Submitted
ELLIS — Milestones are meant to be celebrated and an Ellis-based organization, Modern Mrs. FCE, will be commemorating its 50th anniversary with a celebration and reception from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Ellis Public Library Community Room, 907 Washington.
Memorabilia from the group’s rich history will be on display, as well as video highlights from the variety and talent shows that were held in the 1990s. The community, past members, and especially those who generously helped with the group’s many community projects are cordially invited to attend the celebration.
Cooperative extension units were established in 1914 by a group of rural women. Their mission was to strengthen individuals, families, and communities through education, leadership, and action.
Several determined groups of rural women traveled to Washington D.C. in 1936 when the group was renamed the National Association for Family and Community Education (NAFCE). The_ NAFCE instrumental in backing school lunch programs, immunizations, and bookmobiles to improve home and community life and protect the American family. Through time, the name was changed to Home Demonstration Units (HDU). Now, the current name is Family and Community Education (FCE).
Local groups are formed as outreach programs in association with Kansas State University Extension Service. Berny Unruh is the Cottonwood Extension Family Community Wellness agent that advises the Ellis Modern Mrs. FCE unit that was chartered in the late 1960s.
How could the determined rural women who gathered in our nation’s capital have guessed that today, FCE is the largest, most successful, informal educational organization in the world? Extension programs are funded and guided by a partnership of federal, state, and county governments and are administered at Kansas State University, which is recognized as a land grant university. The educational programs are supported and expanded by thousands of volunteer teachers and community leaders.
Throughout the past 50 years, Modern Mrs. FCE has been a vital link of support to our community. The public is invited to help celebrate their many accomplishments and future endeavors.