Eleven-year-old Mercedes Perez and her brother, 7-year-old Dorian Perez, haven’t had health insurance in two years.
Going through social services could have meant months’ worth of paperwork, said their mother, Rosie Perez, 38, of Denver.
On Saturday the family made their way to the Catholic Charities’ Peace ‘n the Streets Health and Safety Fair at Mestizo-Curtis Park in Denver, where they received health exams, books, school supplies – and free glasses for Dorian.
The fair brings together an array of free services, community resources and activities for kids.
The fair “better prepares them to be in school on time,” said Regan Suhay, director of youth services at Catholic Charities. “And for families we just want them to be safe and have as many resources as they can.”
In her six years with the fair – which is in its 10th year of operation – Suhay says she has seen it grow from about 350 attendees to an estimated 1,700 on Saturday.
About 50 agencies were on hand to connect community members with services.
“There’s a lot of resources, a lot of things they might not have access to or know where to find. … (At the fair) they find it all in one place,” said Monica Robertson, director of youth projects at Curtis Park Community Center.
The center focuses on learning and literacy development, victim services, a senior program and a food and clothing bank.
Fatima Shabazz, 25, of Denver, found valuable information on child-care resources.
“I really needed it too,” she said.
Shabazz said she just started working and has been having trouble finding child care.
Hardy Bell, 38, of Denver, brought his 7- and 11-year-old to the fair for one very important reason – fun.
Kids enjoyed arts and crafts, he said, learned about conserving water and received free bike helmets after passing a bicycle safety course.
