Coming Together as a Community
This Friday, August 29th, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Metropolitan Development Council (MDC) will open its doors at 721 Fawcett Avenue in Tacoma for the MDC TRIO Pathways to Hope Resource Fair. This event is a celebration of hope, resilience, and community connection.
MDC and our partner organizations are coming together to offer resources, support, and an exciting afternoon with free food, music, games, and prizes. It’s a chance for Pierce County residents to learn about programs that can make a real difference in their lives. Come and enjoy this event, sure to be full of laughter, conversation, and community spirit. Elaine Tuisila, Director of Education & Employment at MDC says,
“The MDC TRIO Pathways to Hope Community Resource Fair represents more than just an event; it’s a beacon of possibility for families who have been told that higher education isn’t for people like them. For first-generation college students and low-income families in the community, this fair opens doors that many didn’t even know existed.”
What You’ll Find at the Resource Fair
Visitors can expect a wide range of services, resources, and fun. Here’s what will be available:
- Free food
- Bingo, lawn games, and raffles for the whole family
- A barber on site providing free haircuts
- Cell phone distribution for those who qualify
- Free backpacks and goody bags for attendees
- On-site information and connection to resources from MDC programs and partner organizations
It’s both a celebration and a support hub that’s designed to meet the real needs of Pierce County residents while building connections across our community.
Learn How TRIO Can Help Propel Your Future
The TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) at MDC is a federally funded program that offers free, personalized educational navigation for adults in Pierce County. Designed for first-generation college students and adult learners seeking to advance their careers, the TRIO EOC helps participants overcome obstacles by providing GED assistance, educational planning, career advising, and support with both college and financial aid applications. Whether you’re returning to school or stepping into post-secondary education for the first time, TRIO helps with support from preparing applications to exploring training programs.
At MDC’s upcoming Pathways to Hope Resource Fair, TRIO representatives from MDC will be on hand to share how it opens doors for individuals aiming to boost their employability and educational credentials. By offering career exploration, admission support, and financial literacy tools, at no cost, TRIO empowers community members to take charge of their futures. Stop by the TRIO/ Education booth to learn how you can access personalized support to take the next step of your educational or career journey.
Our Partners in Hope
This event wouldn’t be possible without the collaboration of our incredible partners who share MDC’s mission of making a difference in community.
You’ll be able to meet and learn from:
- TRIO Educational Opportunity Center
- WorkSource Pierce
- WSECU
- Bates Technical College
- Clover Park Technical College
- House of Matthew
- Krownless Kings
- U Family
Each organization brings its own resources, knowledge, and care, creating a truly well-rounded day of support.
MDC Meets You Where You Are
At MDC, we know that pathways to stability, wellness, and opportunity look different for every person. That’s why our services and partnerships are designed to meet people where they are. That means whether someone needs housing assistance, detox, behavioral healthcare, education support, energy assistance, weatherization assistance, and more, MDC creates a custom plan to support every individual.
The Pathways to Hope Resource Fair offers more than just an informational Open House. It helps spread community-connectedness through moments of joy and belonging, offering useful tools and support, and reminding every neighbor that they are not alone, no matter where they are in life.
Join Us This Friday
We invite you to join us this Friday, August 29th, at 721 Fawcett Avenue. Come for the food, games, and giveaways. Stay for the resources, conversations, and connections that can help transform lives. Elaine Tuisila, Director of Education and Employment for MDC, adds,
“What makes this fair so powerful is that it brings together the full spectrum of support that families need. MDC’s TRIO programs provide the educational pathways, while our other MDC divisions and community partners offer behavioral health resources, housing assistance, utility and weatherization, and wraparound services. Together, we’re creating a comprehensive approach to community well-being that benefits every corner of their lives.”
Together, MDC and local partners are building stronger pathways to hope for all of Pierce County.
For more information for housing assistance, click here.
For more information for education assistance, click here.