GOVERNOR'S VOLUNTEER & RESOURCE FAIR ON JUNE 22 WILL HELP TO CONNECT RESIDENTS OF WILMINGTON WITH COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

NEW CASTLE (June 18, 2015) - The public is invited to attend the Governor's Volunteer & Resource Fair on Monday, June 22, at Bethel AME Church in Wilmington to learn more about how they can make a difference in their community through volunteerism and other forms of community engagement.

As part of the event, resource options for residents, specifically those within the Eastside community of Wilmington will be available. The free event, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., will include representatives from several local community organizations, including Lutheran Community Services, Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay Council, the Food Bank of Delaware, Stubbs Elementary School, the Boy Scouts of Delaware, Friendship House and several other community partners, as well as representatives from a number of programs provided by DHSS's State Office of Volunteerism, including AmeriCorps, Volunteer Delaware, Volunteer Delaware 50+, and Foster Grandparents.

"I have listened as residents of Wilmington have told me they want to be part of the solution to the city's challenges," Governor Markell said. "By bringing together volunteer and community groups, we can support the citizens of Wilmington's Eastside as they work together to build a stronger, healthier and safer community."

During a visit to the Eastside earlier this year, residents shared with Governor Markell that they wanted more opportunities to volunteer and give back. The Governor's Volunteer & Resource Fair is one result of that visit and ongoing conversations with Wilmington residents who want to be part of the solution. The Department of Health and Social Services' Division of State Service Centers (DSSC) is sponsoring and organizing the fair on behalf of Governor Markell. The division will provide information and access to other programs that can provide support services for residents, including the Delaware Community Reinvestment Action Council (DCRAC), a fair lending nonprofit on the Eastside where clients seek out information on financial literacy, credit repair, credit building, mortgage modifications, ongoing tax clinics, and other issues. In addition, information on services available through the Northeast State Service Center will be presented

"Across our department, we emphasize the need to meet communities where they are," Health and Social Services Secretary Rita Landgraf said. "The Governor's Volunteer & Resource Fair is another example of that commitment. Working with the residents of Wilmington and community organizations, we will support that can-do spirit and connect people with organizations that will help them make an even greater difference in their communities."

Although Wilmington Mayor Dennis P. Williams will be representing the City of Wilmington at the U.S. Conference of Mayors on the day of the event, he is committed to working with residents, community stakeholders and State leaders to build a safer and stronger city.

"It is of utmost importance that all City stakeholders are engaged in the process of bringing about empowerment and change here in Wilmington," Mayor Williams said. "I am extremely pleased that Governor Markell and Secretary Landgraf are promoting civic involvement and sharing resources in city neighborhoods. The resources and information provided at this event will help improve neighborhoods and empower the lives of Wilmington residents."

The Governor's Volunteer & Resource Fair will be held in the Anna B. Holland Fellowship Hall at Bethel AME Church, 604 N. Walnut Street, in Wilmington. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call 302-255-9893.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.