SOME Center for Employment Training successfully hosted its second Annual Job and Resource Fair on Friday, March 20, 2026, bringing together current trainees, recent graduates, community partners, and employers for a dynamic and impactful event.
With over 75 students in attendance, the fair created a vibrant space focused on connection, support, and opportunity. A total of 25 vendors participated, offering resources across a wide range of critical areas including food assistance, housing support, mental health services, childcare resources, legal services, case management, and emergency assistance. These services were intentionally curated to help reduce barriers and support trainees in successfully completing their programs.
Organizations such as the Department of Human Services, Office of the Ombudsman for Public Education (SBOE), Andrews Federal Credit Union, Capital Youth Empowerment Plan, and the DC Office of the Tenant Advocate were in attendance just to name a few. In addition to resource providers, three employers, Unity, SOME, and Employ Prince George’s, were on-site to engage with participants, share employment opportunities, and build connections with job-ready candidates.
The event also featured a series of impactful interactive workshops designed to support trainees’ stability and long-term success. Workshop topics included information about the DCHA Self-Sufficiency Program, Workers’ rights, Renters’ rights, and the GWUL Fatherhood Program. These sessions provided practical knowledge and actionable insights to help participants navigate employment, housing, and family support systems more effectively.
Attendees also participated in BINGO and raffles, which helped maintain an engaging and energetic atmosphere throughout the event. The BINGO game encouraged participants to engage directly with vendors as they explored resources. Gift cards were awarded to raffle winners. Breakfast and lunch were provided for students, creating additional opportunities for networking and community building among trainees, vendors, and employers.
This event would not have been possible without the dedication of the planning team, Lashawn Love, Vera McCormick, and Jamila Green, as well as the support of CET trainee volunteers who served as ambassadors. Volunteers played key roles in vendor coordination, event setup, check-in, food distribution, and capturing moments for social media.
Overall, the Resource Fair successfully achieved its goal of equipping trainees with valuable information, meaningful connections, and increased awareness of the many resources available to support them during training and beyond. The feedback from vendors as well as trainees has been overwhelmingly positive. We look forward to next year’s annual resource fair!
