As we approach Thanksgiving and the annual celebration of National Family Week, Nov. 18-24, take time to measure the ways in which, during the past year, University of Illinois Extension has helped families make sustaining and enriching connections.

What have we done as a community to connect families to the opportunities, networks, services and sources of support that enable them to become self-sufficient?

As community members, we take pride in the fact we have more than 550 youths who joined in the Revolution of Responsibility through our 4-H program, learned valuable skills for a lifetime, and made connections with caring adults. More than 300 adults generously donate their time to helping our youth in the 4-H program. They’re committed to our young people.