Cornell Cooperative Extension of Putnam County is asking residents to help shape the organization's future by participating in a community survey designed to identify local needs and guide programming for 2027 and beyond.
The survey is open to all Putnam County residents, including those who have never participated in Cornell Cooperative Extension programs. The organization hopes to learn which services residents value most, what challenges their families and communities face, and what additional educational opportunities they would like to see.
“One of our greatest challenges is ensuring that residents understand who we are, what we do and how Cornell Cooperative Extension can benefit their families, businesses and communities,” said Stefanie Hubert, the organization's executive director. “We offer so much more than many people realize, and we want to make sure our programs reflect the changing needs and priorities of the people we serve.”
Established in 1944, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Putnam County is a nonprofit educational organization affiliated with Cornell University. Its programs include 4-H youth development, agriculture, horticulture, environmental stewardship, nutrition education, food security and community development.
According to the organization, its programs and services reached more than 39,745 residents in 2025. During that year, it provided 32,901 free meals, purchased 185,233 pounds of locally produced food, engaged 2,988 students in educational activities and benefited from 9,937 volunteer hours.
Hubert said the survey is intended to reach both longtime program participants and residents who may be unfamiliar with the organization's services.
“Community input is essential to our planning process,” she said. “We don't want to make assumptions about what Putnam County needs. We want to hear directly from our residents.”
The survey also comes as construction continues on the new Cornell Barn and Education Center at Tilly Foster Farm. Once completed, the facility is expected to expand opportunities for youth programming, agricultural demonstrations, workforce development, community education and partnerships with other organizations.
Hubert said residents' responses will help determine how the new facility and other resources are used.
“The new Education Center represents an investment in the future of our community,” she said. “But a building alone doesn't define our success. The programs, partnerships, and opportunities we create inside it must be driven by the needs of the people we serve. This survey will help us establish those priorities.”
Residents can complete the survey by visiting www.cceputnam.org and following the link to the 2027 Community Survey. Participants are encouraged to share the survey with family, friends, and neighbors to help ensure a broad range of community perspectives.
For more information, contact Cornell Cooperative Extension of Putnam County at 845-278-6738.
Article courtesy of Cornell Cooperative Extension
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