Organizer: Laura Butcher, Trinity Lutheran Church
Attendee: Zahra Sultani, Employment Specialist, International Service Center (ISC)
Location: Trinity Lutheran Church, Camp Hill, PA
Purpose: Community outreach and connection of individuals and families to essential local resources and services
Date: 04/08/2026

The Community Resource Fair was held on April 8, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, bringing together a wide range of community organizations dedicated to supporting individuals and families through accessible services and resources. Organized by Laura Butcher, the event aimed to create a welcoming and informative environment where community members could connect with service providers across multiple sectors.

The fair was thoughtfully structured to address key areas of need within the community, including housing and financial assistance, immigration and refugee support, health services, education for both adults and children, food assistance, cancer awareness, legal services, and workforce development. The event successfully created a centralized space where attendees could explore available resources and receive direct guidance from experienced professionals.

Organizations focusing on housing and poverty alleviation included Community Cares, CCU–Help Office Christian Churches United, and Gather the Spirit for Justice, all of which provided support and information related to financial hardship and housing stability. Food security services were represented by Project Share and the Harrisburg Food Pantry, offering guidance on accessing nutritional support and community food programs.

Health services were strongly represented by Penn State Health, the Department of Health/Bureau of Community Health Systems, Hamilton Health Center, Christ Lutheran Ministries, Sadler Health Center, and Pink Hands of Hope. These organizations provided valuable information on healthcare access, preventative services, and cancer awareness, emphasizing the importance of community wellness.

Education and workforce development resources were presented by Logos Academy, Harrisburg Area Community College, and Tech Centro Capital Region, offering pathways for academic growth, skill development, and career advancement. Legal services were provided by Penn State Dickinson Law’s CIRC Clinic and Medical-Legal Partnership Clinic, ensuring that attendees had access to legal guidance and support.

Immigration and refugee services were represented by Church World Services and the International Service Center (ISC), highlighting a shared commitment to supporting newcomers as they navigate complex systems and rebuild their lives. The ISC booth was professionally arranged with informational flyers, brochures, Language Bank materials, and legal immigration resources, creating a welcoming and informative space for attendees.

During the event, Zahra engaged with over 30 individuals, including Afghan, Cuban, and Haitian clients, providing personalized guidance and sharing detailed information about ISC services. Attendees were informed about employment support, interpretation services through the Language Bank, and legal immigration assistance. Many individuals expressed strong interest in accessing ISC services, and clear guidance was provided on how to connect with the organization for continued support.

In addition to direct client engagement, the event served as a valuable opportunity to strengthen relationships with partner organizations. Many service providers became more aware of ISC’s programs and expressed interest in future collaboration and referrals. The fair fostered a spirit of partnership and collective impact, reinforcing the importance of coordinated community efforts.

The Community Resource Fair successfully created a space of connection, support, and opportunity, allowing individuals to access critical resources while building relationships with local service providers. The event demonstrated the power of collaboration in addressing community needs and further strengthened ISC’s presence and outreach within the Central Pennsylvania region.