Community service fair attracts residents to Warriors Hall

CRESTVIEW—Over 50 organizations on Monday shared ideas and offered resources on providing services for West Florida residents in need.

The Community Resource Service Provider’s Fair was hosted at Warriors Hall and included groups committed to aiding the homeless, children, people with disabilities, women’s services and health care. Attendees could explore the various booths lined with informative brochures, posters and knowledgeable staff or volunteers. The event also allowed groups to communicate their respective services with one another.

“We’ve had a lot of other groups interested in what we’re doing at the schools,” Yolanda Porter, a teacher at Crestview High School, said. “I personally haven’t done an event like this. I think it was great to see what everyone is doing and how our educational programs can play a role.”

Porter was representing several initiatives and classes in Okaloosa County schools, not just those at CHS.

The school district, along with several other educational groups, were present at the informative fair to explore how they can aid children connected with other groups in attendance.

The fair was organized by the Okaloosa County Family Law Advisory Group, which aims to enhance the collaboration and communication of groups that service children and families both in and out of legal situations.

“It’s been wonderful to see so many people out here,” Jaclyn Schultz, tabling for Bridgeway Center out of Fort Walton Beach, said.

Schultz wasn’t the only individual who made the trek to the Crestview event. Organizations at the event included those based in Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, DeFuniak Springs, Pensacola, Eglin Air Force base and agencies like the Department of Children and Families.

Ashley Demarco wasn’t affiliated with any group but heard about the event through a friend who volunteers with one of the organizations in attendance.

“I think it’s great to see so many groups here that are just committed to helping [other people],” Demarco said. “I came to see if I could volunteer with one of them and what the options are to be involved. I wish more people would realize how much help they can do.”

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Editor's Note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated the event was open to the public. 

• Emerald Coast Children's Advocacy Center
• United Methodist Children's Home
• VA Medical Foster Home Program
• Epilepsy Resource Center
• United Way
• Lutheran Services of Florida
• Opportunity Place
• Families First Network
• Healthy Start Community Coalition
• Fresh Start for Children and Families
• Crestview Health and Dental Centers
• Eglin Family Advocacy Program
• CareerSource
• Agency for Persons with Disabilities
• BeGenerous Inc.
• The Salvation Army
• Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative
• American Red Cross
• Shelter House
• Lakeview Center
• Food for Thought
• Early Learning Coalition
• Tri-County Community Council
• Community Drug and Alcohol Council
• Department of Children and Families
• Crestview Police Department
• Lifepoint's Kids Mart
• Chautauqua Healthcare Services
• Emerald Coast Behavioral Hospital
• Okaloosa County School District
• Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office
• Children's Medical Services
• Safe Connections
• Early Steps – Sacred Heart Hospital
• Florida Health
• Gordon Martial Arts
• Bridgeway Center
• Emerald Coast Rider
• Juvenile Diversion Alternative Program
• Keep Pushing Foundation
• Walton-Okaloosa Council on Aging
• Sharing Hands Network
• Biker's Against Child Abuse
• Catholic Charities
• Okaloosa County Comprehensive Head Start Child Development
• Department of Juvenile Justice
• Medical Reserve Corps
• Northwest Florida State College
• Homelessness and Housing Alliance
• Bradford Health Service

PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Community service fair attracts residents to Warriors Hall