NC Cooperative Extension is pleased to announce that Charlie Godfrey began work as 4-H Agent in Cleveland County on February 1, 2018. In this role, Charlie is responsible for planning and implementing programs that give young people the confidence and skills they need to grow into capable, productive adults.
Charlie transfers here from Caldwell County, where he built a solid 4-H program that included a strong volunteer base and a growing and active membership. His delivery methods included community and special interest clubs, public speaking, summer camp, and school enrichment. In Caldwell, Charlie provided leadership to an assortment of programs and activities, including embryology, horses, livestock, and shooting sports.
As a boy, Charlie gained first-hand experience with 4-H as a member of Union County 4-H for 13 years. He raised bottle calves, showed livestock, completed project record books, did presentations, and held leadership roles at the county level. He earned a BS Degree from Moody Bible Institute and worked in international missions for two years. Charlie then attended NC State University, earning his MS Degree in Agricultural and Extension Education.
Charlie hit the ground running on Day 1, laying the framework for Cleveland County's 2018 4-H Dairy Steer Project, which begins later this month. He will also launch the 4-H Embryology Project in coming weeks, helping about 200 second graders and their teachers incubate eggs and hatch chicks in the classroom. Reorganizing our 4-H Shooting Sports Club and integrating 4-H into the county's Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Program are also on his short list.
As an experienced agent, Charlie avoids the usual onboarding and orientation that is required for most new hires. He will devote that time to getting to know the community, gathering input from 4-H volunteers and stakeholders, and developing a plans that ensures the long-term success of Cleveland County's 4-H Youth Development Program.
"I look forward to being involved in the community", Charlie says. "I want continue the great things that have been done in Cleveland County 4-H in the past while finding new ways to extend the impact 4-H has in Cleveland County. I am ready to listen, learn, and work together to make a difference in this community."
To connect with Charlie, call the Cleveland County Extension Center at (704) 482-4365 or email him at charlie_godfrey@ncsu.edu.
Submitted by Annie Thompson