PORT ANGELES — Serenity House of Clallam County is inviting the public to learn about a variety of services that are available for people facing homelessness, hunger, substance abuse, domestic violence and lack of economic opportunity.
The event, set for 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, will feature many organizations that provide services. It will give people the opportunity to learn what services are out there and what gaps still need filled, said Serenity House Board Member Bob Larsen.
Organizers are calling the free event Clallam Cares. It will be at 129 W. First St., in Port Angeles.
“This is an attempt to let each organization show their slice of the problem and for us to talk about how the system works and where the gaps are — and there are plenty of gaps,” Larsen said.
People will have the chance to learn about Serenity House, Port Angeles Food Bank, Peninsula Behavioral Health, Healthy Families, The Answer For Youth, Concerned Citizens, the state Department of Health and Human Services, Worksource, Sequim Food Bank, Mosaic, Forks Abuse and Volunteers in Medicine on the Olympics.
They will each have a series of posters and displays where people can interact with representatives from each of the organizations.
Larsen said that this is as much a chance for people to learn about organizations as it is to give feedback about what other services are needed.
“The other side is we’re looking for feedback from the community,” he said. “Every one of these agencies is going to have opportunities for people to make comments.”
The event also will offer a variety of activities, including a holiday boutique for unique gifts, children’s activities by the Boys and Girls Club, games, a raffle, refreshments, free gift wrapping, child fingerprinting, live music and non-alcoholic beverages.
Several speakers are expected about every 20 minutes during the event.
Among the speakers confirmed for the event are Serenity House Executive Director Doc Robinson, Clallam County Commissioner Mark Ozias, Port Angeles Police Chief Brian Smith, Amy Miller with VIMO’s REdisCOVERY program, Port Angeles Mayor Sissi Bruch and others.
Larsen said Robinson is expected to make announcements regarding new efforts by Serenity House on Friday and Saturday.
For more information, see www.myclallamcounty.com/event/ clallam-cares.
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Reporter Jesse Major can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56250, or at jmajor@peninsuladailynews.com.
