Adrian, MI – Local families came together Saturday for a day of fun, education and community engagement. The event took place at the Adrian Community Education Center, and was provided by premier sponsor Adrian Public Schools (APS).
Residents of all ages had the opportunity to participate in energetic and enriching activities and learn about the numerous services available through more than 10 participating vendors, some new to the East Side community.
Sponsored by the Ben and Connie Negron HOLA (Hispanics of Lenawee Alliance) Fund, along with Meijer (Adrian location), the Align Center for Workforce Development (ACWD), Promedica, and other community partners, the event provided a range of valuable resources relating to education and training, health and financial wellbeing for the nearly 200 underserved residents on Adrian’s East Side.
“The success of this event serves as a testament to the dedication and passion of the organizers, sponsors, and the entire Adrian community, working together to create a brighter future for all,” said event organizer, Ben Negron.
Negron not only serves as the director of the Adrian Meijer store, but also is the founder of HOLA, and is currently providing free Google training for interested residents, including certification. The free training is co-sponsored by APS and the ACWD.
“This event showcased the power of collaboration and community involvement in creating meaningful experiences for all residents of Adrian,” Negron, a long-term advocate for the East Side community, said.
The ACWD was on hand to distribute crayons and career-oriented coloring books to children and information about upcoming training opportunities to the adults attending.
“Today’s event really allowed us to reach many community members who, otherwise, might not know about the services we offer,” Sheila Blair, Director of ACWD, said. “We were so happy to connect and let residents know about how they can upgrade their skills to live a more elevated life.”
Residents appeared to appreciate the effort. Maryann Perritt, an East Side resident, said it was a wonderful event, especially for the children, who were thrilled with the abundance of games and entertainment options, including three bounce houses, stick-on tattoo stations, free haircuts, and free fingernail painting.
“It was very nice to see something in the community that wasn’t going to cost an arm and a leg,” Perritt said. “This has been needed for a long time and people are doing it out of the kindness of their hearts, which is very rare.” Perritt said events like Saturday’s have a real impact on her community. “It gives the kids reassurance that someone cares,” she added. “If someone cares for them, then they will start caring too.”
The Legacy Barber College, owned and operated by Gerard Sturgis, provided free hair cuts for kids. “It’s important to give back to the community,” Sturgis said. “Giving out free haircuts makes these kids feel more confident and that’s the first step in bettering their circumstances.”
Saturday’s celebration is just the beginning of things to come for East Side residents, according to Negron. “More people are starting to pay attention to the rich cultural opportunities and other potential benefits to bringing resources to Adrian’s East Side community,” he added.
Vendors and sponsors at Saturday’s event included Meijer, HOLA, Align Center for Workforce Development, City of Refuge Ministries, Chicka’s Nail Salon, Legacy Barber College, ProMedica, Community Action Agency, Millner Insurance, Dochas II, Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry, CPC of Lenawee, All About Adrian, and more.
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*media provided to WLEN News*