A Unique Relationship
Jefferson County is home to the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, making our region uniquely connected to the military community. At Cornell Cooperative Extension Jefferson County, we’re honored to provide educational programs that serve the nearly 18,000 soldiers and 18,000 military family members who dedicate themselves to protecting our nation and upholding our freedoms.
Through strong, long-standing partnerships with Fort Drum, we deliver and support programs that help military families thrive. We collaborate closely with the Soldier and Family Readiness Division to offer initiatives that enhance quality of life, build resilience and self-reliance, and ensure stability for individuals and families both during deployment and peacetime.
CCE - Fort Drum Partnership Programs
Whether you're preparing for deployment, welcoming a new child, managing a budget, or facing everyday challenges, these programs are here to support your well-being and quality of life.
For more information and to stay up to date, visit the Fort Drum Army Community Service Facebook Page
Army Emergency Relief
Army Emergency Relief (AER) is the official nonprofit organization of the U.S. Army, committed to "Helping the Army Take Care of Its Own."
- AER provides financial assistance to eligible Soldiers and their families through interest-free loans, grants, or a combination of both.
- These resources are designed to alleviate financial hardship and support overall readiness and well-being.
The Financial Readiness Program
The Financial Readiness Program is designed to empower Soldiers and their families with the tools and knowledge to achieve financial stability and success.
- The program offers support in creating realistic budgets, reducing debt, improving credit, planning for the future through savings and investments, and resolving consumer issues.
- Regularly scheduled classes cover topics such as budgeting, checkbook management, and overall financial planning.
- One-on-one sessions are also available to help individuals develop personalized budgets.
- Additionally, financial education can be tailored and delivered to units across a wide range of topics.
The Family Advocacy Program
The Family Advocacy Program supports Soldiers and their families by promoting healthy relationships and strengthening essential life skills.
- Through a variety of services and educational resources, the program focuses on preventing family violence and fostering positive, resilient family dynamics.
- Workshops and classes cover topics such as parenting, communication, relationship building, and other vital life skills to help families thrive.
The Relocation Readiness Program
The Relocation Readiness Program is here to support Soldiers and their families through every stage of the moving process. Whether you're arriving or departing, this comprehensive program offers resources and guidance to help ensure a smooth transition.
- Services include newcomer orientations, welcome tours, cultural awareness activities, spouse support events, and informational seminars covering a wide range of relocation topics.
- The goal is to help you feel informed, connected, and ready for your next chapter.
- For installation-specific details, visit the Post Locator tool at Military OneSource for the most up-to-date information about your next duty station.
Extending Our Reach: Supporting Military Families in the Community
Military life often means frequent moves, but 4-H provides consistent, high-quality youth development programs across the country. Whether a child is just starting a 4-H project or continuing one after a move, they can stay engaged, build skills, and find a sense of routine and stability through 4-H. At Fort Drum, chartered 4-H clubs operate within the School Age Centers (grades K–6) and Teen Programs (grades 7–12), in partnership with CYS. Youth can explore a wide range of projects focused on life skills, leadership, arts, health, STEM, and more. Programs are tailored to their interests and support personal growth and resilience. Staff on-post receive ongoing 4-H youth development training from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County, which also supports the creation of new clubs in both installation and community settings.
- For grades K–6, visit the School Age Center
- For grades 7–12, visit the Youth Center
Contact
Stephanie Graf
Deputy Executive Director
tar234 [at] cornell.edu (sag58[at]cornell[dot]edu)
315-788-8450 ext. 251
Contact Information
Mitch McCormick
Community & Economic Vitality Issue Leader
tar234 [at] cornell.edu (man697[at]cornell[dot]edu)
315-788-8450 ext. 287