In the heart of Tacoma, during the month of May, Pierce County Human Services is staging two complimentary events to mark Community Action Month and Older Americans Month, according to a recent announcement on their official website. The events serve the purpose of kindling discussions about poverty, racial inequalities, and how we prepare for calamities; they will incorporate resource fairs adorned with a variety of local service providers, sharing information on vital services ranging from disaster preparedness to senior care.
Educational, they will not only bring information to the fore but also showcase the documentary “Cooked: Survival by Zip Code,” which dissects the complex layers of socio-economic and racial factors influencing a community's resilience in the face of disaster, the fair follows with a panel discussion, an opportunity for attendees to hear directly from filmmaker Judith Helfand and other distinguished guests from organizations like United Way of Pierce County and Tacoma Community House. “This documentary is a wake-up call—reminding us that disasters don’t affect all communities equally,” Carol Mensah, Community Action Programs division manager, stated to emphasize the underlying message these events aim to broadcast.
Those interested can attend either at Evergreen State College - Tacoma on May 9th or at Pacific Lutheran University on May 30th for a collective viewing experience, complemented by a lunch. The event aims to be nourishing for both the body and the mind. While free and available to all, it is mandatory to register online for those wishing to reserve their spot for the documentary screening, starting an hour into the event; assistance with booking can be secured via a call to the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) at 253-798-4600.
Aaron Van Valkenburg, manager of Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources, articulated his pride in collaborating on these impactful events: “Aging and Disability Resources is proud to collaborate on these important events in honor of Older Americans Month,” Van Valkenburg told Pierce County Human Services. The commitment to serving the disabled and aging populace by equipping them with essential health and safety information, particularly during harrowing weather or other catastrophes, has been reiterated by the organizers. For additional details on the events and to glean more about Community Action and Older Americans Month, a visit to the Pierce County website is suggested.
