By Kiara Doyal, The Seattle Medium
This Sunday, August 18, the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle (ULMS) will host its third annual Summer Resource Fair at Garfield High School from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The event, which is free and open to the public, offers an assortment of on-site youth resources, family and individual support services, and healthcare screenings.
The fair will also feature representatives from all client-facing departments at ULMS, including housing, education, workforce, entrepreneurship, public health, advocacy, and financial empowerment. They will offer in-person consultations and information about their programs.
According to Ashley Pugh, ULMS’ Director of Communications & External Affairs, the organization aims to provide essential services and support to anyone in need. Often, it can be difficult for families in need to access economic support because these resources are spread throughout the city, but this resource fair allows them an opportunity to access many services in one convenient location.
“We want to provide those we serve with a one-stop-shop opportunity to access important community resources,” says Pugh. “In just one day, a family or individual in need could access more resources and real-time support to help resolve their economic challenges than they would by traditional means.”
“We have families who still find themselves facing the challenge of navigating a very real state of economic uncertainty every day. This fair is an opportunity for so many in our community to have direct access to our programs and services while also giving us the chance to share why what we do is important and impactful,” says Josalyn Ford, Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle Chief Advancement Officer.
The mission of ULMS is to empower Black and other historically underserved people to thrive for generations through social and economic justice. With a vision of Black equity, education, and economic empowerment, ULMS works towards its mission by providing a range of resources and opportunities at their annual Resource Fair, which includes not only support for adults but also engaging activities for youth.
“We always make sure to include activities and resources for the youth, especially those transitioning into their next year of high school or middle school,” says Pugh. “To that end, we will have bouncy houses, a playing field, and face-painting activities for the younger kids, while free backpacks with school supplies, haircuts, and braiding services will be available for the older students.”
In addition to valuable resources, attendees will also have access to flu shots and health screenings, including mammograms and cancer screenings. The Urban League will also provide cellphones from StandUp Wireless and hot BBQ meals free of charge.
“It was important for us to keep this event at no cost to attendees because we place value in having an equitable lens and the ability to prioritize people over profitability,” says Pugh. “The goal is not for us to make money; it is to provide accessibility and support to our community so that it can grow stronger and have a chance to survive.”
With the upcoming presidential election in sight, there has recently been a nationwide focus on better engaging first-time and young voters. To encourage and educate young people about the importance of their vote and the impact that voting can have on their everyday lives, the resource fair will offer voter registration support throughout the event.
“This upcoming election will make history, regardless of the outcome,” says Pugh. “What is important now, more than ever, is that our youth are informed of how to make their voices heard and understand the impact of what could happen to our community and our collective future if they don’t.”
“Regardless of age, it is our job to re-engage folks, empower them to believe that their vote really matters, and make sure they are equipped with the knowledge they need to make an informed decision on election day,” she added.
At the end of the day, ULMS wants to make people aware of the vast number of resources that they are able to provide and let those they serve know that ULMS is an organization that puts the community first.
“We want families to understand they can rely on us to be open, willing, and able to meet them where they are. The Seattle Urban League is committed to being a trusted voice and continuous resource for this community, and the Summer Resource Fair is just one way we intend to show and prove just how far that commitment will go,” says Pugh.