Care Fair highlights local nonprofits

MOSES LAKE — As the Sip & Stroll was bustling outside, people wandered into the youth dynamics building to check out local nonprofits at the third annual Care Fair. According to the event organizer, Michaelle Boetger, Moses Lake has around 70 nonprofits.  

“So, whatever you can do, if you can volunteer your time, if you can make a financial donation, all nonprofits need something, " Boetger said. “Go to a concert or come downtown to whatever events that they put on; it really helps them, and it just makes our community great. There are so many nonprofits that do so many great things.”  

At Saturday’s event 10 non-profits were highlighted and provided resources to the community. Besides information, there was also live music, beanbag toss with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, glitter tattoos, a photo booth and food. 

Parent to Parent 

Parent to Parent provides resources to families with children with disabilities and was at the event handing out information. Parent to parent program provides an event called the lunch and learns, where providers and parents come in and speak one-on-one with members of the program.  

“First of all, we're here because a lot of them don't know that we're in this area,” said Maria Jimenez, the media outreach coordinator for the Parent to Parent program. “So, I think just getting the word out that we're here to help them and parents who are going through this situation, because a lot of people don't really understand a lot about, for example, autism or different disabilities. So just the community knowing that we're here to help them and provide a safe place for parents.” 

To reach out to the program email cguzman@mlchch.org.  

SkillSource 

Alicia Wallace represented SkillSource at the Care Fair. SkillSource is a workplace development that helps people to find better jobs. There is orientation Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. which offers help to those searching for a job.  

“Well, we have a lot of work-based learning activities that we do so we can do job training, which reimburses employers for new higher wages if somebody qualifies for the program,” Wallace said. “We also work with youth 16-24 to help them get their high school diploma or their GED and then help them with some work maturity skills, as we call it, like showing up on time and having a good attitude where we can actually pay 100% of the wages and place them with a local business in town.” 

Wallace said the services are free to those who qualify. SkillSource can be contacted at 509-766-6300.  

Central Washington Disability Resources  

This program helps people gain independent living services through training services like money management or mechanical skills. There are also events like movie nights, peer-to-peer counseling and assistance with housing services. 

“We're free,” Devin Shea said, youth transition coordinator with CWDR. “All you have to do is identify as a person with a disability, and we can help. That can be depression, anxiety, a mobility disability, anything like that.” 

For those interested, Central Washington Disability Resources can be contacted at 509-492-5286. 

Moses Lake Youth Dynamics 

Moses Lake Youth Dynamics is a Christian youth outreach ministry with connecting nights on Monday for high school, Tuesday for middle school and every other Thursday for young adults. These are used to build relationships.  

“We are just here, letting people know that we are here,” Community Coordinator Kristie Stuckey said.  

For those interested, Moses Lake Youth Dynamics can be contacted at 509-765-4184.

Manta Ray Aquatics 

The Manta Ray Aquatics takes swimmers of all ages from 6 years old to adults. It is a nonprofit club team that does both short and long course seasons.  

“It’s great for fitness, as well as building confidence for kids and keeping kids active, giving the youth something to do,” Kora Preston said. “A lot of kids, a lot of people love to swim.” 

For those interested in joining, it's $85 a month for youth and $65 a month for adults. More information is available by emailing mantaraysinfo@gmail.com. 

Columbia Basin Dispute Resolution Center 

The Columbia Basin Dispute Resolution Center offers sliding-scale dispute resolution, between families, neighbors or landlords and tenants.  

“Basically, anybody that's having a dispute that is affecting their relationship, and they can't get past it, call us. We'll see if we can get you to the table and come up with an agreement,” Executive Director Ara Gilbert said. 

There are 21 centers around Washington that offer similar services.  

“We were basically created to lessen the burden on the courts, and like right here in Grant County, standing order of the court is for family law cases, if you come before the judge and you're not in agreement, he's going to send you to mediation,” Gilbert said. “So, you can come up with an agreement that you can do. Those meditations can be done by us, which, in our book, is preferable, or they can be done by an attorney. We are a nonprofit.” 

For those interested in services contact 509-398-2365.  

Dolly Parton Imagination Library 

The Dolly Parton Imagination Library provides free books to children from zero to five years old. The organization is providing 1,064 books to children in Moses Lake.  

More information can be found at imaginationlibrary.com. 

Opportunities Industrialization Center of Washington 

OIC provides training for education, development and career agencies.  

“We offer, for example, free GED testing, career training services and counseling,” Outreach and Recruitment Counselor Angela Vasquez said. “We offer support services like energy assistance, and we also offer housing services like first-time homeowner classes, mortgage assistance, and on occasion, rental assistance. Right now, we have fire disaster relief funds for anyone who's been affected by that.”  

For more information about OIC services, call 509-765-9206. 

Moses Lake Community Coalition 

Moses Lake Community Coalition supports, advocates and guides change that reduces youth and community substance abuse and its associated negative consequences, according to its social media MLCC meets the third Thursday of the month from noon to 1 p.m. at the Grant Integrated Services main building, 840 E. Plum St. Virtual options are available.  

For more information, contact the coalition coordinator at 509-765-9239, ext. 5321.

Central Basin Community Concert Association 

Since 1954, the Central Basin Community Concert Association has been bringing live concert performances from around the world. CBCCA provides opportunities for people to enjoy various talented musicians from around the world. CBCCA offer special group rates and discounts for music students and teachers. The organization also provides music education in the form of either a mini-concert or workshop within the community and at schools. 

CBCCA’s first concert of the season, Hannah & the Hot Sauce takes place at 7 p.m. Sept. 26 at the Wallenstien Theater at Big Bend Community College. More information is available at www.communityconcertsml.com. 

    Care Fair is an annual event that highlights the goals nonprofits are trying to accomplish in and around Moses Lake.