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CSR's community celebration
By Olivia Maddox
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(Photo by Mike Kerper) |
Going back to school was a family affair for one Indianapolis community. The Community Systemwide Response (CSR) coalition for the Brightwood/Martindale/Forest Manor area held its second annual back-to-school celebration in August for students and their families.
In addition to food and plenty of fun-filled activities, there were a variety of community services available to the 4,000 who attended the event. The public health department provided free vaccinations for children and health checks for adults, while the bookmobile stopped by to help families sign up for library cards. The Indianapolis fire and police departments and the Marion County Sheriff's Department also put on educational programs.
"This event is a way to educate families as to what is going on in their community and about the services that are available to them," says Dorothy Campbell, Purdue Extension educator in Marion County. "It's about people getting to know their communities better."
The Brightwood/Martindale/Forest Manor CSR Steering Committee and volunteers organized the event, with support from Indianapolis and Perry Township schools.
The CSR coalition had another reason to celebrate. In July, it was awarded a $398,400 State Incentive Grant to fund programs to reduce drug abuse among youth.
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