‘Community Helpers Resource Fair’ to debut on Feb. 28
MADISON – An upcoming event will debut to suggest available resources that individuals and families can access.
Hosted by Madison Parks and Recreation Department, the “Community Helpers Resource Fair” will be held at Madison Community Center on Feb. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The center’s address is 1329 Brown’s Ferry Road.
More than 45 community vendors will explain their areas of assistance to guests. Six food trucks will be onsite to sell tempting meals/snacks.
The event will include both indoor and outdoor components. Inside the community center, vendor tables will be set up in various classrooms and surrounding areas. The Sensory-Friendly Touch-A-Truck will be staged outside.
If inclement weather occurs, organizers will move all activities indoors.
To assist guests, organizers will place clear signage, and volunteers will wear orange vests for easy identification. Guests should enter at the center’s main entrance.
“This is the first Community Helpers Resource Fair,” Marisa Estrada said. Estrada works as Special Needs Program Coordinator for the City of Madison.
“The fair was created in response to ongoing conversations with families, caregivers and community organizations who identified a major gap in how people particularly those in the disability community — learn about available resources,” Estrada said.
Many families discover services only after they are already in crisis or through word of mouth. The fair has defined objectives:
• Centralize local resources in one accessible, welcoming space.
• Connect families, caregivers and individuals directly with organizations that offer support to them.
• Increase awareness of services available across North Alabama.
• Create an inclusive, family- friendly environment in which people feel comfortable while asking questions and building connections.
A special feature for the resource fair, the “Sensory-Friendly Touch-A-Truck Experience” will have 10 vehicles, such as police cars and a fire truck, that children can explore in a quiet, more controlled setting outside the center.
From 10 a.m. to noon, drivers of the service vehicles will not turn on lights or sirens and thus create a sensory-friendly area. Then, from noon to 2 p.m., drivers will activate the warning lights and emergency sirens to give an exciting experience for children. “This event is all about connecting families to valuable resources while enjoying a fun, inclusive day together. From exploring vehicles to meeting community helpers and organizations, there is something for everyone to enjoy,” according to Parks and Rec staff.
The resource fair is not a hiring event for the City of Madison. “This event is a disability resource fair, inspired by Community Helpers Appreciation Month,” Estrada said. “The term ‘Community Helpers’ refers to organizations, nonprofits, service providers and agencies that support individuals and families.”
“Some organizations may discuss employment or volunteer opportunities within their agencies, but the fair’s primary purpose is resource connection, not municipal hiring,” Estrada said.
Community Helpers can provide specific types of outreach:
• Disability services.
• Healthcare and therapy.
• Education and advocacy.
• Employment readiness and vocational support.
• Family and caregiver assistance. “We can’t wait to see familiar faces and meet new families at this exciting event filled with support, connection and fun,” Estrada said.
For more information, email marisa. estrada@madisonal.gov, or visit Facebook/ Madison, Alabama Parks and Recreation.
