Sometimes when families need help they don’t know where to turn, and they don’t realize all the resources that are available in Vernon and the surrounding area. To help families become familiar with local resources, Vernon ISD will be sponsoring its 3rd Annual Community Resource Fair on Saturday, March 29. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the VHS Cafeteria.
“I started the Community Resource Fair because I noticed that a lot of our families were unaware of the support they have here in the community,” said VISD Social Worker Nicole Cameron. “The Community Resource Fair provides our families an opportunity to learn about the support organizations and resources that are available to them right here in Vernon and the surrounding area.”
Organizations from Vernon and the surrounding area will have tables set up at the resource fair with information explaining the services that are available to families. Along with receiving valuable information at the event, families also have the opportunity to have a little fun.
“I wanted the event to engage the whole family and give them time to not only connect with the community, but with each other as well,” Cameron explained. “We will have a lot of activities for the families. We will have face painting, cornhole games, a bounce house, and coloring/drawing activities.”
Families will also have an opportunity to get a family photo, as there will be a photo backdrop set up.
Free popcorn will be handed out, and Kona Ice will be there selling snow cones.
“We’re also going to have some nice door prizes that we’ll be drawing for, and the two big prizes are a FitBit and an Amazon Tablet,” Cameron said.
Organizations expected to attend the resource fair include:
-- Vernon College. The local community college will provide information on furthering your education and changing career paths, and the resources they have to help.
-- Boys & Girls Club of Vernon. Will have information on their afterschool and summer youth programs.
-- Waggoner National Bank. Will provide information on various banking services, along with provide job applications for those who may be interested in working at the bank.
-- Texoma Alliance To Stop Abuse. Will have information on the free and confidential services they provide to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
-- Helen Farabee Centers. Will provide information on the outpatient mental health services available.
-- Salvation Army of Vernon. Will have information on the assistance they can provide families with utility bills, etc.
-- Rolling Plains Management Corporation. Will provide information on rental, energy and veteran assistance they have to offer, and other programs.
-- Community Healthcare Center. Will go over the medical, dental and behavioral health services they can provide.
-- Legal Aid of Northwest Texas. Will have information on the legal services they provide to individuals who qualify.
-- Maximus/STAR/Texas Health Steps. Will be able to enroll and provide education to families on Medicaid Managed Care plans and benefits.
-- Wellpoint. Will provide information on how they can help improve health care access and quality for many Texans who participate in the state’s Medicaid programs.
-- First Care Health Plans. Will have information on the Medicaid health plan they offer.
“We hope our families take advantage of having all of this information about these valuable and needed services all in one location,” Cameron said. “We look forward to seeing everyone at our Community Resource Fair.”
For more information about the Community Resource Fair, contact Cameron at nicole.cameron@visdtx.org