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Show Me Resilience stories

COVID-19 resources

Show Me Resilience. In challenging times, Missourians come together. University of Missouri Extension and communities across the state are showing up for each other — working together in innovative and engaging ways to bring the resources of the University of Missouri to the people who need them.

Missourians supporting Missourians

Monroe County community members distributing food boxes

Community comes together to help hungry families

The Monroe City Food Pantry and MU Extension in Monroe County, with assistance from the Monroe County North East Community Action Corp. (NECAC) office, were able to provide food boxes for families struggling with food insecurity. MU Extension nutrition program associate Sarah Geist spearheaded the project.

Chelsea Corkins, 4-H county engagement specialist, discussing potential and kinetic energies as she demonstrates how to make a rubber band car

Keeping camp alive

With in-person summer camps canceled, Missouri 4-H created new opportunities. Innovation, technology make ‘virtual camp’ a memorable experience.

Audrey Tinoco presents her prize-winning muffins via FaceTime at the Saline County fair

Saline County 4-H'ers do a quick pivot to attend county fair

Saline County 4-H quickly worked out virtual solutions so 4-H'ers could participate in county fair while following public health and safety guidelines.

Young 4-H member exhibiting market hog at a county fair. Photo credit: Monica Linn.

Roots of resilience run deep in 4-H and agriculture

Challenges will come and go, but strong roots keep us standing as we figure out the “new normal.”

Participants and tshirt from Show Me Resilience T-shirt campaign

T-shirt campaign raises almost $1,000 for Feeding Missouri

The #ShowMeResilience T-shirt campaign resulted in almost $1,000 donated to Feeding Missouri last month! Missouri Farmers Care is continuing the fundraising efforts - visit Drive to Feed Kids to donate.

Screenshot from ecommerce success stories webinar

Farmers, ranchers share e-commerce success stories

Farmers and ranchers are increasingly turning to online sales to reach customers, especially with COVID-19 disrupting the operation of many farmers markets, restaurants and stores. Four Missouri farmers share their success stories.

MU Extension announces '4-H Goes Online'

Starting this fall, Missouri 4-H will be able to reach more youths and families across the state through an easy-to-use online learning platform called Canvas that brings 4-H project-based learning directly into the home.

Screenshot from Bella Baker, daughter of 4-H club leader Aaron Baker, interviewing Missouri 4-H program director Lupita Fabregas on Facebook Live

Macon County 4-H club transitions to remote learning

COVID-19 has only accelerated the Home Pioneer 4-H Club’s online reach and impact. Macon County 4-H’ers eagerly watched and commented live on their club member’s interview with the Missouri 4-H director.

Screenshot from MU IPM YouTube channel

Weekly virtual town halls help farmers, growers

State and regional extension specialists in horticulture and forages and livestock are hosting weekly online town Q & A sessions.

Read more & register ›

Master Gardener Tom Ruf tills ground on the site of a new community garden at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Arnold, Mo. Photo courtesy Jefferson County Master Gardeners.

Master Gardeners to plant an extra row for food pantry donations

Master Gardeners across the state have been asked to plant an extra row this year for local food bank and pantry donations — sharing their skills to help address food insecurity during this challenging time.

Students in the Winter 2020 Law Enforcement Training Academy

Law enforcement training adapts to COVID-19

MU’s Law Enforcement Training Academy was designated a critical infrastructure workforce development program. In April, hands-on training was able to resume on a compressed timetable, graduating 25 students this spring.

Open sign on window of a business

UM deans discuss effects on businesses and innovation

Law and business school leaders from the four UM System schools share ideas, resources and research to help businesses navigate reopening challenges in COVID-19’s wake.

People and cattle on farm

Open letter to ag community

Two MU professors, researchers, livestock producers and parents share their insights about handling disappointment and focusing on caring connections in the time of COVID-19.

Missouri 4-H'ers exceed food drive goal

4-H clubs across Missouri have raised nearly 300,000 meals to feed hungry families — far exceeding their 250,000-meal 4-H Feeding Missouri Food Drive goal.

Ingredients for 95 batches of sweet potato and black bean chili

How to do a food demo for 95 in a pandemic

Community partners and MU Extension teamed up to deliver a healthy food demo and groceries to north St. Louis County seniors.

Fresh vegetables in basket next to gardening tools

The Beginning Gardener course

MU Extension horticulturists developed a special course for novice gardeners. Home vegetable gardening has a 25:1 return on investment — a great way to save money as you grow delicious food and ease COVID-19 financial stress.

Man using tablet for virtual medical appointment

Helping Missourians cope

In response to COVID-19, clinicians across the UM System adapted quickly to serve the state's growing need for mental health services.

Learn more › & watch video ›

Panel of researchers during podcast

Advice on managing relationships

Podcast features four relationship researchers offering advice on managing relationships during social distancing.

Learn more › & watch video ›

Elaine George, 4-H volunteer

Longtime volunteer keeps 4-H’ers going

Elaine George, a 4-H volunteer for more than 30 years, keeps her 4-H’ers connected and journaling about their projects.

MU leads Healthy Homes webinars

National Healthy Homes Partnership webinars and handouts in English and Spanish advise developers, apartment owners and public housing directors on how to maintain, clean and disinfect properties.

MU Extension agronomist Gatlin Bunton demonstrates how to take a soil sample

East Central Ag Tidbits

Ag Tidbits provides relevant and timely online “show and tell” tips for farmers and ranchers statewide.

