Oklahoma Home and Community Education members across the state will celebrate OHCE Week May 4-10, highlighting their dedication to community service, education and fellowship.
Oklahoma Home and Community Education members across the state will celebrate OHCE Week May 4-10, highlighting their dedication to community service, education and fellowship.
With nearly 3,000 members across Oklahoma, OHCE groups partner with Oklahoma State University and OSU Extension to strengthen families and communities through service and lifelong learning. The annual OHCE Week spotlights its efforts to support residents in creative and meaningful ways.
“OHCE is a wonderful organization that gives back to its communities,” said Suzette Barta, OSU Extension coordinator for community engagement in the College of Education and Human Sciences. “I would love to see people check them out, see what they’re doing, and think about how they might get involved.”
Many OHCE groups will start their celebrations by meeting county commissioners for official OHCE Week proclamation signings, a long-standing tradition to recognize their contributions.
In several counties, OHCE members bring homemade pies and cakes to share with their local officials, a gesture that is just as beloved as it is delicious.
Okmulgee OHCE will host an Indian Taco lunch fundraiser Monday, May 5, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Okmulgee County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall. The $10 lunch will include an Indian Taco, dessert and tea or water, and will feature Pearl Thomas’s famous fry bread. Extra fry bread can be purchased for $2, and carryout will be available.
Mildred Taylor, OHCE state president, emphasized that for many members, OHCE is about improving communities through education, volunteerism and simple acts of kindness.
“OHCE is an avenue for giving back to my community,” she said. “It’s about taking care of each other and serving those who may have less.”
Taylor, who has been a member for more than 20 years, said her hope for OHCE Week is that others will experience the heart of the organization.
“I hope people see the good that we’re doing and want to be part of something outside of themselves,” she said.
In 2024, Barta said OHCE members contributed more than $6 million in combined donations and the estimated value of their volunteer service across Oklahoma communities.
“That’s an incredible impact,” she said. “It shows just how much these members care about their neighbors and how dedicated they are to making a difference.”
For those interested in joining OHCE or starting a group in their county, contact the local OSU Extension office for more information.
