DeSoto ISD’s Amber Terrace to Host Community Resource Fair Connecting Families with Vital Support and Services
DeSoto Independent School District (DeSoto ISD) and Amber
Terrace Early Childhood Learning Center are proud to announce the Amber Terrace
Community Resource Fair, a dynamic community event designed to connect families
with vital resources and support. The fair will take place Saturday, October
25, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Amber Terrace Early Childhood Learning
Center Gymnasium located at 224 Amber Lane in DeSoto.
The Community Resource Fair will feature a diverse group of
vendors offering information and services on financial literacy, healthy
living, education, mental health, and community support. Families from DeSoto
and surrounding communities are invited to attend and engage with local
partners, agencies, and service providers who share a commitment to supporting
family and student success.
Amber Terrace Principal Keishla Coleman said the
event reflects the school’s dedication to supporting the “whole child” and the
families that nurture them.
“At Amber Terrace, we believe that strong families build
strong students,” said Coleman. “The Community Resource Fair is an opportunity
to connect our families with the people and programs that can make a difference
in their everyday lives—from health and wellness to financial literacy and
early learning support.”
Vendors include the DeSoto Public Library, DeSoto ISD
Nutrition Services, Hamilton Counseling, Child Find, Duncanville Outreach
Center, Walmart Vision Center, Parkland Community Health Plan, First
Convenience Bank, and more. Each partner will share valuable tools and insights
to help families thrive academically, emotionally, and financially.
DeSoto ISD Executive Director of Student and Staff
Support Services Dr. Gene Morrow emphasized the event’s role in promoting
equitable access to resources for all families.
“When schools and community organizations work together, we
create pathways to success that extend beyond the classroom,” said Dr. Morrow.
“This event embodies DeSoto ISD’s vision of holistic support for students and
families—ensuring that every child has what they need to learn, grow, and
achieve.”
The fair, coordinated by Amber Terrace staff member Crissy
Peterson-Smith, is part of DeSoto ISD’s ongoing efforts to foster family
engagement and community collaboration across its schools.
DeSoto ISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Usamah Rodgers
applauded the initiative as an example of the district’s broader mission to
build strong partnerships that positively impact students’ lives and the
Triple-A Experience of Academics, Arts and Athletics by removing barriers to
resources that may support student wellness and learning.
See full list of resources and vendors below:
|
Company
|
Provided
Services
|
|
DeSoto
Library
|
The
goal is to connect families with free education, literacy, and community
resources.
|
|
Amber
Terrace PTA
|
Promote
Family Involvement. Recruit Members. Share Upcoming Events
|
|
First
Aid Training
|
Providing
a free one-hour CPR& First Aid Training
|
|
Child
Find
|
Helping
families understand how to access early support for children who may have
developmental, learning, or behavioral challenges. Their focus is on
identifying and connecting children with special education evaluations and
services.
|
|
Hamilton
Counseling
|
Provide
families with information and support related to mental health, emotional
wellness, and family stability.
|
|
Duncanville
Outreach Center
|
Help
community members access emergency aid and support resources. Such as
rent, utility, and food assistance.
|
|
Desoto
ISD Nutrition
|
The
school program will promote healthy eating and access to nutritious meals for
all students. As well as focus on helping families understand the school meal
program and how it supports student wellness and learning.
|
|
Licensed
Psychologist
|
Information,
guidance, and resources to support the emotional well-being of children,
families, and individuals. Her goal focuses on raising awareness about mental
health, reducing stigma, and connecting families to
professional services when needed.
|
|
Desoto
ISD HS
|
Provides
families with guidance on supporting their students’ academic success,
including tips for fostering learning at home. Shares important information
about college planning, scholarships, and financial aid programs such as
FAFSA and TASFA, helping families prepare for post-secondary
opportunities.
|
|
Walmart
Vision Center
|
Educate
families on eye health, vision care services, and connect families
with affordable eyewear.
|
|
Parkland
Community Health Plan
|
Providing
health care information, screenings, and connecting families to medical
resources. Promote wellness and help community members access
care.
|
|
First
Convivence Bank (in Walmart)
|
Provide
financial education, resources, and services to help families manage money
and plan. Also, to promote financial literacy and connect the community with
banking solutions.
|
“The Amber Terrace Community Resource Fair represents the
best of what DeSoto ISD stands for—collaboration, compassion, and commitment to
community,” said Dr. Rodgers. “By connecting families with vital resources, we
are not only supporting our students but strengthening the foundation of our
entire community.”
The Amber Terrace Community Resource Fair is free and open
to the public. Families and community members are encouraged to attend, engage,
and take advantage of the valuable information and services available including
access to onsite enrollment at schools across the district.