QUEENSBURY, NY – Partners from Warren County school districts, government agencies and not-for-profit providers met with school district leaders from around the county on Friday, May 20th to coordinate and build professional relationships among those who provide services to children and families who may need support.
The first-ever Warren County Provider Fair at Queensbury UFSD outdoor athletic complex was organized by Warren County Interagency Committee (WCIAC), a committee comprised of staff from school districts, Warren County agencies, not-for-profits and other organizations as well as individuals who work with children and families that need or request support and assistance.
Representatives of 60-plus organizations came together for the Provider Fair to coordinate and build professional relationships between and among leaders who provide services to children and families who may need support.
Among them were mental health and substance use assistance providers, numerous governmental entities, social services agencies, child care providers, law enforcement and employment and training providers.
The goal was to open lines of communication through this first-time event, and ensure that leaders from various agencies are aware of the services that are available to those with whom they work.
Said Jim Dexter, WSWHE BOCES District Superintendent of Schools and co-chair of WCIAC: “The members of the Warren County Interagency Committee (schools, county agencies and regional not for profit organizations) have put together an outstanding event to bring together those who consume services with those who provide services to children and families. Our assumption is that there are providers and practitioners who don’t know enough about the services that exist. Our goal is to narrow this gap. Warren County has always had an incredible relationship between and among many partners, all with the same goal of serving families and children so that they can achieve their greatest potential. I would like to take the time to thank Queensbury School District (a WCIAC partner) for hosting this important event and it is my greatest hope that those we serve will benefit from this collaborative effort.”
Said Kyle Gannon, Superintendent of Queensbury UFSD, “For several years I have been fortunate enough to be a member of the Warren County Interagency Committee. Through the hard work of this group we were able to fulfill a dream of having all of the providers in our county and surrounding counties in one place. Throughout this day educators and providers were able to learn more about every possible service that helps students, parents, and staff work together to enhance a child’s or family’s life. I am thankful that we were able to have everyone at the same place and at the same time.”
Said Tammy Breen, Warren County Department of Social Services Child Services Supervisor and co-chair of WCIAC: “The work of the Warren County Interagency Collaboration is invaluable. The connections formed during our meetings between the county, school districts and community service providers allows for a deeper understanding of program areas and strengthens the community approach to assisting the families in Warren County. We see a lot of turnover in this field and the Provider Fair will allow service providers to showcase the services they offer, while at the same time learning about what other services are available to families in our area.”
Organizers hope to make the Provider Fair an annual event going forward.
