Event Overview
This will be the Urban League's second time hosting our Summer Resource Festival! The primary purpose of this event is to provide those we serve with a one-stop-shop opportunity to access important community resources like direct programming and services from both the Urban League, and a variety of other local organizations who share the same mission of empowering those most vulnerable. Last year this included housing assistance, job development opportunities, on-site services like general health screenings, voter registration assistance, free hot meals, and a school supplies distribution for middle and high school students.
In addition, the Summer Resource Festival is an opportunity for the community to connect with and support local small Black-owned businesses in a pop-up style. Last year this comprised of business that provided hand crafted scrubs and lotions, clothing and accessories, sea moss infused drinks, haircare products, natural skincare products, custom desserts, and more! The event also includes kid-friendly activities like caricature drawings, face painting, a live photo booth, and outdoor games.
Why is this event important?
Part of the difficulty in experiencing economic crisis for vulnerable communities is that resources to assist them tend to be restricted, strenuous to access, or require multiple visits with different agencies to obtain relief and support. The Summer Resource Festival helps to alleviate these challenges by gathering essential community support resources from local organizations that would otherwise be scattered around the city and making them accessible in one place for a full day. Trying to receive help can sometimes feel like the biggest challenge in itself when you take into consideration the transportation barriers, financial challenges, or inability to take off from work to schedule agency visits a family may experience in the process. This event is an opportunity to 'hit multiple birds with one stone' by providing those who attend access to a variety of community resources and support services at the same time.
What can attendees expect?
Attendees can expect to receive information about Urban League essential services and direct programs from each of our six areas of focus: housing, education, advocacy, public health, workforce development, and entrepreneurship. This will include information about emergency housing support services offered, healthcare enrollment, voter registration, youth programs for the upcoming school year, and small business development opportunities.
In addition to learning about Urban League programming and services, attendees can also expect to receive information from local organizations we partner with who offer additional support opportunities in the areas of public and mental healthcare, job training and development, youth academic assistance, and more.
Self-sufficiency is a critical skill needed to find success on the path toward economic empowerment. The Summer Resource Festival provides an opportunity for those experiencing hardship to build on that skill and find support in eliminating any economic challenges they may be experiencing. Attendees will learn how to enroll or register with local agencies, meet requirements for assistance programs, register to vote, access support for basic necessities like food and hygiene care, and stay informed about future community resources.
