By Amanda Pevey
Elmore Autauga News
The inaugural Family Fun Day event hosted by the Elmore County Family Resource Center was held on Saturday at the Coosada Community Center. Over 200 families attended this FREE event. Over 25 vendors provided information on resources for families to learn more about in the area. There was also delicious food, beautiful clothing, and much more. Sponsors included Guardian Credit Union, Thelma Baptist, Commissioner Desirae Lewis Jackson, CACC University, Gateway Ministry, T-Mobile, and Collier Ford.
“The Family Fun Day event was a huge success,” said Chrissy Boshell, Executive Director for the ECFRC.
She continued, “All of the vendors were fantastic and brought great energy and valuable services to the community. Families had the opportunity to gather resources, learn about local programs, and make meaningful connections. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, fun activities, and a true sense of community. Parents and children alike enjoyed the day, and many new partnerships were formed. Overall, it was a fantastic event—full of fun, connection, and support for Elmore County families.”
Family Fun Day was made and created to reach families from the Elmore County community to know what services are available, and how they can help them navigate through their life. It also brought out some family fun, because school is out for the summer.
The last time the ECFRC held a Family Fun Day event was in 2019. When COVID hit, everything stopped. This event was to bring everyone back out and to let families and individuals know there are resources available, regardless of their struggles.
Judge Ben Baxley spoke to families at the beginning of the event to give a truancy update and talk about the importance of school attendance.
This amazing, free event gave kids a lot of different things to do like sack racing, other races, water gun fights, soccer, face painting and of course, you cannot forget the bounce houses, which were provided by All About the Bounce. Four lucky people won a $150 gift card to FIRE at the Wetumpka Wind Creek Casino. Princess Anna from Arendelle made an appearance and had photo opportunities for children. Scooters Coffee in Wetumpka came out and donated free lemonades to everyone. Woody’s Italian Ice, Smokin Wells BBQ, and Los Toreros food trucks were onsite for the families to purchase items.
“This event was just super amazing to have at the Coosada Community Center,” said Justin Robinson, Director of Operations for the ECFRC.
He continued, “I want to thank Judge Baxley for coming out and speaking about the truancy update to the families. I also want to thank all of the vendors that came, and to the wonderful sponsors that have contributed to this event. The weather was just gorgeous. I would also like to thank our board of directors for the Family Resource Center. They really have just been a support for us and thanks to our amazing staff. They came out, they supported, and the kids here had a wonderful time. All the families had a great time and for it to be the first one since 2019, it was a great turnout. We even had a DJ, with DJ Hollywood Trey, Homer Lewis. He came out and he showed some love for us, thank you!”
One of the biggest needs for the center is food. Elmore County Family Resource Center is currently accepting food donations. They are doing a Food Drive right now for food insecurities because some of the families they support in the schools, they have identified as struggling. Even with the pickup that the Elmore County Child Nutrition is doing, they are unable to receive a ticket, or they are getting it and still not making ends meet. They have families at this current moment, needing food support as soon as possible, so any help is very appreciated.
You can help by dropping all food items off at the center which is located at 917 W. Osceola Street, on Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. They accept nonperishable items.
If you have any questions, please call their office at (334) 224-1868 or email the center at:
[email protected]
and check out their Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/share/16Lwxn9bAX/?mibextid=wwXIfr
All services offered by ECFRC are FREE! Help is available.
