In a powerful display of community collaboration, Rockingham County Public Schools (RCPS) and Harrisonburg City Public Schools (HCPS) joined forces to host their annual Community Resource Fair on February 6, 2025, at the JMU Festival Center. This event, now in its third year, has become a beacon of hope and support for families navigating the complex landscape of special education services.
"We wanted to create a 'one-stop shop' for families to discover what services are available in our community," explains Sarah Fawley, Transition Facilitator for RCPS Pupil Personnel Services. "What better way than to bring everyone together in one location?"
The impact of this initiative is already evident. In 2024, a single vendor reported helping twelve families through connections made at the fair. The event has been so successful that surrounding counties have begun replicating the model in their own communities.
For many families, the journey of raising a child with disabilities can feel isolating. Brittany and Brandon Cash, who also serve on the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) leadership team, share their perspective: "Our parenting journey at times has felt very isolating as we often experience successes and failures that most parents do not. When we connect with another family similar to ours, a true feeling of empathy and belonging arises."
The fair ran from 6:00 to 8:30 PM, and began with a family meet-and-greet, followed by a panel discussion featuring students and families from the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS). The evening culminated in an agency fair where families connected with various service providers. Each participating agency is carefully selected with one primary criterion in mind: they must offer concrete services and support for students with disabilities.
The event's success lies in its comprehensive approach. With over 1,300 Rockingham County students receiving special education services, the need for community support is significant. The fair brings together a diverse range of resources, from vocational training programs at Massanutten Technical Center (MTC) to support services through the Valley Association for Independent Living (VAIL).
To ensure families have ongoing access to these vital resources, Fawley has developed comprehensive parent packets, available in both paper and digital formats. These packets, which are continuously updated with the latest information and resources, were distributed at the fair and are designed to be presented at every IEP meeting. RCPS ensures that families have current information to support their students through each transition and phase of their education.
One particularly moving success story involves a high school student's family who attended the fair with limited expectations. "They left with the resources to start their student's job search process," Fawley recalls. "They had no idea such supports existed. It never crossed their mind that their child would be able to work. They left with a brand new outlook for their student's future."
At the heart of RCPS's approach is a strong commitment to community partnership. Teachers, staff, special education leaders, parents, guardians, and students work together to ensure each student receives an education tailored to their unique needs and abilities. This collaborative approach begins with early identification through the Child Find Initiative and continues through high school, focusing on helping each student achieve their full potential in academic, social, and future career success.
For organizers like Fawley, the most rewarding aspect is witnessing the connections formed during the event. "Oftentimes, living the life of a parent with a special needs child can be overwhelming," she notes. "There is so much available to them; the families just need guidance on where to turn."
The Community Resource Fair represents more than just an information session—it's a testament to the power of community support and the dedication of educators and service providers working together to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive. As the event continues to grow, it stands as a model for how schools can better serve families of students with disabilities, one connection at a time.
For more information about Pupil Personnel Services in RCPS, visit https://www.rcps.net/page/pupil-personnel-services