New Douglas office brings Extension programming closer to southeast Arizona
The space will connect the community to University of Arizona through youth development, family health and other programs designed to help residents thrive.
Arizona Cooperative Extension Associate Director Michele Walsh (from left), Cochise County Supervisor Kathleen Gomez and Douglas Mayor Jose Grijalva celebrate the opening of Arizona Cooperative Extension's newest office in Douglas.
Residents of southeast Arizona have a new place to connect to the University of Arizona.
Cochise County Cooperative Extension swung open the doors to a new office in Douglas on September 10, marking a significant step forward in expanding Extension services to southern Cochise County.
County Extension Director Carol Holden led a ribbon-cutting ceremony with guest speakers who underscored the importance of community collaboration and support for Extension programming:
- Kathleen Gomez, Cochise County supervisor for District 2, spoke about community development and the importance of uplifting local residents.
- Jose Grijalva, mayor of Douglas, emphasized the value of partnership and ongoing support for Extension initiatives.
- Michele Walsh, Arizona Extension’s associate director for Family, Consumer and Health Sciences, reaffirmed Extension’s commitment to serving the community with impactful programming.
The office will also serve as a hub of 4-H activity. Holden offered an overview of the six 4-H clubs in Cochise County that serve 138 youths and 23 adult volunteers. She emphasized the need for more volunteers and dispelled the myth that 4-H is only about animal projects.
The Cochise County Fair, scheduled for September 24–28, will feature more than 200 entries including art, photography, sewing, metalworking, woodworking, robotics, cooking and more in addition to large and small animal projects.
Holden highlighted her work as an economic development Extension agent in support of small nonprofits. She sees opportunity to collaborate with Gomez, whose priorities include the economy of the county and the new port of entry under construction in Douglas.
“It’s not about competition. It’s about how we can all support each other to best serve the community,” Holden said.
The new office is at 1012 N. G Avenue, Suite 104 in Douglas. For general inquiries or to schedule an appointment, please call (520) 384-3594.