almost Here! – The KEHA State Meeting will take place May 12-14, 2026, at Hyatt Regency Lexington. Registration is nearing the cutoff, but there may still be time to register. See which State Meeting sessions are full and view registration details.

Please see the following tips to enhance your State Meeting experience:

• Agenda highlights include the opening luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, the business meeting at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, and the general session featuring the choir at 5 p.m. Wednesday, and the awards luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Thursday. All times are Eastern Time.
• Visit our new Q&A Lounges in the Henry Clay Boardroom:
  • Leadership Academy Tuesday 5/12 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. – Any graduate of a KEHA Leadership Academy (2020, 2023, and 2026) is welcome to attend and network. Anyone interested in a future opportunity may also come!
  • Volunteer Service Unit (VSU) Wednesday 5/13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. – Have questions about VSUs? We have answers!
• Support fundraisers:
  • Each area provides a themed raffle basket.
  • Counties may bring item(s) for the silent auction. Please only bring new items.
  • Anyone may contribute 12-inch finished quilt squares for auction.
  • The Center for Courageous Kids is collecting twin-sized bed quilts for their kids’ camp.
  • Bring a checkbook and/or cash!
• Support our vendors! Snippy Jim will be sharpening scissors, gardening tools, and more, so bring your dull edges for a sharpening fee.
• Reminders: wear KEHA blue and yellow to the opening lunch to show your team spirit, and pack a sweater or other layers for temperature shifts.
• Deadline reminders:
  • April 15 is the deadline to register for the Master Farm Homemaker Guild luncheon and meeting.
  • April 28 is the final postmark deadline for registration. No registration refunds will be issued after April 28, and no late registrations will be accepted.

Voting Delegate Packets – Agents are expected to distribute the packets to county voting delegates by April 29, two weeks prior to the KEHA Business Meeting. Voting delegates should review the materials prior to the meeting on May 13. The packet will also be made available online on the State Meeting webpage. Once on site, voting delegates should sign in and pick up their printed packets prior to the Business Meeting at the specified voting delegate registration area on Tuesday or at least 20 minutes prior to the meeting time on Wednesday. Please be seated and ready at least 10 minutes before the meeting starts.

Dates to Remember

• April 28 – Final postmark deadline for 2026 KEHA State Meeting registration. No registration refunds will be issued after April 28, and no late registrations will be accepted.
• April 29 – Voting delegate packets due to voting delegates
• May 12-14 – KEHA State Meeting in Lexington!
• May 15 – 990N Deadline for 501(c)(3) organizations with fiscal year ending Dec. 31.

The Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association (KEHA) held the organization’s 89th annual State Meeting at the Louisville Crowne Plaza, May 9-11, 2023. More than 430 attendees from across the state, including 95 first-time participants, took part in the three-day meeting celebrating the theme “Let’s Take a Hike with KEHA.”

“Several first-time attendees came up to me and told me it was a great meeting, how much fun they had, and what they had learned. They said they would definitely be back next year,” said KEHA President Brenda Hammons. “The classes were full, and I heard wonderful comments from those who attended. Also, many commented about the quantity and quality of the cultural arts displayed.”

This year’s event kicked off with an opening luncheon on May 9. The keynote speaker was Jessica Whitehead, curator of collections for the Kentucky Derby Museum. KEHA also celebrated 46 years of support for the UK Ovarian Cancer Research and Screening Program with the presentation of awards. Dr. Edward Pavlik, Ovarian Cancer Screening Research Director, was presented with a check for $40,966.57. KEHA’s lifetime contribution to the program is more than $1.62 million.

During the May 10 general session, the KEHA Choir performed seven songs. One of the songs had lyrics written specifically for this homemaker event, as a tribute to county Family and Consumer Sciences agents. The 32-member choir includes KEHA members from 21 counties and is under the direction of Wendy Hood, current Fort Harrod Area President. This was the sixth year the choir performed as part of the conference.

Three fundraising activities conducted as part of the meeting yielded more than $6,631 to support designated projects. A raffle generated $3,029 to add to the contributions to the UK Ovarian Cancer Research and Screening Program. A silent auction raised $1,670, and 275 handmade quilt squares were displayed and auctioned, providing $1,932. Both will help offset the cost of hosting the state meeting.

