Twitter
Facebook
Instagram
MOUNT OLIVE — Bright dresses twirling to the rhythm of Latin music set the perfect background for Camino al Bienestar, a community fair hosted on Saturday, June 15 in Mount Olive.
The event, held on the fields of St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Church, was the product of a collaboration between NC FIELD, Hispanic Federation, Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, Mt. Calvary Center for Leadership Development in Wallace, and Community Technical Assistance, Inc.
The scorching warm weather did not deter guests as they trickled in throughout the day.
The fair featured music, dancing and performances by talented performers who delighted guests. Children and adults alike participated in Zumba lessons and had a chance to win gift certificates for $100, $50, and $30 among other prizes.
Vendors peppered throughout the field provided informational resources, health screenings, free haircuts, groceries and free goodies.
Stephanie Reyes, with CommWell Health, was among the vendors providing free screenings to participants.
“We are checking blood pressure, and putting fluoride,” Reyes told Duplin Journal. “We occasionally do extractions at public areas as well — It just depends on what we can set up for each event.”
The event had representatives from several local and regional organizations providing information and assistance in English and Spanish, from free workshops for small businesses, resources for farm workers, to voter registration and citizenship information.
Melissa Reese, with Trillium Health Resources, was also onsite providing information.
“We work with the providers that provide mental health, substance use, and intellectual developmental disability services,” said Reese. “We have information like our member and recipient service call line that folks can call for services and to learn more about what we provide.”
Elizabeth Montu with James Sprunt Community College was promoting JSCC’s classes offered in Spanish. The initiative offering courses in Spanish, started with cosmetology and nail technician classes and continues to expand, rapidly adapting to the needs of Duplin’s growing Latino population.
“We’ve added aesthetics as of this week,” said Montu. “We have electrical-residential. We have cake decorating, computer (classes). We also offer ESL classes completely free.”
Representatives from NC Cooperative Extension provided free recipe books in Spanish and provided information about health and safety topics in the farm.
Members of the Shackle Free Community Outreach Agency in Warsaw provided information about support services they offer to address disparities and were conducting surveys to learn about the needs in the community.
ECU Health Duplin Hospital was also on site offering free blood pressure screenings and providing information about chronic disease prevention and access to health care in Spanish.
Jorge Colchado, a participant, said he was enjoying the event. “It’s really good. I’m checking out what they have,” he said, adding that this was his second time attending the community fair and it has grown since the last time he attended.
Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina had numerous volunteers who filled participants’ bags with fresh vegetables, fruits, and other groceries.
Guests left the event with big smiles and wagons loaded with free food and goodies.
To see photos of the event visit and like our Facebook page here!
