UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS Extension offers more than just 4-H

By Editor | May 13, 2026 |

University of Illinois Health and Family Educatory Karina Moore presented a program on ways to living a less stressful life at the Greenfield Public Library on May 2. The University of Illinois and Moore present a number of different programs, free of charge, related to human development and family studies. (Carmen Ensinger/River County News)

By Carmen Ensinger

When one hears about the University of Illinois Extension, the first thing that comes to mind is 4-H, because their 4-H program is a huge part of this area, but the truth of the matter is that they offer a lot more than just the 4-H program.
One area that is gaining a lot of exposure recently is their research-based educational programs related to human development and family studies.
On May 2, Greenfield Public Library hosted one of their programs called “Happy Hacks for Positivity and Well-being.” This, and other related topics are being taught by Karina Moore, M.Ed., Health and Family Educator with the University of Illinois Extension.
“In this 90-minute program, we basically share that we are more creative, productive, energetic and intelligent when we are positive and happy,” Moore said. “Stress and negativity have the opposite effect causing us to become at least 10 percent less productive. So, we need to learn how to change that.”
Moore said there is an outdated suggestion that if we focus on working harder we will be happier.
“That’s not necessarily true, and I hope we are in a day and age where people realize that is not the case,” she said. “Because new research in neuroscience and positive psychology shows that it works the other way around. When we experience happiness and positivity first and turn on all the learning centers in the brain, it fuels positive outcomes in all aspects of our lives. I, personally, have found that to be true.”
Moore said all of the programs they offer are free and since they are considered community education programs, they are primarily presented either at Extension Offices, libraries, seniors centers or community centers. Or, if it is age- appropriate programming, at the schools.
“We have a lot of different programs that deal with a lot of different subjects,” she said. “We have programs that focus on aging across the lifespan, having healthy daily habits, that cover mental health and physical health both, and how we integrate those into our daily lives for more positivity, for better health, for better wellness. We also focus on caregiving aspects such as how we can support those with dementia. That is also a huge push of mine – getting more dementia awareness education out there.”
At the moment, some of the programs offered by Moore and other Illinois Extension Educators throughout the state, free of charge include:
“Don’t Go It Alone: Improving Your Social Connections”
“Looking for the Funny Side: The Value of Humor”
“Navigating Changes As We Age”
“I’m Positive I’m Aging”
“Let’s Talk About Stress…and Ways to Manage it for a Better Life”
“Simplify Your Life by Clearing the Clutter”
“These are just a few examples of the available programming we have at the moment,” Moore said. “If you need something tailored for a specific topic or audience, just ask and we will try to come up with a program on it.”
Moore stressed that the programs are all science, researched-based programs.
Moore can be contacted at the University of Illinois Extension at 217-243-7424 or by email at [email protected].