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From the August 14, 2003 print edition
Alameda Times Star
Children's fair meant to educate, entertain kids and parents alike
Dhyana Levey
Awareness, access and advocacy with an entertaining twist. That's what the Community Child Care Coordinating Council (4C's) offers during a children's fair in September in Hayward, held to inform parents in Alameda County of their opportunity in low-cost and free assistance.
Organizers hope that children accompanying their caretakers soon will forget about the educational purpose of the event as they enjoy presentations, raffles, toys, games, karaoke and even an Elvis impersonator.
"We find that parents and kids end up staying the whole day," says Demetra Ryan, administrative assistant to the group's executive director. "It's fun, and we hope that when the parents come, we can advocate for the services the children need."
While the kids are being entertained, parents can visit booths representing agencies catering to families' legal, nutritional and educational needs. Some organizations scheduled to attend are the Alameda County Alliance for Health, Bay Area Legal Aid, ECHO Housing, Oakland Girls and Boys Club, and Hobitot Children's Museum.
Although this is the third time the council has held an informational event of this kind, ECHO Housing is participating for the first time. A non-profit counseling agency, ECHO Housing provides rental assistance and fair-housing education.
Angie Watson-Hajjem, fair-housing counselor for ECHO Housing, plans to be at a table during the children's fair, handing out brochures and talking to people about the organizatio
"We don't usually gain a whole lot of new clients at informational fairs, but it's a great way to let know we are here," she says. "We answer a lot of questions and put a face to our agency."
Hobitot Children's Museum also will provide information and hand out passes. The downtown Berkeley museum is an interactive learning center for ages 7 and younger, and offers a wide range of touchable activities and exhibits.
"We try to make the museum accessible to everyone," says Rosie Hernandez, family outreach coordinator for Hobitot. "Low-income families can apply for subsidized memberships. We also give memberships to (sertain organizations) so their patrons can use out services,"
The children's fair will be from 10a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 13 in the 4C's parking lot, 22351 City Center Drive, Hayward. Call (510) 690-2150