VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) partnered with community resources around the city to hold its first-ever resource expo on Saturday.
Families and children were invited to the department’s training center to learn about various organizations available in the city, including mental health groups, drug treatment services, athletic groups and more.
VBPD Lt. Kevin Lokey with the department’s Youth Services Unit said community groups jumped at the opportunity to work together on the fair.
“There was no hesitation,” Lt. Lokey said. “Once I put it out there, people came out of the woodwork. I’ve found in the two years I’ve been in my position, people really want to help when it comes to children.”
The free event offered trainings and information on organizations that help families through a variety of life situations. Classes addressing topics including vaping/smoking, bullying and school safety were held throughout the day. There was also a touch-a-truck station and Sentara offered flu vaccines at a mobile clinic.
“We get a lot of calls from parents for 911 looking for help,” Lt. Lokey explained. “A lot of times, it’s not a crime that’s been committed, they’re looking for resources.”
Stand Up For Kids was one of more than 40 organizations at Saturday’s expo. Drop Center Coordinator Becca Miller said the organization provides help for youth up to age 24 experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
“So many of these things exist, and nobody knows they do exist,” Miller said. “For families, it really just gives them that knowledge of, this is something that is available out in the community.”
Miller said, even as a vendor, she learned about new opportunities for help available in Virginia Beach.
“Some of them, I’m familiar with,” she said of the booths, “And some I need to walk around and learn more about.”
