PAF Safety Coordinator Spotlight: Molley Hasenour

Some experiences leave a lasting impact, shaping our passions and future endeavors. For Molley Hasenour, Progressive Agriculture Safety Days® (PAF Safety Days) has been a guiding force from childhood to adulthood. From a young participant in Hart County, Kentucky, to a devoted coordinator in Leavenworth, Indiana, her journey is a testament to the program’s value and impact on rural communities.

In 2004, as a 4th grader, Molley first attended a PAF Safety Day. As an 11-year-old farm kid, the hands-on learning experience resonated deeply, reinforcing the importance of safety in agriculture. The interactive lessons, led by community partners and 4-H volunteers, not only educated but also inspired a future commitment to the program. As a high school student, she took on a new role—teaching animal safety at her local PAF Safety Day. This opportunity helped develop leadership skills that continue to be beneficial today. Looking back, she sees that her journey with PAF Safety Days was just beginning.

Now working for Purdue University Extension, Molley has successfully organized two PAF Safety Day programs in her local rural community. Her reason for doing so is simple: to provide important safety education and create a fun, engaging agricultural experience for youth. The experience of attending a PAF Safety Day as a child, fuels her dedication to ensuring today’s youth receive the same valuable lessons. “Seeing the tremendous value in this program makes me eager to pass that knowledge on to all the youth and their families,” she shares.

Each year, her PAF Safety Day brings together community partners and volunteers who generously give their time and expertise. Their contributions are essential to the program’s success and demonstrate how much the local community values safety education. “Their unwavering support is the key to our event’s success. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to provide such an impactful experience for our youth,” says Molley.

Rather than organizing a program independently, Molley chooses to partner with Progressive Agriculture Foundation® (PAF) for the unparalleled resources and support the organization provides. “The educational curriculum helps our volunteer teachers at each safety station, and the take-home materials extend safety learning beyond the classroom. Thanks to PAF, families also receive this important information, making a lasting impact on our community.”

One of the aspects she appreciates most about working with PAF is how easy the team makes the coordination process. “The online portal is incredibly user-friendly, offering everything needed from start to finish. The strong foundation provided by PAF allows us to focus on what matters most—keeping kids safe while they learn.”

The PAF Safety Day curriculum aligns seamlessly with the mission of Purdue Extension by emphasizing experiential learning. Hands-on safety lessons provide students with real-world skills they can apply in their daily lives. “This program reinforces the importance of safety in agriculture and rural life, helping youth make meaningful connections between what they learn and their everyday experiences.”

The most rewarding moment as a coordinator? Seeing the program come full circle. Having experienced PAF Safety Days as a participant, volunteer, and now as a coordinator, Molley understands the effort and dedication that goes into making each event a success. “I love hearing feedback from teachers and students each year. It’s rewarding to see the positive impact the program has on them. This experience is something I’m incredibly proud to be part of, and I look forward to seeing it grow.”

To those considering partnering with PAF Safety Days, her advice is simple: apply now! “The support, curriculum, and resources provided by PAF make a lasting difference. It’s a program that benefits not just the youth involved, but the entire community.”

With a deep appreciation for the past and excitement for the future, Molley extends her gratitude to everyone who has played a role in her journey with PAF. “Thanks for all you do—past and present—for me!”

Molly’s dedication to safety education ensures that future generations will continue to gain valuable knowledge and skills through PAF Safety Days. While the photos of her first PAF Safety Day may be locked away on an old floppy disk, the lessons learned and the impact of the program will carry on for years to come.