top of page
newsletter_header.png

Transitioning Youth Resource Fair: Fall 2024

Transitioning Youth Resource Fair 2024

On October 19, 2024, Prince George’s Community College became a hub of hope and opportunity as it hosted the annual Transitioning Youth Resource Fair. This event brought together 71 students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families, alongside 50 community resource organizations. The Fair was designed to empower families with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the often-challenging transition from high school to adulthood.

Addressing a Critical Transition

Transitioning from childhood to adulthood is a daunting task for anyone, but for those with IDD, the process can be particularly overwhelming. As students prepare to leave the familiar environments of school, they encounter significant changes in their daily routines and support systems. Recognizing these challenges, Prince George’s County Public Schools, Department of Special Education and the Prince George’s Provider Council collaborate annually to facilitate this important event.

IMG_3087_25.jpg

Trinell Bowman, Associate Superintendent for Special Edu., Prince George’s County Public Schools welcomes everyone to the Fair

This year’s Fair connected families with a diverse array of resources tailored to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with numerous organizations focused on employment support, benefits advocacy, and community services.

Resource-Rich Environment

The Fair featured informative presentations that provided valuable insights into various support services including presentations from the Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) and the Arc Prince George’s County Benefit Center. Families also learned about the importance of ABLE Accounts, which can help individuals with disabilities save for their future without jeopardizing their eligibility for government assistance.

Resource-Rich Environment

The atmosphere at the Fair was one of encouragement and empowerment. Families left feeling hopeful, supported by the strong sense of community that permeated the event. The Provider Council’s vision of fostering a society where individuals with IDD can thrive through public and private partnerships was evident throughout the day.

The event also emphasized the significance of inclusion and empowerment, demonstrating a collective commitment to ensuring that individuals with disabilities are not only included but also celebrated within the community.

Acknowledgments

A special thanks goes out to the many exhibitors who made this event possible, including:

Abilities Network

AMD

Ardmore Enterprises, Inc.

CALMRA, INC

Cherished Hands Healthcare Services Inc.

Community Options Inc.

Compass, Inc.

Daily Care Support Services LLC.

DDA

Divine Help Healthcare Services, Inc.

Dominion Resource Center

DORS

Ebright Solutions Inc.

Emerge Inc.

ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia

EPIC

Faith Clinical Care INC

First Choice Care Inc.

Fountain Health Services Inc.

Heart of Gold Inc.

Humanim

Independence Now

Maryland ABLE

Maryland ABLE

Maryland Community Connection

M-NCPPC, Parks & Recreation, Prince George’s County

Marvelous Support, Inc.

MMARS

No Place Like Home

Opportunities Inc.

Optimal Group

OTIK HEALTH

Prince George's Community College

Pristine Health Services Inc.

Q-Care Inc

Resource Connections

Robinson Entities

Rock Creek Foundation

Service Coordination Inc.

SPIRIT Club

The Arc Prince George's County

The Coordinating Center

Total Care Services Inc.

United Community Supports of Maryland

WeAchieve

Conclusion

The Transitioning Youth Resource Fair serves as a crucial steppingstone for families navigating the complexities of transition for individuals with disabilities. By fostering connections, providing resources, and promoting a spirit of inclusivity, the Fair plays an essential role in preparing students for a fulfilling adult life. As we look to the future, events like these highlight the importance of community support and collaboration in creating pathways for success for individuals with IDD. Check out a few photos below from the event.

bottom of page