SALISBURY — To connect residents with community resources, the Salisbury Community Action Teams created a Community Resource Fair. On Saturday, it will return for its second year.

The fair will be at the J.F. Hurley Family YMCA from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Anne Little, the city’s human relations manager, said that since the inception of the Community Action Teams, members have focused on the best avenues to connect people with community agencies. 

“The hope is we’re building a bridge between services and those who need them,” Little said.

The Community Action Teams program was created with the goal of building a “healthier community that provides a livable environment which is safer, with higher educational achievement, stronger workforce and employment opportunities and better relationships between the community, the city and law enforcement.”

Community organizations including Arc Rowan, Rowan Concerned Citizens, Healthy Rowan, Rowan Helping Ministries, Community Care Clinic of Rowan County, Family Crisis Council, Rowan County United Way, Smart Start Rowan, Crosby Scholars Rowan and Rowan County NC Works Career Center will be represented at Saturday’s fair.

“The goal is that it touches all corners of the community,” Little said.

Little said families can come to the fair to pick up a book bag and other school supplies while also meeting someone from a community agency. Instead of going online, they can talk to agency representatives in person and establish a relationship, she says.

The fair will be similar to last year’s but with some differences. The teams decided to forgo classes, since it was challenging to have people sit down for an educational session. Instead, the Youth Services Bureau will have its “Hidden in Plain Sight” bedroom, which is a mock teenager’s bedroom that has illegal and dangerous substances hidden. It is interactive and shows parents signs to be on the lookout for.

Little said more entertainment groups will be featured. Steppin’ Out, Triple Threat and the Dancing Queens and Kings will perform.

There also will be a school supply giveaway.

“I hope that we provide some assistance for kids and families as they go back to school,” Little said, adding kids can’t have too many pencils or notebooks.

Salisbury Transit will offer free rides to the fair. Riders should notify the driver that they are going to the Community Resource Fair.

Admission is free and fun and food will be available, Little said. The Salisbury Police Department’s ice cream truck will be on hand. Drawings for door prizes are planned.

Children should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The Community Action Teams is accepting school supply donations; contact community@salisburync.gov.