Washington, DC—The Department of Human Services (DHS) will partner with the Office of Latino Affairs (OLA), the Office of Asian & Pacific Islander Affairs (OAPIA), and the DC Human Services Cluster Agencies to host a multi-cultural information fair on Saturday, October 7, 2006, from 11 am to 3 pm at the old Bell Multicultural School located at 3145 Hiatt Place, NW (off 16th Street and Park Road).
The DC Human Services Cluster Agencies, headed by Deputy Mayor Brenda Donald Walker, include DHS, the DC Department of Health, the DC Department of Mental Health, the Child and Family Services Agency, the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, the DC Public Library, the Mental Retardation Developmental Disabilities Administration, Department of Youth and Rehabilitation Services, and the DC Office on Aging. DHS is the lead agency for this event.
The theme for the Multicultural Information Fair, which last year drew 750 people and more than 75 community-based organizations, is “Reclaiming Our Families Through Unity In Our Community.” The fair is designed to bring a variety of organizations together to make residents aware of the array of unique, free programs and services available to residents of all ages and economic backgrounds.
“It’s important to remind our residents that DC government provides much more than basic city services,” said Interim DHS Director Brian Wilbon. “We want residents to be just as knowledgeable about getting free radon testing kits and job placement for persons with disabilities, as they are about trash collection and public assistance services.”
More than 75 community-based organizations are expected to be on hand to provide residents with free health and dental screenings, housing and employment information, food assistance, medical insurance, college scholarship information, and senior citizen services. Representatives from DC Public Schools will also be on hand to provide information regarding school registration, Out-of-Boundary applications, truancy, immunization, and more.
“This fair is not only vital to the needs of Latino residents but to all residents, business people, and even visitors here in Washington, DC,” said OLA Director Gustavo Velasquez.
City officials say events that outreach to a diverse community to promote services are critical.
“This multicultural event is important for us to celebrate diversity in this nation’s capital, and it also connects District residents to services and information they need for themselves, their families and communities,” said OAPIA Director Greg Chen.
For event information, please call Anthony D. Diallo at (202) 671-4437.