OPINION Resource center still available to help

LAURA MCFARLAND

Editor

Managing

When I talked to Becky Boswell about her role as the coordinator of the Powhatan County Public Schools’ Parent Resource Center earlier this year, I liked how she described herself – as a connector. People come to her with issues, and she doesn’t try to solve them, but she does try to connect them with the agency, program, nonprofit or resource that can address that issue.

As a journalist, it is a role I understand. When putting together the Powhatan Today every week, I try to make sure I fill it with as much information as possible that will be of use to our readers. Sometimes it is for entertainment purposes or to let you know what is going on in your community. Sometimes it is to help a nonprofit get the word out about their services and how people can support them. Sometimes it is simply to let you know information that will be of help to you in some way.

In my own way, I feel like a connector –connecting our readers with each other and with the knowledge of what is happening in their own community.

At that initial meeting back in February, Becky told me about the Family Resource Fair Open House planned for March 16 at Powhatan High School. Held last week, I am going to say it was both wonderful and a disappointment.

It was amazing to see so many organizations set up information tables at a free community event where they could dedicate the one-on-one time to introduce who they are and what they can offer to Powhatan families. There were organizations, agencies and nonprofits offering services in the areas of mental health, autism, student support services, counseling, after-school programs, law enforcement, the library, social services, Cooperative Extension, camps and more. They were ready and eager to talk to people. Unfortunately, not many PCPS families took advantage of this great offering. That is where the disappointment comes in, because Becky and those who