This year, the homemakers participated in a service project benefiting the Center for Courageous Kids in Scottsville. At least 15 counties donated more than 60 twin-sized bed quilts, many of them handmade. The popular Cultural Arts and Heritage contest included around 700 entries that meeting attendees could view and enjoy.

“What a wonderful KEHA State Meeting it was this year! We laughed, listened to a great choir, admired Cultural Arts items from around the state, bid on silent auction items, promoted lifelong learning through the various sessions, and met old and new friends,” said KEHA 1^st Vice President Henrietta Sheffel. “Don’t miss out – join us next year at the 2024 KEHA State Meeting at the Bowling Green University Plaza and Sloan Convention Center.”

The annual state meeting provides a time for training, networking, recognition, and celebration. Attendees participated in educational seminars addressing topics ranging from potted and edible plants to cooking and healthy eating, and from money management to leadership. Additionally, a series of concurrent workshops provided training in each of KEHA’s eight educational program areas of emphasis. State officers also hosted training workshops for local, county, and area officers who attended. The KEHA State Meeting concluded with an awards luncheon and the installation of newly elected officers.

KEHA is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to education, leadership, and volunteer service. To learn more, like and follow the organization’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/officialKEHA or visit www.keha.org.

KEHA Launches New Website – KEHA is excited to introduce a new website. The home page will remain www.keha.org, but all inside page address links will change. Please update any saved bookmarks and be aware to look for pages with www.keha.org in the URL when using browsers to search. The website has been refreshed, and the new platform is mobile-friendly, among other helpful changes. Read more at https://keha.org/keha-launches-new-website/.

July = New KEHA Year Materials – July is the start of the new fiscal year for statewide KEHA.

• Look for KEHA Manual updates as the revised edition is posted online at https://keha.org/manual/. Many pages are changing, such as bylaws, standing rules, and several chairperson Programs of Work. If you currently use a print copy, consider replacing the document. If you bookmark specific pages online, please reset your bookmarks and look for www.keha.org in the URL.
• Theme-based officer training materials are posted in July, and this year will incorporate the “Hooray for KEHA!” theme at https://keha.org/officer-training/. Materials will include a PowerPoint presentation, facilitator’s guide, installation ceremony script, dates to remember handout, evaluation, and other resources. Please review and use these materials as best fits with your county and/or area officer training sessions.
• Online educational chair reporting forms will also be available around early to mid-July.

Cultural Arts and Heritage Category Updates Coming Soon – As noted in the 2026 State Meeting Cultural Arts & Heritage Chairperson training, there are some changes coming to the Cultural Arts Exhibit categories that will begin July 1, 2026. These changes include updated quilt sub-categories, including new categories for quilts made by multiple homemakers. Also, new information will be added to the clarifications/definitions section. Full details will be included in the KEHA Handbook revisions coming in July.

Welcome, New KEHA Board Members – Welcome to the newly appointed International Chairperson, who began her partial term May 31, 2026, serving through June 30, 2027. Also welcome to the newly elected KEHA state officers and chairpeople whose terms begin July 1, 2026, for three years. The incoming state board members are:

• International Chairperson: Marilyn Watson, Henderson County (partial term)
• 1^st Vice President: Sharon Fields, Greenup County
• Treasurer: Debra Y. Rolen, Pike County
• Food, Nutrition, & Health Chairperson: Charlinda Fugate, Perry County
• Leadership Development Chairperson: Carmela Ballard, McCracken County
• Environment, Housing, & Energy Chairperson: Maryloretto Resing, Kenton County
• Marketing and Publicity Chairperson: Karen Abner, Wayne County

State Board Adds Treasurer-Elect Position – The voting delegates at the 2026 KEHA Business Meeting approved adding a Treasurer-Elect position to the State Board. Changes were made to the state Bylaws to outline the position, nomination process, term, and duties. The first Treasurer-Elect shall be elected in 2028, serving for one year, followed by a three-year term as Treasurer. Also, the State Board approved in the fall meeting to have a one-time Treasurer Advisor position for the 2026-2027 year to assist the incoming treasurer. Current Treasurer Patsy Kinman will stay on for one additional year to help incoming Treasurer Debbie Rolen learn to fulfill her duties. For more details, read the featured story at https://keha.org/featured-stories/.

