THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2024 Page 11 HOLIDAY | FROM PAGE 7 quez pointed out. The Holiday Fair was the third such event this year, following similar ones in March and August. “Our programming is seasonal,” Mazzeo noted. “A gathering like this helps people gather a lot of information at once,” Youth Commission member Patti Scalesse said. “It can be hard to navigate the system, if you don’t know where to look for services. Sometimes asking for help is hard, but a fair is more casual.” Solis said the Fair provided “space for people to contact agencies. It breaks down barriers. We’re bringing our information to a space people can access.” Among other things she talked to people about health resources, how to access insurance and an upcoming computer literacy program for intermediate and advanced users to develop existing computer skills. Representing Eliot, intern Narlie Monteiro, an Everett resident and 2013 High School graduate now pursuing a Masters’ Degree in Social Work at Salem State, was answering questions about its services helping people find housing and get food. “It’s been busy at Eliot because of the holidays,” she reported. City Human Resources Generalist Rosa Viveiros said she was answering questions about employment and participation in summer youth programs and part-time jobs with the DPW or at the library. She said the fair facilitated face-to-face interaction and “being able to see residents before they come into the office.” She also created a computer porthole for people to access information about youth services. Not everyone was from Everett. Teen Center Director Chris Watson was there representing the Malden YMCA – providing information about programs and jobs. “We have a lot of Everett residents as members,” he said. “The Fair is a good outlet to let people know what we’re offering.” Revere resident Daniela Perez was at a table of Neighborhood Health of East Boston. “We’ve been providing information on resources we offer, from pediatrics to geriatrics,” she said. Donate Your Vehicle Call (866) 618-0011 to donate your car, truck, boat, RV, and more today! ■ Support Veteran Nonprofi ts. ■ Free Pickup & Towing. ■ Top Tax Deduction. Donate Your Vehicle Today 866-618-0011 While we appreciate every donation, in some cases, we fi nd that we are unable to accept certain vehicles, watercraft, and/or recreational vehicles due to the prohibitive costs of acquisition. If you have any questions, please give us a call at (866) 618-0011. The Everett Adult Learning Center was available to inform attendees about services that are being offered to English Language Learners by the City of Everett. A variety of organizations were available at the Holiday Family Resource Fair at the Recreation Center for attendees to learn about the programs and services offered, as well as learn about potential career opportunities. Her mother, Lucia, was there to find out about jobs and resources to get her driver’s license. She said the Fair was “helpful and well-organized.” Ward 4 Councillor and Youth Commission member Holly Garcia swung by. “A lot of agencies serve Everett, but people may not know about them,” she said. “People may not be aware of services available, but this covers everything.” Everett Public Schools Superintendent William Hart was also in attendance. He called the Fair “family engagement at its finest” and similar to some events held at neighborhood schools. Mayor Carlo DeMaria was unable to attend, but told The Advocate, “The Department of Youth Development and Enrichment Holiday Resource Fair demonstrates the power of community, family, and togetherness here in Everett. As we approach the holiday season and a new year, events like this present incredible opportunities for Everett families. I’m endlessly proud of the work and dedication of our Youth Development and Enrichment team and thank all of our terrific partners from across the Everett community for participating.” Director of Youth DevelopThe City of Everett’s Youth Development and Enrichment Department hosted the Holiday Family Resource Fair at the Recreation Center. ment and Enrichment John Russolillo was also unable to attend, but told The Advocate, “Our Holiday Resource Fair is a shining example of what we can achieve together as a community. I want to thank our incredible community partners for sharing valuable resources, the generous donors who made it possible to provide turkeys, and everyone who contributed to making this event a wonderful experience for the families of Everett. Your support truly makes a difference.”
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