A Helping Hand at the West County Community Resource Fair

The Mary Lyon Foundation proudly hosted its second annual West County Community Resource Fair at Mohawk Trail Regional School, highlighting the many ways Franklin County organizations provide critical support to families and students. With a mission to connect the community in a trusted and familiar space, the fair brought together a wide range of services to meet essential needs.

From health and wellness to housing, food security, and legal support, the fair provided a lifeline of assistance for those navigating life’s challenges. Families accessed programs offering fresh, local food, like Franklin Community Co-op and the Hilltown Churches Food Pantry, which ensured access to nutritious meals for all. The Opioid Task Force of Franklin County brought compassionate care through its mobile medical services, while the Key Club’s own Caring is Sharing Clothing Closet provided warm clothing and toiletries to support daily needs. A vaccine clinic, held in partnership with the Franklin Regional Council of Governments, provided flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, helping families prioritize their health conveniently and safely.

Attendees also had the opportunity to learn tactics to prevent housing crises, gain legal advice for civil issues, and access mental health resources, educational guidance, services for senior citizens, and financial relief. The foundation is grateful for the Kiwanis Club for providing dinner and to Shelburne Falls Coffee Roasters, Foxtown Diner, Green Fields Market, and Keystone Market for generously donating cookies. A special thank you the Fire and Police Department for organizing the Touch-a-Truck event and for bringing comfort dogs or attendees. Every detail of the fair reflected a commitment to making life just a little easier, helping individuals and families feel empowered and cared for.

More than just an event, the fair created a space where connections flourished. Parents, students, and community members not only discovered helpful resources but also experienced the reassurance that they are not alone. Each conversation and every interaction served as a reminder that help is close at hand within our close-knit community. The atmosphere was filled with warmth, compassion, and a sense of unity that lifted the spirits of everyone who attended.

At its heart, the fair was a reminder of the power of connection and the importance of community. It wasn’t just about the resources—it was about creating a space where every family could feel seen, supported, and cared for. The Mary Lyon Foundation is deeply honored to play a role in creating these moments of kindness and collaboration, ensuring that every individual has the support they need to succeed—both in school and in life.