Landmark in Wayne County park

Wayne County Weekly Challenge

Through weekly online challenges, MU Extension in Wayne County invites the community to explore this southeast Missouri county virtually and discover its beauty and history.

Front cover of mental health toolkit

MU Extension releases Mental Health Toolkit

For Mental Health Awareness Month, MU Extension and Missouri partners have put together a toolkit to help strengthen farmer resilience and mental health.

Health care provider wearing personal protective equipment

MU helps state with COVID-19 care efforts

MU leads a statewide effort to retrain and deploy retired nurses and other health care providers to alternative care sites (ACSs) for recovering COVID-19 patients.

Learn more › & watch video ›

It takes a village

Butler, Carter and Wayne counties provide activity kits for kids without internet access.

Week-old chicks hatched from incubated eggs at home of state 4-H specialist in natural resources

Hatching a plan

Volunteers adopt incubating eggs to continue 4-H classroom embryology project.

All things Missouri

All Things Missouri

A new resource section has been created on All Things Missouri to provide decision-makers with information about how COVID-19 has affected their communities.

Watch video ›

Showcasing farmers market innovations

MU Extension showcases Missouri farmers markets using innovative ideas to keep going year-round.

MO Food Finder tool

Missouri Food Finder

The Missouri Food Finder is a new online tool that easily connects Missouri consumers with people growing and selling food in their region — helping businesses thrive and families find nutritious locally produced options.

Read more › & watch video ›

Olivia Buller, member of Cameron Keystones Willing Works 4-H Club, making masks

Mobilizing mask makers

With the help of MU Extension connections, volunteers across northwestern Missouri are turning out homemade masks to help protect local health care providers and emergency responders against COVID-19.

Laptop showing wellness content

MU clinic offers teleservices for COVID-19 stress

MU Psychological Services Clinic offering teleservices to help adults and children cope with anxiety and stress, which comes at the perfect time to help rural families under stress.

Good art makes great neighbors

MU Extension’s neighborhood improvement work in Greene County is making its literal mark in these challenging times. Neighbors are creating sidewalk art galleries that spread kindness and joy and combat loneliness and isolation.

Screenshot of KOMU news segment video

How to cope with financial impact

In KOMU’s “COVID-19 Town Hall” series, extension personal finance specialists offer information and resources on saving and investment strategies and safeguarding your finances for individuals and businesses.

Read more & watch videos ›

Activity pages from mail packets

Check that mailbox!

Packets from MU Extension in Perry County keep homebound kids busy and learning.

artwork from Stoddard County art show

The show must go on!

The MU: Youth Farm Animal Art Show adapted to the current situation by going Live on Facebook and the turn-out was 1,514 engagements, 282 comments, and 35 shares for a total of about 2,400 views

Screenshot of David Burton in virtual meeting

County councils adapt

Citizen advisors who make up county extension councils are quickly adapting to make sure MU Extension continues its important work in local communities.

Jennifer Eldridge Houser with Truman the Tiger

Connecting community

MU Extension fills the gap by connecting businesses with individuals who need help and protecting the community of Knox County.

Jessica Trussell and Amy Bartels

Mental health first aid

MU Extension teaches Mental Health First Aid to adults who work with kids, so they can recognize early warning signs and intervene early.

Chelsea Corkins in 4-H Live video

#ShowMeResilience

As we’ve seen our state come together to minimize the spread of COVID-19, MU Extension faculty and staff have been finding new ways to serve learners and deliver programs.

Madison County Food Helpers

Food Helpers

Madison County Food Helpers schedules volunteers to deliver food to the homebound, coordinates donations to the local food pantry and helps staff it, too. “There is no need for anyone to go hungry,” says Shanna Sorg.

Karla Deaver reading daily story

Story time

Join 4-H youth development specialist Karla Deaver on Lawrence County 4-H Facebook page as she reads stories that inspire like “The Girl Who Thought in Pictures - The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin!”

Read more & watch video ›

Reduce stress

Melissa Cotton says incorporate these four easy and effective ways to reduce stress into our daily routine: deep breathing, exercise, journaling and practicing gratitude. Our favorite? “Have a little dance party in your house.”

Watch video ›

Addi making hummus

Addi in the kitchen

Addi rocks these simple and nutritious snacks. She and her dad, a human development/family specialist in Butler County, are making fun “how to” videos for families to enjoy and share online.

Read more & watch video ›

Robert Balek on weekly TV segment

Indoor gardening

On his regular TV segment, horticulturalist Robert Balek in Jasper County shares indoor gardening activities. Sunflowers, marigolds, peppers and tomatoes can get an impressive head start on your windowsill while teaching and amazing the kids.

STEAM

This session includes three activities: making paper straw rockets, bending a pencil and creating magic peppers while learning about science, technology, engineering, art and math!

Watch video ›

See more 4-H Live: Online Learning daily projects ›

simple machines graphic

Simple machines

This session covers the five simple machines and stages of engineering design. Viewers can complete a hands-on activity and will be issued a challenge for a future project.

Watch video ›

See more 4-H Live: Online Learning daily projects ›

rock candy graphic

Rock candy chemistry

Tune in to learn the basics of chemistry and the degrees of saturation. Then take that info to make sugar rock candy. Step by step instructions allow for hands-on learning.

Watch video ›

See more 4-H Live: Online Learning daily projects ›