Community Fair Connects New Families to Important Resources
As new Hendrick Hudson students become acclimated to the school district and community, staff members will often share resources with the students and their families. On Thursday night, rather than providing website links or passing out pamphlets, the Hendrick Hudson Guidance Department hosted an event designed to help simplify the transition in a more significant way.
Led by Director of Guidance Dr. Aaron Kleinman and counselor Jessica Downey, the district held its first Community Fair at the Hendrick Hudson Free Library. The fair connected families in attendance with key resources, including information on important programs that offer support to new and immigrant families.
“We can talk to them in school and work with them, but we thought this was an opportunity to let new families know what’s available in our community,” Dr. Kleinman said. “Sometimes, they’re just not aware of what’s out there.”
The Community Fair, which was also attended by ENL teachers Deborah Levy and Dan Burke, included representatives from Putnam-Northern Westchester BOCES’ Tech Center, Neighbors Link, Greater Mental Health of New York, Hudson Valley Justice Center, and Catholic Charities Community Services.
These organizations were able to share what services they provide families and students to give them a clearer picture of what support is available — often free of charge.
Dr. Kleinman said external resources supplement the resources already provided by the school district. Neighbors Link, for example, offers community education programs designed to assist the integration of immigrants, thus strengthening communities as a whole.
The organizations who attended the Community Fair had information to send home with visitors but were also available to answer questions and give pertinent feedback.
“Any newcomer to the community, whether it’s to the country or just to this area, it’s important to try to connect them with these resources,” Dr. Kleinman said. “We want them to be able to see what Westchester County offers because there are great opportunities, and they can really help our families.”
Families who were unable to attend the Community Fair can contact the Guidance Department or their child’s counselors for more information.