In spite of the chilly weather, hundreds of Statesboro-area residents came out to enjoy the Statesboro Village Builders second Family Fun Resource Day on January 20th. Dr. LaSara Mitchell, Statesboro Village Builders Program Coordinator, estimates that roughly 350 people and 48 vendors attended the event at Statesboro Steam Academy.
Resource Day is a key part of the Village Builders work connecting community members with resources, and the January 20th event was a tremendous success. Eventgoers had the opportunity to talk with representatives from dozens of organizations while learning about valuable local resources and initiatives. Vendors hosted interactive stations that offered participants assistance with everything from stress reduction, tutoring, financial literacy, and healthy eating to gutter cleaning, upcoming “Fix it Friday” events, and available employment services in the community.
“There was so much great information!” shared Dr. Mitchell, “There were swag and free giveaways all day, from literacy baskets full of books, Visa cards for gas, free food, and everything from academic activities to toys and basketballs.”
With games and information stations, music, free food, including a hot dog bar and soups donated by Panera Bread, a bounce house, and facepainting, it was a whirlwind of fun and there was something for everyone.
“And that's what Village Builders is all about: connecting the people to the community. Sometimes the most important things in life are the connections you make with others. Often, it's all in who or what you are connected to that delivers the solution to a problem. There is strength in connections," Mitchell remarked.
For her, community resources days are about building sustainable networks between organizations and individuals, about partnership and serving.
“This is not about turning our faces away from what's unpleasant or talking about what needs to be done, it's about finding equitable ways to educate, inspire, and build lasting connections,” Mitchell shared.
Village Builders strives to eliminate barriers by making resources accessible to the communities that need them. By bringing the resources to these communities, people become aware of what's available and how to access valuable services and information.
After each resource day event, Village Builders becomes a little more informed of what the needs are in each neighborhood. According to Mitchell, “We then send back organizations with resources, programs, and opportunities to continually serve the citizens in these areas.”
Village Builders is looking forward to their next resource days:
- Feb 24th, Statesboro Convention and Visitors Bureau
- March 23rd, Pinewood Manor
- May 4th, Park Place
“We are looking forward to warmer weather and connecting families back to recreational play and fun!” Mitchell shared.
Vendors at the January 20th event included:
- Community-Organized Effort Relief (CORE)
- New Life Chiropractic
- Statesboro-Bulloch Regional Library
- The City of Statesboro
- The Statesboro Main Street Farmers Market
- The Bulloch County Sheriff's Office Child ID Team
- ABA Pathways
- Georgia Power
- Greener Boro Commission
- Trinity Episcopal Church
- GCC Roofing
- Goodwill Industries
- GSU Psychology Department
- Bulloch County Literacy Council
- Action Pact
Several youth-serving organizations also attended the event offering information about free tutoring and mentorship program programs. A number of financial consultants were also present, offering information about free financial literacy classes, home buyer’s preparation, and much more.
Family Fun Resource Day is presented in partnership with the City of Statesboro, Hills Mortuary, Statesboro Regional Library, Restoring The Breach, LoSeED, Statesboro Community Youth Network, Statesboro Youth Council, and Statesboro Police Department.
Statesboro Village Builders was conceived in January 2023 by the City of Statesboro’s Youth Commission and Mayor Jonathan McCollar in collaboration with community stakeholders. Statesboro Village Builders aims to be a community-wide youth development program that offers a comprehensive approach to ensure that all youth in Statesboro and their families have support in becoming the best version of themselves.
To learn more, visit statesboroga.gov/villagebuilders.
