Yelm Community Schools Breaks Barriers and Promotes Access to Essential Services and Resources through the Annual Community Resource Fair

Excerpt from Thurston Talk:

Equity supports the notion that each of us has different barriers to health, happiness and success and that proper steps need to be taken to help everyone achieve these things. Yelm Community Schools embraces equity in their community by providing access and education to exceptional resources and community services so that every family and child can live their best lives. They hosted their annual Community Resource Fair on February 22. The fair provided connection with education and presentations through local vendors and panelists to help community members find the help they need in one simple place.

A Community of Connection within Yelm Community Schools

The Community Resource Fair started 7 years ago and has been an annual event for Yelm Community Schools, save a year during the pandemic. While the various vendors featured at the fair certainly support a wide demographic, the primary focus has always been on students who are at risk, parents in special education and general education students. Mental health is a critical topic that Yelm Community Schools continues to integrate into the Community Resource Fair, especially following the challenges and isolation experienced in recent years. This includes social, emotional, mental and physical health options to create a well-rounded foundation of wellness for all Yelm students and their families, as well as Yelm community members.

Yelm Community Schools recognized that a critical part of supporting at-risk families was not to simply make the resources available, but to also create a safe and welcoming space for them to easily gather information.