More than 30 local agencies and entities that provide an array of assistance nearly outnumbered the citizens who attended the City of Saginaw’s inaugural Community Resource Fair on Tuesday.
Local leaders often lament that many residents fail to realize all the various forms of help that are available, not only from the government (federal, state, local) but from the various nonprofits.
Summer is the most popular time for health fairs, job fairs and community events to promote the greater good. City Hall’s organizer for the Bliss Park event was Cassi Zimmerman, first-year director of planning and economic development, who explained beforehand: “The Community Resource Fair is a one-day, one-stop event to learn more about the incredible services and assistance that is available. We understand that so many Saginaw residents and families need some sort of support, and this is a fantastic opportunity for local organizations to directly engage with residents and showcase the valuable services they provide. With over 30 organizations at the event, we have just about every area represented. I want to thank all the participating organizations who partnered with the city to make this event possible. Our hope is that we can educate and empower our citizens with the tools and resources they need to help them succeed.”
Me, personally, was educated and empowered to learn that the AmeriCorps community service program isn’t only for idealistic young people, but also offers options for oldsters. Training for volunteer elementary reading tutors begins in late July. This is right up my alley, and even as a news reporter I had not known of this.
Here are some of the others who pitched their tables in the Bliss Park pavillion’s shade:
- Covenant Health Care and Great Lakes Bay Health Centers.
- Saginaw County public health and mental health, along with the RCO men’s shelter and Underground Railroad for domestic violence protection.
- City of Saginaw block grant programs, especially for home repairs, and SEDC for entrepreneur dreamers.
- First Ward Community Center, Neighborhood House and Houghton-Jones
- County parks and local libraries, even STARS.
- Saginaw County CAC and Mid-Michigan CAA.
- Michigan Works, for those seeking real jobs beyond volunteerism.
If it’s difficult to generate high attendance at these types of events, at least people could become better-oriented to contact these help sources when a need arises among family and friends.
