Edward Homing, 4-H and youth agent in Centre County, Pennsylvania, joined Extension in 1974 and retired after 38 years of service. He was a charter member of PAE4-HA, served as the first treasurer and as president. He received the Distinguished Service Award and Meritorious Service Award from NAE4-HA. Ed helped establish the PAE4-HA Endowment to support PAE4-HA activities. After 1991 and 2004 Northeast 4-H Leader Forums, he advocated to establish a State Volunteer Leadership Endowment. Ed pursued relationships with 4-H alumni to give back to the 4-H program. He established two county endowments to enable youth to participate in 4-H events.
A major program interest for Ed was 4-H camp, especially teen counselor development. He was camp director for 30 years. From 1992-2005, over 325 teen and adult leaders benefited from ten Dale Carnegie Classes. The Dale Carnegie 4-H partnership was replicated in other counties. After the Columbine High School shooting, Ed convened a Community Building Task Force that created the “Communities That Care” initiative. As project director, Ed helped secure grants of over $1 million to address priority risks for children. In 1980, Ed partnered with Lions Clubs for members to raise Leader Dogs for the Blind. In 2004, he worked with the Sight Loss Support Group for members to raise Seeing Eye puppies. Members raised over 90 service dogs, including five by Ed’ family.
