Congratulations to the Long Branch Concordance on the success of its “Cherish the Children, Celebrate Long Branch” fair.
On Monday, LBC founder Terri Blair was still glowing over the success of the event, held Sunday in Slocum Park, that attracted more than 500 people from the community and places as far off as Brooklyn, N.Y. The event was held in cooperation with the Long Branch Department of Recreation and Human Services, and the Coastal Monmouth Alliance for the Prevention of Substance Abuse.
Focused on child-abuse prevention, the event included health screenings, music, food, and fun activities for families and children, as well as needed resources like a clothing exchange stocked by two local churches.
Founded a little over a year ago in March 2004, the LBC is a model of what a grassroots community-based organization should aspire to be — diverse, inclusive, resourceful, hands-on and deeply committed to the welfare of its constituents.
By linking together, the 40-50 community groups and organizations that form the collaboration meet needs in the community that are not being met, and create a safety net that prevents individuals and families from falling through the bureaucratic cracks.
In the short time it has been in existence, the concordance has helped people access help with issues ranging from finances to health care.
Now, Blair said, the grassroots group is ready to take on larger issues like advocating for policies that will help keep workers in the communities where they currently live and where businesses need access to the workforce.
Empowered by its successes like the fair, the LBC appears headed for a greater role as an advocate for the community.