HEAF Community Resource Fair 2026

HEAF’s 3rd Annual Community Resource Fair: A Day of Connection, Wellness & Community Joy
April 18, 2026 | PAL Harlem Center
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On a bright Saturday afternoon, the PAL Harlem Center filled with the unmistakable energy of neighbors reconnecting, families exploring new opportunities, and young people stepping confidently into community spaces designed for them. HEAF’s 3rd Annual Community Resource Fair welcomed nearly 100 students, caregivers, community members, and 37 partner organizations for a day that blended resource access, celebration, and meaningful connection.

From the moment doors opened at noon, the building buzzed with movement. Families checked in, grabbed their first raffle tickets, and began exploring the resource tables lining the space—each one staffed by organizations eager to share tools, services, and opportunities with Harlem residents. Children drifted toward arts and crafts or playing in the gym and parents found themselves in conversation with vendors who offered everything from housing support to youth programming to wellness resources.

Opening the Day Together

We gathered for opening remarks, where are our hosts Dilim Dieke, HEAF’s Director of Community Wellness and Kai Bush, HEAF’s Director of Admissions, welcomed everyone and kicked the event off! HEAF’s Board Member, Shaun Waters, followed with reflections on community, gratitude, and the power of showing up for one another.

Moments later, the first performances began—powerful sets by Chanese Elifé and KrayKay that brought the room to life and reminded everyone that community events can be both informative and deeply inspiring. The first raffle of the day followed, kicking off a series of moments that kept families engaged and excited throughout the afternoon.

Workshops That Empowered

Participants then headed to breakout rooms for hands-on workshops designed to offer practical, real-world skills:

Participants shared that they left feeling empowered, informed, and equipped with tools they could use immediately—whether in their kitchens, workplaces, or daily routines.

Meanwhile, the arts & crafts and game room opened, giving younger participants a space to create, play, and unwind.

Lunch, Exploration & Community Joy

Families enjoyed lunch, vendors continued conversations, and the second raffle brought more smiles and surprises. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming—exactly the kind of environment that makes people feel comfortable asking questions, sharing stories, and building new connections.

Performances That Moved the Room

The afternoon continued with a soulful performance by Jules Ducker, followed by more raffles and exploration time. As the day neared its close, Cumbe African Dance & Drumming filled the space with movement and rhythm, drawing participants into a shared moment of cultural celebration.

Closing the Day

The final raffles and closing remarks wrapped up a day that felt both energizing and grounding. Participants left with new resources, new relationships, and a renewed sense of community.

What We Heard From the Community

Survey responses reflected overwhelmingly positive experiences. Participants shared that they felt:

  • Informed — gaining access to valuable, relevant resources
  • Empowered — through workshops and hands-on learning
  • Connected — to neighbors, organizations, and HEAF’s broader ecosystem

Many expressed interest in enrolling students in HEAF programs, volunteering, or staying connected in other ways. Others highlighted the kindness of vendors, the welcoming atmosphere, and the joy of seeing so many organizations in one space.

A few reflections from attendees:

  • “What stood out most was the strong sense of community throughout the entire event.”
  • “There was something for everyone.”
  • “The self-defense workshop was a standout—practical, engaging, and empowering.”
  • “The MCs kept the day flowing smoothly and made the space feel welcoming.”
  • “I learned about so many resources I didn’t know existed.”

These voices underscore what made the day special: not just the programming, but the feeling of being seen, supported, and welcomed.

 

Acknowledgments

This event would not have been possible without the generosity, partnership, and collaboration of our community.

Thank you to:

 

Community Partners & Participating Organizations (Full List)

  • Appalachian Mountain Club

  • ASPIRA of New York Inc

  • Black Girls Smile

  • Borough of Manhattan Community College

  • Boricua College

  • Chanese Elifé (Performer)

  • Columbia InTOuCH Program

  • Common Threads

  • Cornell University Cooperative Extension

  • Cumbe African Dance & Drumming (Performer)

  • Darkness RISING Project

  • Department of Small Business Services

  • Edward Jones

  • EMBRace Program

  • FDNY Office of Recruitment and Retention

  • George Jackson Academy

  • Harlem Free Fight Academy

  • Harlem Jets

  • Harlem School of the Arts

  • Harlem Strong

  • Jules Ducker (Performer)

  • Kids Passport to Adventure

  • Mayor’s Office of Public Engagement

  • National Alliance on Mental Illness of NYC (NAMI‑NYC)

  • New York City of Adoptable Children

  • NYC Department for the Aging

  • NYS Division of Consumer Protection

  • Nuasin Next Generation Charter School

  • Opportunity Charter School

  • Phelps Reading Lab

  • Pockets Change

  • Primerica Financial Services

  • Sisulu‑Walker Charter School of Harlem

  • StreetSquash

  • THE FRESH AIR FUND

  • The New York Public Library

  • UnitedHealth

  • WARMINC

  • York College

Looking Ahead

The Community Resource Fair continues to grow each year, strengthening HEAF’s role as a convener, connector, and catalyst for community wellness and opportunity. We look forward to building on this foundation—expanding partnerships, deepening engagement, and creating even more spaces where families feel supported, informed, and inspired.