Enlaces Brought Together 21 Community Organizations During their First Wellness Fair last April to celebrate Día del Niño (Children’s Day).
On April 30, Enlaces, Alaska Primary Care Association community health workers, and 21 additional social services organizations volunteered their time and efforts in celebration of Día del Niño. The event’s goal was to raise awareness and support health and wellness education, as well as connect the community with resources available.
Día del Nino was a free event and open to everyone.It included free public health, and community resources, COVID-19 and routine children’s vaccines. Children along with parents and siblings enjoyed a day of fun and door prizes as well as a surprise visit by Molly of Denali, and Izzy the Dog.
Children gathered in the library to listen to stories in English and Spanish, while piñata making, and art classes took place in the multipurpose room. About 20 children made their own take home piñata, and many more enjoyed children’s activities from the Alaska Children’s Museum.
The event provided many different organizations an opportunity to connect with the community and provide vital health resources, education, and community-focused support.Most of the organizations offered their information in Spanish and presented a great opportunity to network and learn from one another. An estimated 200 people came together to celebrate.
Dia del Niño is celebrated annually on April 30 as a tribute to children in Mexico and other Latin American countries. Enlaces is a 501(c)3 formed in September 2017 with a mission to empower, educate, and engage Alaska’s Latino community. By collaboration with communities throughout Alaska, Enlaces works to advance social justice and equity for Latinos and Hispanics in the North.