Community Resource Fair planned for Saturday

The Difference Makers Of Hot Springs, in conjunction with Emma Elease Webb Community Center, will present the Inaugural Hot Springs Community Resource Fair from 8: 30 a. m. to noon Saturday at 127 Pleasant St.

The Webb Community Center has recently undergone a revitalization after “falling on hard times,” said Esther Dixon, executive marketing director for Difference Makers of Hot Springs. The project was designed to allow the center to continue as a “vital resource for the community.”

As the oldest African- American community organization in Hot Springs, the center has provided numerous contributions to the public, Dixon said. Founded in 1935 by John L. Webb, and named after his only daughter, Emma Elease Webb, it has served as a grocery store, pharmacy, restaurant, and office building, schooled and housed African- American nurses while used by Woodman of Union Hospital ( National Baptist Building), and in 1945 was donated to the African- American youths of Hot Springs.

In the past, the center has provided numerous resources, including a branch library, public swimming pool, official voting site, has partnered with the Hot Springs School District’s summer food drive, and continues to offer various assistance programs to the community, she said.

“The Webb Center, whose current executive director is William C. ‘ Bill’ Watkins, is the ideal location for the citywide resource fair, because it has been a part of the city and community for many years serving as a valuable resource that is still available to everyone,” Dixon said.

The goal of the resource fair is to raise public awareness by bringing multiple community resources together in one location, highlighting state and local agencies that will provide vital information to the community, including topics such as felon re- entry, HIV/ AIDS awareness, and voter education and registration in addition to various other health and community concerns.

State Rep. John T. Vines, D- District 25, and former Circuit Court Judge Vicki S. Cook will be the event speakers.

Booth rentals are available by calling Difference Makers of Hot Springs for registration at 501- 8810929 or 501- 276- 2121. Space is limited.

The free family friendly event is open to the public.