 Volunteers Needed for 4-H Communications Contest – Volunteer judges are needed for 4-H State Communications Day on Saturday, July 11, 2026. The event takes place at the Bluegrass Community Technical College on Newtown Pike in Lexington. This event brings together youth from across the state to showcase their skills in public speaking, demonstrations, and mock interviews. Several volunteers are needed to serve as judges and room hosts from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sign up at: https://uky.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_38gbwVu8Ymvv2m2. Also, State Communications Contest Registration is now open on 4-HOnline!

Hooray!! For a Successful State Meeting – The 92^nd annual KEHA State Meeting reached more than 500 registered attendees at the Hyatt Regency in Lexington, Ky., from May 12-14, 2026. KEHA presented a check for nearly $54,000 in support of the UK Ovarian Cancer Research and Screening Program. Three fundraising activities during the event yielded nearly $7,000 to support designated projects, and more than 114 quilts were donated to the Center for Courageous Kids in Scottsville, Ky. The choir performed seven songs. The Cultural Arts and Heritage contest included 818 entries that meeting attendees could view and enjoy. Attendees participated in 36 educational seminars, as well as educational chairperson workshops, officer training sessions, and hands-on crafts. For complete details about the State Meeting, visit https://keha.org/keha-holds-92nd-annual-state-meeting/.

2026 State Meeting Evaluations Summary – About 34% of attendees (169 out of 500) completed evaluation forms and rated the conference very highly, indicating a wealth of knowledge taken home to implement locally. On average, respondents rated the overall meeting as an 8 on a 10-point scale. Respondents enjoyed starting the event with a luncheon (97%) and also enjoyed having more free time in the evening (87%). They noted free time allowed for rest, socializing, networking, and time to visit local attractions. Most of the respondents attended all three days of the conference (89%).

When asked about the most important thing offered by KEHA in their decision to attend, top responses were: seminars/workshops/training (55%), hands-on craft classes (40%), lessons to bring back to club/county (39%), connecting with other counties (36%), Cultural Arts (34%), and more. Homemakers learned a lot from educational workshops, particularly noting the following: The Basics of Sourdough, Understanding Artificial Intelligence, Special Gifts for Special People, Starting a Book Club, Volunteerism 2026: New Breed, and Scam Scams, New Tricks. Favorite hands-on crafts included folded cards, spices, hand-sewing crafts, and basket making. Many resources will be shared in home counties, particularly information from Cultural Arts (45%), leadership (42%), hands-on crafts (38%), volunteering (35%), and more.

Cultural Arts and Heritage Winners – The Cultural Arts and Heritage Chairperson webpage at https://keha.org/cultural-arts-and-heritage/ has been updated with the following information:

• 2026 Creative Writing Winners, poetry, memoirs, short story (and archive of several past years)
• 2026 Cultural Arts Winners, ribbons, and all entries sorted by area, county, last name, and category

2026 Leadership Academy Evaluations Summary – All 14 KEHA areas were represented at the 2026 KEHA Leadership Academy, with 29 candidates attending. About 96% of attendees (28 out of 29) completed the evaluation forms and rated the training highly. All respondents agreed that participating in the Leadership Academy improved their leadership skills in communication (100%) and increased their confidence in leadership abilities (100%). Also, all respondents plan to recruit or engage others to participate in KEHA (100%). All of them agreed (89% strongly and 11% somewhat) that the Leadership Academy helped them enhance their leadership skills. Overall, respondents rated all presentation topics as beneficial in building leadership capacity. The attendees ranked “Understanding Personalities” most highly, followed by “Assessing KEHA for the Future (SWOT),” “Sharing Your KEHA Message,” and “Leadership Toolbox.”

“I really wasn't sure I wanted to attend. But just like other things in life, sometimes we need to step out of our comfort zone, put on a great face, open our mind to new ideas and differences, and appreciate one another’s strengths,” said one attendee. She continued, “I've learned so much! I'm grateful for this opportunity to learn leadership in a newer way with better perspective.”

Reports Are Due for Individuals and Clubs – Visit the reports webpage at https://keha.org/reports/ for a detailed process timeline and links to fillable forms. Please be aware of the following deadlines and submit reports on time. Be sure to use forms dated 2025-2026 to cover the period from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. Remember, nothing is too small to report! Even small successes add up when totaled statewide.

