NEWARK — Over the past two years, young children have experienced significant disruptions in almost every aspect of their lives – from school and childcare to the way they play with friends and participate in activities. The COVID-19 pandemic has not only left their parents and caregivers feeling isolated, but it’s kept them from connecting with community resources that could benefit their families.
The Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities and the Licking County Health Department are joining forces to revive those connections, and help create new ones, by hosting a Summer Kickoff, from 4 to 8 p.m. May 7, at the Canal Market District. This first-of-its-kind resource fair will bring more than two dozen community partners together, to distribute information and take-home activities and answer questions from families. It is free and open to the whole community. “It was important to us that all families are represented, so we’ll have activities for babies and toddlers, as well as older children and teens,” said Cheree Nelson, LCBDD’s Director of Early Childhood.
Participants will also get to enjoy a petting zoo and games from Bring the Farm to You, raffles, free giveaways and even more fun. There will be free treats available and families are welcome to purchase additional items from local food trucks. The goal is to help families start their summer off right, whether that means connecting with a camp or activity, learning more about safety or making a referral to a community agency, said Beth Rutter, LCBDD”s Early Intervention Manager. “We have so many great resources in our community and we know how much of an impact they can have on local families,” she said. “What better way to raise awareness than to bring caregivers and kids together to have fun.”
Funds for the event are provided by generous grants from the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities and Ohio Department of Health, Bureau of Maternal Child and Family Health, Maternal Infant Wellness.
For more information, follow the event on Facebook HERE!
