Carver Elementary Summer Bash Connects Families With Vital Community Resources

LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — Families gathered at George Washington Carver Elementary School on Friday evening for the school’s Summer Bash and Resource Fair, a community celebration that combined family-friendly activities with access to dozens of local organizations offering support services and resources.

The event, organized by Community School Coordinator Dorothy Cole, brought together approximately 30 community partners and organizations, along with volunteers from Great Mills High School’s Junior ROTC program and National Honor Society. Families enjoyed free food, games, music, clothing giveaways and activities while learning about the services available throughout St. Mary’s County.

“The George Washington Carver Elementary School Summer Bash and Resource Fair is a special opportunity to celebrate our students, families and the strong sense of community,” Cole said in a prepared statement. “This event is about embracing one another and building connections while ensuring that families are aware of the many resources and supports available throughout our community.”

Bringing Resources Directly To Families

Throughout the evening, families visited vendor tables featuring organizations focused on health and wellness, food assistance, educational support, youth programs and family services.

Cole said the event was designed to make community resources more accessible by bringing them directly to local families in a familiar environment.

“By partnering with local organizations and nonprofit agencies, we are bringing valuable wraparound services directly to our families,” Cole said. “These resources can help address a wide range of needs, including health and wellness, food assistance, educational opportunities, youth programs, family support services and more.”

Representatives from the St. Mary’s County Health Department shared information about the department’s many programs, including school-based health services and other community resources.

“We have so many things that we offer the community through the health department and through our school-based health centers,” a representative said. “There’s just so many resources for families that we want to be able to educate them on.”

Parents’ Place of Maryland also participated in the resource fair, connecting families with information, support and advocacy services. The nonprofit organization helps parents and caregivers navigate educational, health care and community systems while ensuring children and young adults, particularly those with disabilities and special health care needs, have access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.

Another participating organization, Ivy and Pearls of Southern Maryland Community Charities, provided information about food assistance programs and other services available to families in need.

“Our organization partners with Title I schools and helps provide donations for food and hygiene products,” a representative said. “Today we’re talking with families about the SNAP program and assisting those who may need help accessing services.”

Also participating in the event was Stella’s Girls Inc., a youth empowerment organization focused on helping young people become leaders and advocates within their communities. The organization works to promote education access, leadership development and social change while supporting girls, young women and other youth in building confidence and civic engagement.

Building Bridges, a Southern Maryland nonprofit organization, also participated in the event, sharing information about its mentoring, tutoring and family support programs. The organization works with at-risk youth and families by providing educational support, advocacy, mentoring opportunities and access to community resources designed to promote academic success and personal growth. Programs include after-school enrichment, tutoring, summer learning opportunities and workshops focused on mental health, wellness and life skills.

Representatives said the organization’s mission is to help children and families overcome barriers while building confidence, resilience and meaningful connections within the community. Through partnerships with local schools and community organizations, Building Bridges seeks to ensure that families have access to the support and opportunities needed to succeed.

Also participating in the Summer Bash was Cornerstone, a behavioral health organization serving individuals and families across Southern Maryland who are living with mental health challenges, serious mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders. Through treatment, education, advocacy and case management services, the organization works to empower individuals to thrive within their communities and achieve meaningful personal goals.

A Cornerstone representative said community events like Carver’s Summer Bash provide valuable opportunities to connect families with support services they may not realize are available.

“I find it important to reach out to the community and really support families where they don’t know they have that support,” the representative said. “Being a parent is tough, and sometimes it helps when someone can come in with a different perspective and build a relationship with a child. When children feel comfortable, they can learn and grow.”

The representative, who attended George Washington Carver Elementary as a student, said community support remains especially important for local families.

“This area really needs that support,” the representative said. “People don’t always realize it. It’s great that so many volunteers have come today in support of these families because there is a need.”

Representatives from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office also participated in the resource fair, sharing information about youth outreach programs and opportunities available throughout the summer. Among the offerings was information about the agency’s free D.A.R.E. Summer Camp, which provides students with educational activities, leadership development and positive engagement with law enforcement officers in a fun and supportive environment.

Organizers said partnerships with local public safety agencies help introduce families to programs that promote healthy decision-making, mentorship and community involvement for young people.

Meeting Families Where They Are

In addition to educational and health resources, several organizations focused on helping families meet everyday needs through food assistance, clothing support and access to public benefits.

Community partners distributed free clothing, free books for summer reading and free math supplies to continue summer learning from companies such as Mathnasium, and shared information about programs designed to assist families facing financial challenges.

Also participating in the event was Toiletry & Co., a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals and families access basic hygiene necessities. Representatives distributed essential items including toothbrushes, soap, socks and other personal care products while sharing information about the organization’s mission to reduce barriers caused by hygiene insecurity. Organizers said access to these everyday necessities can make a meaningful difference for families facing financial challenges.

Dear Disciples participated in the Summer Bash by providing free books to children and encouraging summer reading. Families were invited to browse a wide selection of age-appropriate books, helping students continue building literacy skills and fostering a love of reading during the summer months. Community volunteers said access to books is an important part of supporting student success both inside and outside the classroom.

Throughout the evening, families visited resource tables, collected information and connected directly with organizations working to address needs ranging from food security to family wellness. Organizers said providing these services in a welcoming, school-based setting helps remove barriers and makes it easier for families to access support.

Community Partnerships On Display

The Summer Bash also highlighted the partnerships that help support students and families throughout the year.

Texas Roadhouse participated in the event by providing activities and giveaways for children while showing support for one of its longtime community partners.

“George Washington Carver has been a great partner with us all throughout the year,” a Texas Roadhouse representative said. “We just wanted to come and support all the kids and all the families and be a part of that.”

Families also enjoyed a festive atmosphere that included music from a DJ, Chick-fil-A meals, basketball, face painting, jump rope, bubbles and a variety of outdoor games.

Students Giving Back

Great Mills High School Junior ROTC cadets volunteered throughout the event, assisting with food service, clothing distribution and activity stations. National Honor Society students also contributed their time to help ensure the event ran smoothly.

Cadet Torres described the community as “a big family” where people support one another and help whenever needed.

Several student volunteers said events like the Summer Bash provide opportunities to serve others while building leadership skills.

“It teaches us how to work in the real world and how to interact with people,” one ROTC student said.

Another student said community events help residents build relationships and make new connections.

“I think right now there’s such a perception that teenagers are always on their phones,” the student said. “By coming here to school events, we can talk to younger kids, interact with them and give them a sense that they’re their own person.”

Building A Stronger Community

As children played games, families enjoyed dinner, took fun photos and community organizations shared information about available services, the event reflected the school’s commitment to supporting both students and their families.

“I believe that when families feel supported, informed and connected, students are better positioned to succeed both inside and outside the classroom,” Cole said. “When schools, families and community partners work together, everyone benefits, especially our children.”

The Summer Bash and Resource Fair served as both a celebration of the school year and an opportunity to strengthen connections between local families and the organizations working to support them throughout the year.

A Special Thanks To Volunteers

Local Management Board (Amanda Meatyard and Board members) for sponsoring the event, including: free take-home food pantry items for families, dinner for attendees, and summer play, learn, and grow tote bags for all attendees.

Alpha Kappa Alpha, Ivy Pearl of Southern Maryland Sorority, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, and Rochelle Campbell with Toiletry and Co. for their donation of hygiene products and adult volunteers assisting with game stations, the setup, and breakdown of the event. 

Great Mills High School NJROTC and National Honor Society student volunteers for assisting with game stations, the setup, and breakdown of the event.

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