Articles

Supporting Pennsylvania Families and Communities

Penn State Extension’s Family Well-Being Team supports Pennsylvania communities with practical, research-based programs that promote health, resilience, and connection.

Save for later Print

Updated:

June 11, 2025

Skip to the end of the images gallery

Image of a family. Credit: grplamondon / Pixabay

Skip to the beginning of the images gallery

Penn State Extension's Family Well-Being Team is committed to helping individuals and families lead healthier, more secure lives through research-based programs. Our educators work across Pennsylvania to support parents, caregivers, professionals, and communities with tools they can use every day.

What We Offer

Our team provides support through a diverse range of programs designed to enhance the well-being of our community. Whether you're a parent, a service provider, a farmer, or a concerned community member, our programs are designed to meet you where you are and offer practical, relevant support.

Highlighted programs

Mental Health First Aid, QPR Suicide Prevention Training, and Mental Wellness Series: Empowering individuals to recognize and respond to mental health concerns.
Smart Choice Smart Use: Guidance on navigating health insurance.
Your Money Matters, Boosting Financial Wellness, and The Money Compass podcast: Building strong financial habits.
Relatives as Parents Program: Education, connection, and resources for grandparents and kinship caregivers through the Kinship Family Forum, Kinship Café, and Caring for Our Kin curriculum.
Substance Use Education: Supporting families and individuals in recovery.
Farm Stress and Farm Stress Real Talk podcast: Helping farmers, farm families, and workers in the commercial agriculture industry who are experiencing stress.
Better Kid Care: Resources for early childhood professionals and caregivers.

In addition to our general programs, we offer specialized support for rural and agricultural communities. Our Farm Stress Programs address the issues around the physical demands, financial uncertainty, isolation, and mental health struggles faced by farmers and agricultural workers. Through these programs, we provide practical strategies and a supportive space to talk about tough topics, facilitated by educators who understand farming firsthand.

Rooted in Community

The Family Well-Being Team serves a wide range of audiences - from rural farms to urban neighborhoods - by tailoring our programs to the unique needs of each group. We understand that well-being looks different across communities, and we aim to deliver programs that are respectful, accessible, and practical. By combining evidence-based education with compassionate outreach, we help families build resilience, improve their well-being, and strengthen their communities - one connection at a time.