ASPIRA of PA Hosts Community Resource Fair

PHILADELPHIA - Aug. 27, 2013 - PRLog -- The parking lot at ASPIRA of PA’s headquarters was filled with balloons, booths, and bounce houses on August 8^th, as ASPIRA of PA hosted a community resource fair for members of their local neighborhoods.  The event was aimed at informing and educating individuals about various public resources, including health insurance, home safety, and treatment centers.  A number of vendors turned out for the event, including Keystone Health Plan East, the Philadelphia Fire Department, and North East Treatment Center.  Councilwoman María Quiñones-Sánchez and State Representative Angel Cruz also made appearances at the event, where they informed community members about different city and state services that were available to them.

The community resource fair was organized as a culminating project by ASPIRA of PA’s WorkReady students. A great deal of collaboration went on, as culinary arts students prepared food (which was provided to community members, free of charge), visual arts students premiered vignettes that they filmed and edited, and creative arts students unveiled a 4-panel mosaic mural.  Alfredo Calderon, CEO and President of ASPIRA of PA, also addressed the crowd, informing community members about ASPIRA of PA’s various programs and initiatives.

Overall, the event was a huge success, with a great turnout.  It had something to offer for everyone – carnival games and face painting for kids, information about internships and after school programs for students, and tips about available resources for adults.  Additionally, it was a great opportunity for the 130+ summer WorkReady to participants to showcase all they’ve accomplished over the past six weeks. One WorkReady participant even distributed cookies that he learned to make during his internship this summer.  The community resource fair marked the end of a successful WorkReady season for ASPIRA of PA, but it also marks the beginning of another exciting school year.

About ASPIRA, Inc. of Pennsylvania

ASPIRA, Inc. of Pennsylvania is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that seeks to empower the North Philadelphia community through advocacy, and the education and leadership development of its youth. In addition to its vast array of extended learning programs, ASPIRA of PA also manages five charter schools and a preschool. Please visit http://aspirapa.org to learn more.