Good Samaritan Network (GSN) is pleased to announce a free public event, the ninth annual Hamilton County Resource Fair, from noon to 5 p.m. on Friday, May 4, located at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds in Noblesville. This free event is available to the public in an effort to promote a stronger and more informed Hamilton County.
Information for registering as an exhibitor/vendor (which includes booth space) can be completed by visiting gsnlive.org/resourcefair. Nonprofits can participate for free, while for-profit exhibitors’ require a registration fee. All participants (nonprofits and for-profit) are required to register not later than April 27. Space is limited, so early registration is recommended.
This free public event is presented and coordinated by Good Samaritan Network of Hamilton County along with various sponsors. Visit gsnlive.org/resourcefair for sponsorship details and an updated list.
Nancy Chance, GSN Founder/Executive Director, said, “It really is a remarkable FREE event for Central Indiana! Not to mention the resource and expertise of our vendors and exhibitors, centrally gathered in one location.” Additionally, she said, “Again this year we are making available a Caregivers Connection area so that individuals can discover things they can do to be more prepared as caregivers.” Chance went on to say, “We are also extremely excited about a new hub for this event, Volunteer Connection, focusing on Hamilton County volunteer opportunities from both perspectives – those who want to volunteer and those who need volunteers.”
This year’s Volunteer Connection highlights numerous Hamilton County volunteer networking opportunities. It is the perfect fit for a nonprofit, school, faith-based, business, government, social service or civic organization to recruit and manage volunteers – or to use the opportunity to distribute information for specific volunteer options with their unique organization.
The Volunteer Connection emphasis is twofold: Individuals, groups, agencies, organizations, businesses and companies will be present for those wanting to learn about volunteer opportunities. Additionally, vendors and exhibitors have the ability to present information concerning their unique volunteer opportunities for those who want to make an impact right here in Hamilton County attending the Resource Fair. This event provides a direct and personal contact and can assess the best volunteer fit on the spot while having a huge impact on Hamilton County, including the fulfillment of community service hours.
With over 100+ vendors/booths last year, GSN felt the Resource Fair had a very successful year. Some of the comments received, both from vendors and the public, include:
- “I had over 100 people stop at my booth, I was very pleased.” – Vendor
- “Thank you so much … it was a wonderful event.” – Public
- “Great fair… I got lots of information.” – Public
- “I couldn’t believe how many people were steadily coming in.” – Vendor
- “What a wonderful event … This was my first year having a booth and I will definitely plan on attending next year.” – Vendor
- “Thank you for doing this for us again this year.” – Public
Chance also said GSN is working with Westlink Consulting and others to “coordinate an effort to make sign-up readily available to the public at this year’s event for the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP2.0).” Adding, “This is our state’s homegrown consumer-driven health care coverage program for low-income adults. We are very excited to assist the general public in readily finding out how the plan works, its benefits and eligibility requirements. We anticipate having all five hospitals represented on site to support sign-up and ensure quality.”
Representatives from Westlink Consulting LLC at Riverview Health will be available to answer any questions you might have about Medicaid, Healthy Indiana Plan, Hospital Presumptive Eligibility, Medicare, Social Security and any other similar programs. They will also assist with the application for these programs.
Again this year, a highlight of the Resource Fair will include a “Senior Caregiver Connection” area. As loved ones age, debilitating disease, chronic health conditions, simple frailty and even personal injury often follows. Discover things that you can do to feel more prepared as a caregiver. This specialized provider area will highlight specific caregiver options and resources in and around Hamilton County.
The event will host over 100 booth spaces representing numerous food, clothing, baby pantries and social service agencies as well as local businesses. Some past participants have included: Aspire Indiana, Community Assistance Program, Covering Kids and Families, Kids Coats, Connect2Help, Estate Planning, Safe Families for Children, Unique Home Solutions, and WorkOne.
Various exhibitors will provide educational information and health resources as well as free items for those visiting different booths. Door prizes will be drawn by those who complete a survey as participants of the event and free refreshments will be available while they last.
About Good Samaritan Network
Good Samaritan Network of Hamilton County, Inc., is a 501(c)3 non-profit focused on assisting the at-risk population in Hamilton County. Client referrals are received from a variety of social service agencies, churches, township trustees, food pantries, local hospitals and government emergency agencies. GSN also works with the Hamilton County Schools, the Sheriff’s Department, police departments and fire departments. Direct services include serving at-risk and underserved individuals and families within Hamilton County. Typical service streams are emergency or crisis intervention, educational resources and support. InDirect services include the GSN Network which was established to ensure efficiency and communication among the different agencies and social services that support and assist the at-risk and underserved residents of Hamilton County. For more information, visit gsnlive.org.