Pathways to Hope: Tacoma Came Together In A Big Way

This past Friday, Tacoma’s heart was on full display at MDC’s Pathways to Hope Resource Fair. What started as a hot summer day quickly turned into an unforgettable afternoon filled with laughter, music, and the kind of connection that reminds us all why community matters. Tacoma and Pierce County locals and families came ready for resources, but they left with much more: fellowship, support, and the knowledge that they are not alone.

 Fun, Food, and Fresh   Starts

 From the moment the DJ dropped the first   track, MDC’s Resource Fair was alive with   energy. Families were taking their chance at   lawn games like putt-putt, Mega Jenga,   Legos,  and Mega Connect Four. Meanwhile the adults tried their luck in the bingo raffle, cheering when prizes were announced. At one corner, a barber offered free haircuts, giving a fresh boost of confidence to the young men receiving them. Nearby, another booth gave away free cell phones to those who qualified, making sure families could stay connected when they needed it most.

Even the sweltering heat couldn’t slow the fun. The ice cream truck was serving up cold treats while unlimited and free hot dogs, hamburgers, and chips kept everyone fueled. Every smile, every laugh, and every shared story turned the fair into something bigger than just an event. This became a true celebration of hope in action. Ericka Lynch, Manager of Student Diversity Outreach, Clover Park Technical College, had this to say,

“Clover Park Technical College had the privilege of attending Metropolitan Development Council’s Resource Fair this past week. We have enjoyed a close partnership with MDC and their Educational Opportunity Center program for many years.” Ericka adds, “Being a part of this event is a reminder of how the work we’re doing is positively affecting the lives of those in our community. Whether it’s assisting community members with school admissions, applying for financial aid, or getting them connected with other community resources, we are proud to be a partner of MDC.”

Powered by Partnerships

The success of MDC’s Pathways to Hope Resource Fair would not have been possible without the incredible generosity and dedication of our partners and sponsors, who went above and beyond to bring resources, care, and excitement to the community.

Danielle Lambert, Retention Specialist, with Bates Technical College, offers her insight,

“I am so appreciative Bates was invited to be a part of this resource fair. Growing up in this community and now serving it is probably my favorite part of my job. At Bates we offer many resources for students on campus like food, tech support, and grant funding, as well as connected students with resources in our local communities.”

MDC’s own departments, including Education (TRIO), Weatherization, Behavioral Health & Detox, and Housing were also front and center, offering vital support that families can rely on all year long. Together, this team of partners turned a simple summer day into a life-changing opportunity for so many in Pierce County.

 Why TRIO Matters   More  Than Ever

 Among the many highlights of the day, MDC’s   TRIO program stood out as a shining   example of what’s possible when opportunity meets determination. TRIO helps adults in Pierce County continue their education, pursue new career paths, and take bold steps toward a brighter future. At the fair, guests learned how TRIO could open doors that once seemed closed, reminding us all that education isn’t just about classrooms, it’s about building confidence, independence, and hope.

These programs are more than just helpfu; they are essential. For many in our community, TRIO and similar initiatives are the lifeline that makes higher education, career readiness, and long-term stability possible. Without them, countless adults would be left without the tools or resources to break cycles of poverty and create lasting change for their families.

That’s why it’s so important to ensure programs like TRIO continue to receive the funding they need. If you believe in the power of education and opportunity, we encourage you to reach out to your local congressional representatives and let them know these programs matter. Your voice can help keep TRIO strong, ensuring future generations have the chance to learn, grow, and thrive.

Hope You Can See, Hear, and Feel

MDC’s Pathways to Hope Resource Fair wasn’t just another community event, it was a living, breathing picture of what happens when people show up for each other. Parents left knowing their kids were school-ready with new backpacks, while teens and adult learners were better prepared for the upcoming semester. Families discovered resources they didn’t know were available. Neighbors laughed together over ice cream cones and games.

Hope isn’t abstract, it’s something you can see, hear, and feel when a community comes together. On this day, hope looked like a child proudly carrying a backpack, a parent learning about new resources, and a crowd dancing under the summer sun. It also comes in the form of awareness and prevention for hope for a better future amidst the current fentanyl epidemic. Cydney Monk, Awareness Warrior for S.A.V.E. PNW says,

“We started this nonprofit to bring drug awareness to our community, teaching them how to recognize the signs of a fentanyl overdose and respond with CPR and Narcan administration. The fentanyl epidemic has touched countless families and caused devastating loss.” She explains, “At resource events like this, our goal is to share an important message: while this crisis can feel overwhelming and out of your control, you do have the power to make a difference. By learning these lifesaving skills, you can be prepared to step in, take action, and help save a life.”

And while the fair was one extraordinary day, the work of building pathways to hope doesn’t stop when the music ends. It continues every single day through the services, resources, and support MDC provides across Pierce County.

 MDC: Here for Pierce   County Every Day

 At MDC, our mission is simple but powerful:   to meet people where they are, with   compassion, dignity, and resources that   create real change. From housing assistance   to behavioral health support, from food programs to weatherization services, from detox and recovery to education and career advancement through TRIO, we’re here to help families and individuals not just get by, but thrive.

The Resource Fair was a snapshot of what happens when those resources all come together in one place, but our work extends far beyond a single afternoon. Every backpack given, every haircut offered, every connection made at the fair reflects the larger mission MDC carries forward year-round: to create a healthier, stronger, and more hopeful Pierce County for everyone.

From all of us at MDC: thank you for making this celebration possible. Together, we are building pathways to hope, today, tomorrow, and every day after. And together, we can ensure programs like TRIO remain strong. Please, take a moment to call your local congressional representative and tell them you support TRIO and other programs that lift up our community. Your voice matters, and it helps keep hope alive.

Learn more about MDC’s programs and services at www.mdc-hope.org.