MCC Resource Fair connects students with community resources
For Laci Walsh, a 34-year-old cosmetology student from Chunky, Meridian Community College’s Resource Fair was a chance to discover new opportunities not just for herself but also for her family and friends.
A mother of five whose husband is deployed, Walsh said she wanted to discover what
resources were available in the community.
“I wanted to come see the different things,” she said. “Because even though I may not need a resource, I have friends and family who have things going on in their lives that may benefit from it. There may be things that I have not heard of that I may benefit from. I have five kids, and I’m always looking for something to help out,” she said.
Walsh added, “Anything to help is always welcome. Never look down on help. If resources are out there, go and get them.”
Walsh was one of many MCC students who stopped by Ivy-Scaggs Mall for the College’s twice-a-year Resource Fair. Now in its eighth year, the fair brings campus and community agencies together to connect students with services that support academic, personal, and professional needs.
“This is a chance for students to be able to reach resources that we don’t have available here at MCC,” said Nedra Bradley, MCC executive director of family services and student support. “Even though we offer a lot of resources, sometimes things are outside the realm of what we can give them. So, we like to partner with agencies so they can see exactly what is out there, and if it’s something we don’t have, we can get to the resources.”
More than 20 vendors participated this year.
Bradley said students often learn about services that benefit both themselves and their families. “A lot of them are caregivers, so they’re looking for things not only for themselves but to help their family,” she said.
Community partners also praised the event. Elizabeth Jolly, program coordinator for the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library, said the fair helps show students what’s available beyond campus.
“I think it’s important students know the library is a resource out there that’s open to them,” Jolly said. Students signed up for or renewed library cards, and learned of services like notary public, faxing, copying, and printing. “I know the College provides most of that, but it’s also available when they’re not on campus,” she added.
Bradley said planning for the Resource Fair starts months in advance. Once the fall fair wraps up, preparations for spring begin in mid-September. “We’re always looking for new vendors to come,” she said.
The Resource Fair will return in the spring semester. For more information on resources visit MCC Support Services.