A STUDY WAS MADE OF THE NEED FOR EXTENSION WORK WITH LOW INCOME FAMILIES IN EASTERN KENTUCKY (APPALACHIA) AND OF THE PROBLEMS AND TRAINING NEEDS OF HOME DEMONSTRATION EXTENSION AGENTS WHO WORK WITH THESE FAMILIES. THE AGENTS FELT THEY HAD A RESPONSIBILITY TO HELP LOW INCOME FAMILIES IN BUDGETING TIME, EFFORT, AND RESOURCES TO MEET MINIMUM STANDARDS IN FOOD, CLOTHING, AND SHELTER. IT WAS FELT THAT TRAINING PROGRAMS SHOULD INCLUDE INFORMATION ON THE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION PATTERN OF LOW INCOME FAMILIES, THEIR VALUE SYSTEM, FAMILY RESOURCES AND LIVING STANDARDS, HABITS, ABILITIES, WORRIES AND CONCERNS, AND THE NATURE OF THE COMMUNITY IN WHICH THEY LIVE. MORE KNOWLEDGE OF SOCIOLOGY, PSYCHOLOGY, AND ANTHROPOLOGY WAS FELT TO BE OF VALUE. RESPONSES OF EXPERIENCED AGENTS DID NOT DIFFER SIGNIFICANTLY FROM THOSE OF AGENTS WITH LITTLE EXPERIENCE. GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF LOW INCOME FAMILIES IN EASTERN KENTUCKY INCLUDED LACK OF PARTICIPATION IN SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES, INADEQUATE FOOD AND HOUSING, AND MINIMAL EDUCATION. (A SUGGESTED WORKSHOP FOR HOME DEMONSTRATION AGENTS IS OUTLINED.) (PT)