YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Social workers, mental health counselors, entrepreneurs and community leaders gathered Oct. 2 at Wick Park Pavilion in Youngstown for the Community Resource Fair sponsored by the Youngstown/Mahoning County NAACP.
“We’re bringing together agencies, nonprofits and vendors to address the needs of our African- American community,” said Darla Brown-Dunlap, event organizer.
“We have a generation of students and possibly parents who have been left behind or left out. And we’re trying to engage them to become better citizens, better community members. Not just for the African-American community – because we all are in this together.”
Brown-Dunlap noted the gun violence that has gripped the city. “A small segment of the community has the whole community under siege,” she said.
“We need Black psychiatrists, Black social workers. And it’s imperative that we make those connections and those avenues available.”
Kyle Goodbee says his agency, Focus Care, provides chemical dependency counseling for adolescents.
Entrepreneurs displayed their products and services. Darla Brown-Dunlap, organizer, is pictured with Stacey Grant, who owns a beauty supply company.
Gloris Griffin Counseling Services was represented by Lynn Bilal and Dessera McClendon. “Most clients are sad, depressed and anxious,” Bilal says.
Pictured at top: Jennie Tarr describes herself as a “wreathologist.” She brought her decorative products to the event.