Quick look: More than 60 vendors will take part in OCDE’s second annual Thrive Resource Fair on Sept. 25 at the OCDE Conference Center. The event is designed to connect school and district staff with services supporting health, education and mental wellness.
The Orange County Department of Education’s Student Services and Programs division will host its second annual Thrive Resource Fair on Thursday, Sept. 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the OCDE Conference Center in Costa Mesa.
The one-day event will connect school and district staff with trusted services in health, education and mental wellness. Attendees will be able to explore practical tools, discover local resources and learn about programs that support students and families across Orange County.
More than 60 vendors are confirmed to participate, with additional organizations on a waiting list.
The fair is open to family and community engagement staff, community liaisons, parent leaders, district English learner advisory committee members, community schools administrators, foster youth liaisons, Title I and Title III coordinators, teachers, nurses, counselors, school psychologists, and McKinney-Vento liaisons. It is not open to the general public.
Dr. Kimberly Benaraw, OCDE’s associate superintendent of Student Services and Programs, said the Thrive Resource Fair reflects the goals outlined in the department’s 5-3-1 Strategic Plan.
“Through the 5-3-1 Strategic Plan, the Orange County Department of Education is working to transform student outcomes, and the Thrive Resource Fair brings that vision to life by showing what’s possible when partners come together in service of students and families,” she said. “The fair is a true hub for connection, collaboration and inspiration.”
“Our goal is simple but powerful: to equip district and LEA leaders, along with school staff, with the tools, resources and relationships they need to meet the diverse needs of their communities,” Benaraw said. “I am deeply grateful to every participant who has joined us in this work. Your presence strengthens our collective commitment to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive.”
For more information about the fair, contact Jessica Reyes Robles at jreyesrobles@ocde.us.