On Monday, August 31, 2020 from 10 AM to 1PM, all were welcomed to Alliance for Community Empowerment’s first ever citywide, free food distribution and resource fair. The event was an opportunity for community members to learn more about Alliance’s various supportive services programs in one place. At Alliance, our sole mandate is to assist the underserved in Bridgeport and surrounding communities. Our resource fair was conducted to assist those in need to become self-sufficient contributors to society.
Those in attendance were given the opportunity to sign up for childcare services, energy assistance, and other supportive services. Sponsored by Career Resources, complimentary Wi-Fi was available for individuals to complete the 2020 census. As a reminder, it should be noted that the deadline for the 2020 census is September 30th. All Connecticut residents should complete it before the deadline to ensure Alliance for Community Empowerment as well as other supportive services agencies are able to provide resources to our communities in need with ease.
“I was surprised and happy to see how many people came just to sign up for the Census,” shared St. V. Padilla, Alliance’s Parent Family Community Engagement Specialist / Marketing Specialist. “Several people saw the post on social media and a couple saw the sign on the sidewalk. Its good seeing people doing what’s right for their community.”
The resource fair was highly informative, and Alliance made it exciting for all. Community members enjoyed raffles and t-shirt giveaways. Free snacks and refreshments were also provided.
“I’ve known ABCD forever, I like the new name, so I came to check out the fair,” said community member Randy Jackson. “I had an opportunity to get information on things I didn’t know they offered like job search assistance and employment training. I am looking for a part time job and maybe some new skills so it’s good that I got the information.”
Alliance’s Operations and Planning Assistant, Kerelee Lewis, added “We were happy to promote all our programs to visitors: Energy Assistance, Early Learning Child Care, Supportive Services, and Alliance job availabilities. I was excited to have the Census2020 signups for all who came. As a bonus we raffled supermarket gift cards as a thank you. I really hope that we can have another one soon.’
The event was respectful of COVID-19 policies, which required masks and practicing of social distancing. Those who did not arrive with a mask were provided one. Alliance’s resource fair was a community success and Alliance anticipates hosting similar events in the future.