Families receive information on city and nonprofit health programs at Community Resource Day Sept 22 at Patrick Henry Elementary School.
“The purpose of today is to get families connected to great services.”
— ACT for Alexandria CEO Heather Peeler
Landmark Church and the Concerned Citizens Network of Alexandria (CCNA) joined forces to present the Community Resource Day, an event to welcome and support families while providing information on city and nonprofit services available in the community.
Held Sept. 22 at Patrick Henry K-8 School, the event also served as a ‘West End Welcome’ to Kenard Robinson, the new principal at Patrick Henry.
“This was our best event ever,” said project leader Bobby Mathieu from Landmark Church.
ACT for Alexandria provided financial support for the event, with CEO Heather Peeler welcoming families to the celebration.
“The purpose of today is to get families connected to great services,” Peeler said. “We have so many wonderful nonprofit organizations doing amazing work. This is just another opportunity for them to connect with the community.”
Over 150 family members participated, with gift cards, books and other resource materials distributed to attendees.
Activities were held in the Kids Zone while families enjoyed entertainment by Captain Token the Magician (Louis Hofheimer).
“As a new resident, this event made my family feel truly welcomed,” said Nadira Demarios, a new Patrick Henry parent.
Added Sean Curry, Public Health Planner for the Alexandria Health Department, “This is a wonderful opportunity to share critical info with our community.”
Jim Paige, CCNA executive director, said the event was a celebration of families in the community.
“Today we are celebrating diversity and welcoming all of our families back this year,” Paige said. “This is a very special partnership between Landmark Church and CCNA. And the financial backing from ACT was instrumental in providing key resources to our families.”
Peeler said the sponsorship is part of a series of community grants.
“We want to create a welcoming environment here in Alexandria and make sure everyone knows there is a place for them here,” Peeler said.
Added Paige, “It was a beautiful day and a good turnout. But especially it is a day to give a special welcome to families in the community.”