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Salisbury combines Community Resource Fair, National Night Out events to celebrate community, neighborhood partnerships

Salisbury combines Community Resource Fair, National Night Out events to celebrate community, neighborhood partnerships

SALISBURY, N.C. (WBTV) – Salisbury will celebrate local community agencies, neighborhoods and law enforcement partnerships at a combined Back-to-School Community Resource Fair and National Night Out event, Tuesday, Aug. 2, beginning at 6 p.m. at Bell Tower Green Park.

Each summer and winter the Community Resource Fair brings together local agencies specializing in health, addiction, education and family support in one place to help local families as students head back to school. Information on senior services is available also. As in previous years, students will receive backpacks with a selection of school supplies. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Backpacks will be provided while supplies last.

Founded in 1984 by the National Association of Town Watch, National Night Out is an annual campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and builds neighborhood camaraderie. The nighttime event, typically held on the first Tuesday in August, also increases awareness of local law enforcement programs such as neighborhood watch and anti-crime initiatives.

“The Community Resource Fair and National Night Out are two of our community’s most popular, signature events of the year,” said Salisbury City Manager Jim Greene. “The timing and camaraderie of both events make sense to combine them as one, with a more efficient use of staff resources. We’re looking forward to this one-stop occasion for providing much-needed resources and safety information to Salisbury and Rowan County residents.”

This year, the Salisbury City Council meeting will be held on the same date, however, at an earlier 3 p.m. start time so Council members can join in the information sharing after the meeting. The Human Relations Council, an official city commission focused on inclusion, acceptance and appreciation, is a lead partner in this bi-annual event.

Participants attending evening activities are encouraged to post photographs on social media platforms using the hashtag #SalisburyNightOut.

For more information, please contact Anne Little, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at anne.little@salisburync.gov, or call (704) 638-5218.

Copyright 2022 WBTV. All rights reserved.

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Queer Field Trip is a new Vernon Family Resource Centre Pride Month program – Vernon News

Queer Field Trip is a new Vernon Family Resource Centre Pride Month program - Vernon News

New queer event

The Vernon Family Resource Centre is marking Pride Month with a new event.

June is Pride Month in Canada and the Queer Field Trip is the brainchild of the Vernon Family Resource Centre’s returning summer student Sara Goddu.

Queer Field Trip is a drop-in group that introduces people ages 13-18 to queer-friendly and inclusive spaces in Vernon. Those interested can follow @queerfieldtrip on Instagram and get in touch through direct messaging.

The group is free and does not require registration, just be at the right place at the right time.

“We believe that everyone should have access to places where they feel safe, seen, respected and represented. We want to introduce you to those places,” said Goddu.

The inaugural Queer Field Trip welcomed more than 15 attendees. The next event is planned for mid-July, with details posted to the Queer Field Trip Instagram page.

The VFRC is also re-launching Queer Family Game Night — an event founded prior to the COVID-19 pandemic that will now return this summer.

The event welcomes adults, families and allies to enjoy an evening of games and conversation. The drop-in event takes place every third Thursday of the month from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Boarding House Cafe, 3101 B 31 Ave.

The VFRC is also sharing resources and information on the history of Pride Month, topics relating to the LGBTQ+ community and how best to be an ally.

The VFRC is a charitable, non-profit with the mission of “building a resilient community by empowering one child, one individual, one family at a time.”