July 1 – INDIVIDUAL-level reports are due. Reports for the eight educational programs are due to each county educational chairperson or designated officer. Volunteer Service Unit (VSU) logs are due to the county.

August 15 – COUNTY-level reports are due. The county tallies the reports received in July and submits the totals online by Aug. 15, printing a copy to share with each area educational chairperson. Links to online forms will be coming soon. County VSU reports are due via paper forms.

September 15 – AREA-level reports are due. Area VSU Reports are due to the KEHA State Leadership Development Chairperson.

One way to make preparing reports more fun is to host a “reporting party.” Clubs and/or county organizations can choose to set a date to meet and gather all reports at one time. Stations can be set up for each point person to gather information for each type of report due. Snacks and a party theme may make the event enjoyable.

Dates to Remember:

• June 30 – KEHA year ends.
• July 1 – Due date for individual-level reports to be submitted to the county (paper forms). This includes both the program of work reports and the volunteer service logs.
• July 14-16 – National Volunteer Outreach Network (NVON) Conference in Wisconsin Dells, WI
• Aug. 15 – Due date for county reports. County VSU reports are due via paper forms, and educational chair reports must be entered online.
• Sept. 15 – Due date for area VSU reports via paper forms.

The KEHA State Board has added a new position to the Executive Committee line-up. The new Treasurer-Elect position is designed to ease the incoming Treasurer into the new role, similar to how the President-Elect position works.

The voting delegates at the 2026 KEHA Business Meeting approved board-recommended changes to add a Treasurer-Elect position to the State Board. Changes were made to Bylaws Article III – Officers and Elected Chairpeople Election and Duties to outline the position, nomination process, term, and duties. The Treasurer-Elect shall serve for one year, followed by a three-year term as Treasurer. The Treasurer-Elect shall be elected the same year as the Secretary. Changes were made to Bylaws Article IV – Board of Directors and Executive Committee to note that the new position will serve on the Executive Committee when applicable. The first Treasurer-Elect shall be elected in 2028.

"The KEHA Treasurer position is a very important volunteer job, and it brings with it a huge learning curve,” said KEHA President Henrietta Sheffel. “The newly created ‘Treasurer-Elect’ position approved at the 2026 KEHA State Meeting will give future incoming Treasurers a year to experience the role with the current Treasurer, so they can learn the ropes of the many duties. KEHA is excited about this new opportunity for a smooth transition."

At the recommendation of the Executive Committee, the State Board approved having a one-time Treasurer Advisor position for the 2026-2027 year to assist the incoming treasurer. The board voted to create the temporary position at the Nov. 5, 2025, meeting. Current Treasurer Patsy Kinman will stay on for one additional year to help incoming Treasurer Debbie Rolen learn to fulfill her duties during the July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, fiscal year.

The Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association (KEHA) held the organization’s 92nd annual State Meeting at the Hyatt Regency in Lexington, Ky., from May 12-14, 2026. More than 500 attendees registered from across the state, including 86 first-time participants. All took part in the three-day meeting celebrating the theme “Hooray!! KEHA!”

“I think it was really successful. We had excellent speakers, great workshops, and it was a joy that it turned out as great as it did. I heard nothing but compliments,” said Ann Porter, 1st Vice President. “I met many new people, and I feel really enthusiastic about the direction of KEHA.”

This year’s event kicked off with an opening luncheon on May 12. The keynote speaker was Amber Philpott, an award-winning news anchor with WKYT TV in Lexington. KEHA also celebrated 49 years of support for the UK Ovarian Cancer Research and Screening Program with the presentation of awards. Dr. Edward Pavlik, Ovarian Cancer Screening Research Director, was presented with a check for $53,965.31. KEHA’s lifetime contribution to the program is more than $1.76 million. An awards program closed the event on May 14, with a keynote address from Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman.

During the May 13 general session, the KEHA Choir performed seven songs. Two of the songs had special lyrics that paid tribute to KEHA’s state educational chairs, county Family and Consumer Sciences agents, Area Extension Directors, and University of Kentucky advisor. The 22-member choir includes KEHA members from 17 counties and is under the direction of Wendy Hood, a Mercer County KEHA member. This was the ninth year the choir performed as part of the conference.

