CYFAR Professional Development Event 2025

This session dives into what it means to lead with compassion when you’ve been through it yourself. Dr. Gardner breaks down the importance of recognizing experiences, setting boundaries, and showing up strong without losing yourself in the process. You’ll walk away with tools, perspective, and a renewed commitment to lead from a place that’s real and rooted.

In a lot of counties, 4-H is a family tradition, some folks have been part of it for generations. But right in those same communities are kids and families who’ve never even heard of it. This session is about building bridges, breaking assumptions, and making sure young people who’ve never had a seat at the table get one. Because when 4-H is done right, it changes lives.

This hands-on workshop highlights the success of the Louisville, Kentucky CYFAR initiative, which bridges youth development and family empowerment through a two-generation (2Gen) model. Led by Kentucky State University 4-H in partnership with grassroots organizations such as 2NOT1 Fatherhood & Families and Book Works, the session will showcase how authentic programming can meet families where they are. Participants will explore proven strategies for building community-rooted partnerships, engaging youth and caregivers, and implementing scalable models that reflect the real needs of families. Attendees will leave with practical tools, planning templates, and an inside look at “doing what works” in urban communities.

Spend time with your coach and other Sustainable Comunity Projects within your coaching group. Discuss challenges and opportunities, brainstorm ideas, and spend quality time together.

In this interactive panel, hear about the importance of strong partnerships, consistent communication, and using data to tell your CYFAR story from a wide variety of contexts.