Community Empowerment in the Face of Adversity
CHICAGO (WGN) – South Side neighbors braced the heat and gusty winds for a day of connection and community empowerment at the 12th annual Greater Bronzeville Family Fest.
The event was hosted by Bright Star Community Outreach, a social service agency focused on workforce development, education, as well as health and wellness.
“I think one thing Bright Star does is demystify the fact that mental health and maintaining good mental health is important, and when we feel trauma and trauma is all around us that there’s some place you can go in the community to get some help,” Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd Ward) said.
Overcoming Extreme Weather Conditions
In the midst of the extreme heat, Saturday’s high winds provided a little relief at the park.
“This is Chicago, so we’re used to this weather right? So we’re not going to let it stop us from having fun,” Bright Star Community Outreach Executive Director LaKreshia Kindred said.
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Empowering the Community through Fun and Games
Along with fun and games, vendors showcased their services. Tracey Reed, founder of Trauma Informed Care Advocates, was excited to be part of the crowd and highlighted her domestic violence prevention program for teens.
“It’s a program where we certify teens, healthy relationships,” Reed said. “They go through a 10-week program where they learn healthy relationship strategies. They learn how to identify triggers, how to identify boundaries.”
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A Personal Story of Survival and Empowerment
In the midst of the weekend fun, Reed – a domestic violence survivor herself – said she’s focused on connecting with young people to help support their emotional and mental well-being.
“To me, it’s important because I am strong and I am a survivor to show other people how to handle that type of situation, how to not be back in it and also how to prevent it. Most importantly, prevent it,” Reed said.
The Importance of Community Events
Events like the Greater Bronzeville Family Fest play a crucial role in bringing the community together and providing a platform for social service agencies to showcase their services. These events help to promote community empowerment, education, and health and wellness.
By attending such events, community members can gain access to valuable resources and information that can help them overcome challenges and improve their overall well-being.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 12th annual Greater Bronzeville Family Fest was a huge success, despite the extreme weather conditions. The event brought the community together and provided a platform for social service agencies to showcase their services. It also highlighted the importance of community empowerment, education, and health and wellness.
By supporting such events and organizations, we can help to create a stronger, more resilient community that is better equipped to overcome adversity.
FAQs
Q: What is the Greater Bronzeville Family Fest?
A: The Greater Bronzeville Family Fest is an annual event that brings the community together to promote community empowerment, education, and health and wellness.
Q: Who hosted the event?
A: The event was hosted by Bright Star Community Outreach, a social service agency focused on workforce development, education, as well as health and wellness.
Q: What services were showcased at the event?
A: Vendors showcased their services, including a domestic violence prevention program for teens.
Q: Why is community empowerment important?
A: Community empowerment is important because it helps to promote education, health and wellness, and provides a platform for social service agencies to showcase their services.
Q: How can I get involved in the community?
A: You can get involved in the community by attending events like the Greater Bronzeville Family Fest, volunteering with local organizations, and supporting social service agencies.
