FARMINGTON – Four women walked into the Bass Room at the hospital Tuesday and were handed plastic bags. Before they had even reached the door they were met by people wanting to help them.

The first stop for Linda Neil of Strong, Melany Buxton and Julie Haines of Avon and Susie Douglass of Phillips was at a CareerCenter display, one of about 40 agencies at a Community Resource Fair for dislocated workers and the public.

CareerCenter peer support workers Gloria Nile for G.H. Bass workers and Jan Smith for Forster Inc. manned that table.

The four made their way down the aisle to congressional representatives and continued on their way, checking out several displays as they went.

They were able to sign up for door prizes, receive free samples and collect any information they wanted in their bags as they perused displays.

Douglass, who lost her job at Lauri toy manufacturing in Avon earlier this year, said she was glad the fair was being offered.

Nancy Morgan, executive director of the United Way of the Tri-Valley Area, spearheaded the effort with help from others.

Workshops were scheduled throughout the afternoon including Employment Help for the Elder Worker, Change and Transition, and on of stress management. The latter was presented by former Lewiston Mayor John Jenkins.

There were displays on adult education, college, consumer credit counseling, health services, employment and legal services just to name a few.

Door prizes were offered from several community organizations or businesses.

“Most of the agencies are here,” Morgan said as she scanned the room.

Some were still making their way in to set up in the early afternoon.

Representatives of the agencies were telling those who stopped by what they did and some even had some open positions, Morgan said.

“People in this community are caring people,” she said. “They’re a wonderful group of people who really support the community.”

dperry@sunjournal.com

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