Hanover Park events aim to connect residents with resources

Hanover Park officials are trying to take a proactive approach to connecting residents with resources aimed at improving their lives.

To do this, the village's Cultural Inclusion and Diversity Committee will host the 2nd Annual Hometown Seminar in conjunction with the Kids at Hope Community Resource Fair.

“We think it's important to empower residents through education and have the community participate in our children's success,” Village Clerk Eira Corral said.

Both events are free and will take place Saturday, April 14, at the Hanover Park Park District Community Center, 1919 Walnut Ave. The Hometown Seminar will run from 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., the kids fair from 9 a.m. to noon.

During the seminars, representatives from the local community colleges will lead a panel discussion on gaining employment and excelling at job interviews. There will also be a discussion on preventing home foreclosure and mortgage rescue fraud with a representative from the Illinois Attorney General's office.

Other workshops will accompany the financial sessions. One will focus on saving the planet and other green initiatives, while the second will highlight the village's community apiary so residents can learn about beekeeping and honey making.

“We're showcasing our community, but also letting people know about the local resources that are here for residents,” Corral said. “All of us know a neighbor, family member or friend who's been hit hard by the economy.”

In the nearby gym, the Hanover Park Kids at Hope Coalition will sponsor a resource fair designed to promote opportunities and activities for youth.

Various athletic and philanthropic organizations will be on hand, as will the police and fire departments, the park district, library, churches and schools.

Children and families who attend will be sent on a scavenger hunt to find out about activities in the areas of home and family, hobbies and recreation, community and service and career and education. There will also be entertainment, food and clowns.

Kids at Hope is a national organization working to foster an environment where children see a future filled with opportunity and success.

“We believe our children will be successful and productive citizens of society, and adults have a role guiding them,” Corral said.

For more information, visit hpil.org and kidsathope.org.