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!
2024 Canning Classes have completed for the year. But if you are interested in wanting to know how to home can, then click the link https://tiny.utk.edu/canninginterest2024 and when dates have been set we will send an email when dates have been set.
Do you have concerns about falling?
Many older adults experience concerns about falling and restrict their activities. A Matter of Balance is an
award-winning program designed to manage falls and increase activity levels.
NEW Class will begin Spring 2024. Please contact Elizabeth Renfro if you would like to be added to interest list.
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 April 30, 2024 In-Person | 1PM to 5PM | tiny.utk.edu/CoParentingRegistration | Till Day of Class |
| Monday May 20, 2024 via Zoom (LIVE Online) | 5PM to 9PM | tiny.utk.edu/CoParentingRegistration | Thursday May 16, 2024 |
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
A program to help adults who are pre-diabetic or have a high likelihood of developing Type II Diabetes. This year long program is designed to help delay and/or prevent the onset of Type II Diabetes.
Please contact Elizabeth at eelizond@utk.edu or
(423) 753-1680 if you are interested in more information or would like to be put on a list for the next available class.
- Electric Pressure Cooking for Busy People
- Veggin’ Out: Guide to Vegetarian Cooking
- Slow and Easy
- Fry It Up: Air Fryer Essentials
- Deliciously Gluten-Free
- From Soaking to Simmering Cooking Beans Three Ways
- Grains Galore: Mastering Whole Grain Artisan Bread
- Don’t Be So “Brittle” About It…
- Freezer Meals That Are Ready When You Are!
Contact Information
Elizabeth Renfro
Extension Agent III
Phone: 423-753-1680
Email: eelizond@utk.edu
Lucy Timbs
Extension Agent I
Phone: 423-753-1680
Email: ltimbs1@utk.edu
