PEKIN, Ill. (WMBD) — Pekin Community High School was the setting for a free resource fair Monday, aimed at providing families and those with disabilities some information about local services and agencies in central Illinois.
The idea was initiated by several high school teachers, who saw a need for an event like this. Over 25 agencies were represented, including The Autism Collective, Tazewell County Resource Center, and EP!C.
One of those teachers is Sara Boerma, a life skills transition teacher at the high school. She said there was a clear need for an event such as this.
“There’s always a need to help connect people to resources and this is just one way to have all those agencies in one place,” she said.
Attendees also raved about the event, including Kelly Albrecht, whose daughter has autism. She said it can be difficult to find resources, and that events like this help immensely.
“You don’t know what is really meant for your child, their type of autism. It’s incredibly difficult to get through all the ‘red tape’ to get to what you really need,” Albrecht said.
She added that the fair is “amazing”, as she learned a lot about several agencies without even going onto their websites. Specifically, she said the IRVSRA Recreational Center in Pekin has been a huge help for her daughter, and that she has enjoyed her time there.
Organizers say this is the first time the school has held the event, and they hope to hold the event again soon.