Note: The Lawrence Times is offering some space for area organizations and organizers to express their views, provide updates and attempt to reach other folks who might share their mission. This post is contributed content (i.e., not produced by the Times staff) and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Times staff. See more in our Community Voices section, or see how to submit your own piece.
This will be the third year for the Bert Nash Center’s Community Resource Fair. And this year’s will be the most interactive one yet.
The Resource Fair is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12 in the second-floor Community Room at the Bert Nash Center, 200 Maine St.
“The goal is to make the Resource Fair interactive, engaging and experiential,” said Marlo Angell, Bert Nash Center Community Engagement Coordinator, who organized the event.
As an example, Jason the Native Chef will be serving complimentary food during the Resource Fair.
“He will not only be serving complimentary food, but will be educating the public about healthy eating,” Angell said. “He’s very passionate about Indigenous culture and healthy eating and tying that to health and wellness.”
Besides Jason the Native Chef, Uplift Coffee Shop will have coffee and pastries for sale.
Also, AUMI-KU, an adaptive music instrument technology, will conduct demonstrations during the Resource Fair.
“AUMI is a music interface that allows people with limited mobility to make music,” Angell said.
In addition, Dr. Nana Dadson, Bert Nash Center’s chief medical officer, will give demonstrations on how to use narcan, the nasal spray that can be used in an emergency to treat a narcotic overdose.
And with September being Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, NAMI Douglas County, our local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, will be represented at the Resource Fair.
All total, 35 partner agencies working on a wide range of social services for community members will be on hand for the Resource Fair to provide information and connect people with resources.
“The goal is not only to acquaint everyone from these different partner agencies with each other, but to invite the community at large to come, connect, learn where the resources are, and understand how to access support,” said Sarah Hoadley, Bert Nash Center development director.
The Resource Fair is sponsored by Mid American Credit Union and SSC CPAs + Advisors.
“We’re fortunate to have two sponsors that are allowing us to expand what we’re offering to the community at this event,” Hoadley said. “We’re most grateful for their kind support.”
— Jeff Burkhead (he/him) is communications manager for the Bert Nash Center, the designated community mental health center and the certified community behavioral health clinic for Douglas County, Kansas.
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