BUCKLAND — Mohawk Trail Regional School will be home to the fourth annual West County Community Resource Fair this week, giving students, individuals and families the opportunity to connect with more than 30 community organizations.
The event, organized by the Mary Lyon Foundation, will be held on Thursday, Sept. 17, from 3 to 6 p.m. Attendees will be able to speak directly with providers offering assistance related to food access, healthcare, education, employment, senior services and other needs.
“No family should have to struggle alone simply because support is difficult to find or reach,” Mary Lyon Foundation CEO Kristen Tillona-Baker said in a statement. “This fair is designed to remove some of those barriers. It brings trusted providers into one welcoming space where neighbors can ask questions, make connections and leave with a clearer path forward.”
While attendees are talking to different organizations, the Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG) and Big Y have partnered to provide vaccinations for both the flu and COVID-19. Vaccines will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and advance registration is available by visiting booknow.appointment-plus.com/dmgl72bk and selecting “West County Community Resource Fair.”
The event will also have a free dinner catered by Stone Soup Cafe, live music performed by local band Brookside Project, free books for students, face painting and children’s activities, gently used clothing, free car seat safety inspections and resources for older adults from LifePath.
The program is funded in part by grants from the Ashfield Cultural Council, Charlemont-Hawley Arts Council, Colrain Cultural Council, Heath Cultural Council and Shelburne Cultural Council, all of which are local extensions of the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
For more information, visit marylyonfoundation.org/annual-community-resource-fair or email info@marylyonfoundation.org with questions.