Parents attending parent/teacher conferences at the Matthew J. Kuss Middle School on December 8, 2009, were also invited to attend a family health and wellness fair in the school cafeteria. More than 25 agencies were present to offer information and giveaways ranging from physical and mental health and wellness services to youth recreation and leadership programs. Vendors also sponsored youth and family activities at the events, including arts and crafts projects, games, community service projects and health screenings. A partnership developed through the United Partnerships program, a United Way of Greater Fall River-funded program of People Incorporated, teams up with Fall River schools to provide peer leadership opportunities for youth. "I think it's great that Principal Mullen sees the value in community partnerships. The end result is that students and families benefit," said Jenny DiBlasi, director of family advocacy and community education (FACE) at People Incorporated. Similar events were also held at the Morton Middle School in November and the Letourneau Elementary School in February. FACE also provides adult education at the Community Learning Center. For more information, contact Jenny DiBlasi at 508--679-5233 ext. 27.

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(Top row, left) Children In Balance Project Manager Marcia Picard talks to Catherine Brown about the goals of the nutrition and fitness program that operates in the elementary schools. (Top row, center) Tom Kerrigan gets information from Elizabeth Berube of the Citizens for Citizens fuel assistance program. (Top row, right) Diabetes Association Inc. director Candice Foster talks with Brenda Amarello about their services. (Middle row, left) Connie Marcelino looks over a craft project that her 2nd-grader son Bradley is working on. (Middle row, right) Community Learning Center Coordinator, Larry Snyder, and Early Intervention Program staff talk with parents at the People Inc. table. (Bottom row, left) Brenda Viveiros of BMC HealthNet Plan explains her services. (Bottom row, center) Debbie of Parents Helping Parents describes her support group that meets from 10:00 to noon on Mondays at Arbor Counseling at 10 N. Main Street, Fall River. (Bottom row, right) People Incorporated's FACE director Jenny DiBlasi passes out free tote bags while Diabetes Association youth program coordinator Bobby Forand answers questions,