A report on HES Extension programs serving Missouri's families & communities

HEED's seed money helps small projects take root

Seed money for grassroots projects. That's what HEED, the Home Economics Extension Development Fund, provides. The HEED fund has grown more than 20 times since it was established in 1983. The projects HEED has funded have grown even more.

"Decreasing funds and increasing needs put families at risk. The HEED fund was started to ensure the future of quality educational programs that address Missouri's critical human needs," said Jan Clark, associate program leader and director of the HEED fund.

All projects funded by HEED are community-based programs; addressing local needs at the local level. HEED fund grants are awarded annually on a competitive basis. The HEED board of directors convenes to review grant applications. Those chosen are innovative projects aimed at improving the quality of life at the community level.

This year, the HEED fund grew another 25 percent, thanks to a generous contribution from Helen V. Davies, a former University Extension food and nutrition specialist in St. Louis from 1960 to 1974. Davies retired in Columbia until her death in 1994.

At a memorial luncheon in her honor, friends, colleagues and family remembered Davies as a true professional. Collegues recalled her lively sense of humor and adventurous spirit as they recounted their memories. Davies' niece Karen Chamberlain said her aunt was proud to have been an extension specialist. "She did a lot of different things in her life but always had a special place in her heart for her years in extension," said Chamberlain.