Watch the KEHA Choir's performance on the KEHA Facebook page.

The Master Farm Homemakers Guild conducted their annual meeting in conjunction with KEHA’s State Meeting. MFHG inducted Deborah Lyons of Scott County. They also inducted Kim Henken as an honorary member. The Kentucky Guild is composed of a select group of outstanding farm women from across Kentucky.

KEHA conducted three fundraising activities as part of the State Meeting that yielded nearly $7,000 to support designated projects. A raffle generated $2,623 to help fund Ovarian Cancer Research. A silent auction raised $1,788 to benefit the 4-H Foundation. Additionally, 308 handmade quilt squares were displayed and auctioned, providing $2,504 to help offset the cost of hosting the state meeting.

Again this year, the homemakers participated in a service project benefiting the Center for Courageous Kids in Scottsville, Ky. At least 16 counties donated more than 114 twin-sized bed quilts, including many that were handmade. The popular Cultural Arts and Heritage contest included 818 entries that meeting attendees could view and enjoy.

“The 2026 KEHA State Meeting was chock-full of talent in the Cultural Arts entries and offered lifelong learning from the great variety of seminars offered,” said KEHA President Henrietta Sheffel. She appreciates all the work that KEHA leaders from across the state put into the successful event. “Many helpers were hard at work from the different Areas in the silent auction, basket raffle, quilt squares, meal decorations, registration, and Cultural Arts.”

The annual state meeting provides a time for training, networking, recognition, and celebration. Attendees participated in 36 educational seminars addressing topics ranging from leadership to nutritious cooking, and from artificial intelligence to textiles. Additionally, a series of concurrent workshops provided training in each of KEHA’s eight educational program areas of emphasis. State officers also hosted training workshops for local, county, and area officers who attended. The KEHA State Meeting concluded with an awards luncheon and the installation of newly elected officers.

KEHA is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to education, leadership, and volunteer service. To learn more, like and follow the organization’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/officialKEHA or visit www.keha.org.

KEHA is excited to introduce a new website, which was “unveiled” at the KEHA State Meeting General Session on Wednesday, March 13, 2026. The home page will remain www.keha.org, but all inside page address links will change. Homemakers should update any saved bookmarks and be aware to look for www.keha.org in the URL in browser searches.

“The new KEHA website is an exciting new step for the KEHA Board and Homemakers across the state,” said State President Henrietta Sheffel. “It will be a great way to communicate with Homemakers and the general public about all things KEHA. The new website gives us flexibility to deliver more information and to highlight the many accomplishments of our Homemakers.”

The KEHA State Board appointed a Website Review Committee to revise and refresh the website, which was launched on an all-new platform. KEHA members can show off their good works with photos, and the new platform is mobile-friendly, among other helpful changes.

“The updated website will strengthen communication and help tell the story of the important work Extension Homemakers continue to do in communities across Kentucky,” said Sharon Fields, chairperson of the KEHA Website Review Committee.

The KEHA Board has an upcoming vacancy to be filled for an International Educational Chairperson. The remainder of the term will be from May 31, 2026, to June 30, 2027. Because it is less than half a term, the candidate would be eligible to run for election in the same position for a full term after if interested.

Qualifications are listed on page 15 of the KEHA Handbook. The position description can be found on the State Board section of the KEHA website. Credential forms can be found in the KEHA Appendix, pages 8-9, or use the fillable PDF forms linked below. Qualified candidates should apply!

State Chairperson Nomination Form 

Credentials must be sent by certified mail to KEHA Secretary Barbara Seiter, 8669 Valley Circle Drive, Florence, KY 41042. You may send an email confirmation of your credential submission to seiterbarbara@yahoo.com. Credentials must be postmarked no later than April 20, 2026, to be considered. The KEHA Executive Committee is responsible for making appointments to fill a vacancy.

Current International Chairperson Tammy Alford tendered her resignation, as she is moving. She and her husband have decided to become full-time missionaries in Roatan, Honduras. 

"Serving as International Chairperson has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life," she said. "The friendships, shared goals, and collective passion for service have enriched me in ways I will carry into my work abroad."