UCM Back-to-School Fair a Winner

More than 700 children, youth and adults made their way through the second annual Union Communion Ministries Back-to-School Fair Friday, August 14, 2009, at Union Avenue Christian Church. Participants were able to gather information from community service organizations, take part in health screenings, complete a back-to-school physical, walk away with supplies and a backpack for the new school year, and experience the radical hospitality of neighbors and congregations living in caring community.

Union Avenue Parish Nurse Sheila Grigsby coordinated the Fair, including arranging the logistics, coordinating the volunteer crew, scheduling physicals, and coordinating participation of a wide range of community services. Participants could learn about services available at the neighborhood Public Library, screen for exposure to unsafe levels of lead, enroll in Head Start programs, learn about the Community Garden, screen for elevated blood pressure, meet firefighters from our community, take a confidential HIV test, and have their face painted – all in one conveniently located place!

Little kids and big kids alike had a fun day at the Fair. We thank all the volunteers who contributed to making this a huge success!

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