Family & Consumer Science

Washington County has a strong background with area agencies and networking on behalf of family programs. Program area focuses address health and safety, human development, food and nutrition.

Educational programs focus on strengthening individuals, families and communities by addressing critical issues and needs, such as teaching parenting skills, improving nutrition and health, managing family finances, addressing child care needs, and others.

Listed below are a few programs offered through the Washington County Extension. For more detailed information about the program contact the person listed with the program or the Washington County Extension. Please visit fcs.tennessee.edu for a more extensive list of programs.

Visit Our YouTube Channel: UT Extension Washington County for Food Preservation Classes & Videos!

Join us for a whole body, whole brain wellness program that integrates drumming fitness with yesteryears music and beats. It is geared toward anyone and everyone to help promote physical, social, emotional, and cognitive helath.

Please be sure to wear workout type clothing and tennis shoes. Exercises can either be done sitting or standing.

Please contact Elizabeth Renfro if you are interested in attending.

All classes will be held at University Parkway Baptist Church: 219 University Parkway, Johnson City, TN

Check out the Flyers for More Information!

Are you considering purchasing a house and don’t know where to start? This class will help you decide if you are ready to purchase a home.

This class is required for THDA Home loans.
This course is recommended for anyone interested in purchasing a home and is approved for all THDA Mortgage Loan programs. It is recommended that this course be taken at least 4 weeks prior to closing. The Realizing the American Dream curriculum is used and provided to each household, in addition to a Certificate of Completion. The following topics are covered during this class:
- Are You Ready to Buy A Home?
- Managing Your Money
- Understanding Credit
- Obtaining a Mortgage Loan
- Shopping for a Home
- Protecting Your Investment
Preregistration is required for the class. 
Please preregister at least 5 business days in advance.
Cost of Class: $50 per loan
You must attend the whole class in order to receive your certificate.
Dates and times are subject to change for a complete and updated schedule please visit the Washington County Extension Calendar of Events.
An online option for the course is available at eHome America.

Contact: Elizabeth Renfro

Co-Parenting Education Classes: 4-hour mandatory class for divorcing parents or other court ordered requirements.

Important Links and Documents

In-Person: Co-parenting Registration Form. You have until the day of the class to register for the in-person class. However, you are not allowed to take with the other parent so please verify with our office of availability.
Zoom Guidelines for Co-Parenting (Zoom is an online platform that is a live interaction with the instructor as well as others that are registered for the class.)
If you choose the Zoom Option for the class you must pre-pay in order to receive the link to complete the homework. And, the homework must be completed before receiving the link to enter the class. A homework email will be sent 3 days prior to the class, if you need extra time please reach out to Elizabeth Renfro (eelizond@utk.edu) to receive.
Click the Link to Pay Online & Register: Online Payment Option for Co-Parenting Class
Cost to attend for those that Pre-Register is $45 (Zoom & In-Person), day of in-person class increases to $60 CASH ONLY.
Both parents are not allowed to attend the same class. The parent that registers and pays first will be given priority to selected class.

Class Date & Method of Delivery	Class Time:	Registration Link & Payment	Deadline to Register:
Tuesday March 18, 2025 via Zoom (LIVE Online)	5PM to 9PM	tiny.utk.edu/CoParentingRegistration	Friday March 14, 2025
Tuesday April 22, 2025 via Zoom (LIVE Online)	1PM to 5PM	tiny.utk.edu/CoParentingRegistration	Till Day Of (if paying the day of the cost increases to $60 CASH)
Tuesday May 20, 2025 via Zoom (LIVE Online)	5PM to 9M	tiny.utk.edu/CoParentingRegistration	Friday May 16, 2025
Tuesday June 24, 2025 via Zoom (LIVE Online)	1PM to 5PM	tiny.utk.edu/CoParentingRegistration	Till Day Of (if paying the day of the cost increases to $60 CASH)

* Dates, times, and method of delivery are subject to change so please verify with our office at 423.753.1680.

Contact: Elizabeth Renfro

The Tennessee Nutrition and Consumer Education Program (TNCEP) is a nutrition education program for Tennessee families who receive SNAP or who are eligible for SNAP. The goal of TNCEP is to teach families how to choose and prepare nutritionally adequate diets and help them feel empowered to move toward self-sufficiency. Families are taught how to use SNAP and related resources effectively.

Education is delivered by county Extension faculty and partners in the community who work with the SNAP audience. The characteristic of TNCEP that makes it different from other nutrition education programs is that it is coalition-driven. A community coalition of individuals from various agencies determine what types of education are delivered. Funding for TNCEP is provided by the USDA and the Tennessee Department of Human Services.

Contact: Lucy Timbs