Westerly Sun Column | At Resource Fair, Learn How to Get Help

As a reference librarian, one of the core parts of my job is helping people find information. Often, this includes questions about where people can go for assistance — whether it be with housing, health care/insurance, legal advice, financial aid, etc. The Greater Westerly area is fortunate to have a wealth of nonprofits and social-service organizations that provide a variety of vital services, but it can be difficult to weed through them to find the services that are relevant to you and your specific circumstances. If this strikes a chord with you, I invite you to attend our “Community Connections” resource fair this coming Saturday to meet representatives from many of these organizations and learn more about them in person.

One subject that is important to all of us is health care, and we’re thrilled that folks from local health care organizations like Wood River Health will join us to discuss their services. Hope Recovery Center, Gateway Healthcare, and South County Prevention Coalition will all have tables to pass along information related to substance abuse and recovery, and the WARM Center will be in attendance to share the many services they have to offer to individuals experiencing homelessness. The Wellbeing Collaborative is an amazing local nonprofit that aims to connect people to health and wellness resources, as well as provide opportunities for personal connection; after all, it’s important to remember that socialization is vital to our overall well-being!

In addition to the information that you will obtain at the fair, there are many tangible items and services that will be provided. We’re excited that the Lions Club will be available to give free vision screenings on the second floor of the library, RI Legal Services will have a housing attorney at the fair to answer relevant questions, and the League of Women Voters will help you get registered to vote. We know it’s hard for parents and guardians to have even a basic conversation with little ones in tow, so our Youth Services Department will be presenting entertaining outdoor storytimes for the kids at 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. Other offerings include food generously donated by Jersey Mike’s, a photographer to offer family photos in Wilcox Park, and even free haircuts to those in need on a first-come, first-served basis.

The fair will take place on Saturday, April 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the library esplanade. In the event of rain, we will move to the library’s third-floor Terrace Room. Even if you are not seeking assistance at this time, we encourage you stop by and visit and get to know what resources exist in the area so you can help pass the information along to friends and loved ones. In the event that you are unable to attend, check out our online calendar at www.westerlylibrary.org to learn about our volunteer Community Resource Advocate and Mental Health Advocate, who provide support and guidance each week during their drop-in hours.

by Cassie Skobrak, Adult Services Librarian