Parent Mentors Shine in Hosting Steps Toward Success Special Education Resource Fair

The 2023-2024 school year has kicked off with a resounding commitment to support families and caregivers of students with disabilities, thanks to the remarkable efforts of Parent Mentors and District Representatives. Among them, Saundra Jordan and Raychelle Fair, Parent Mentors in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, have set an energetic example through their recent endeavor.

On September 16th, Max Hayes High School hosted the “Steps Toward Success Special Education Resource Fair,” an event that drew an impressive crowd of nearly 500 attendees, including children, parents, guardians, vendors, staff, and volunteers. Over 105 families, some accompanied by 2-3 children, gathered to partake in a day filled with decorations, musical stylings from a DJ, delicious food, engaging games, a thought-provoking panel discussion, and an enlightening parent seminar.

The event featured an esteemed panel of eleven experts, including Jessica Baldwin, Interim Deputy Chief of Student Services for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, who shared their knowledge and inspiration with the attendees. Additionally, 36 companies were present to showcase their offerings, underscoring the diverse array of resources available to families and caregivers supporting children with disabilities.

This exceptional fair was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District ‘s Family and Community Engagement Department, led by Executive Director Tracy Hill and Director Carla Hempstead, and was presented by the Parent Ambassadors in Collaboration with the Parent Mentors.

Saundra Jordan, one of the driving forces behind this initiative, expressed the profound impact it had on the attending parents. “One parent shared she felt a weight had been lifted after the event, which was the whole goal of our event! This represented special education and education and family engagement working together to bring our parents the best possible resource information support, a relationship that will continue into the future.”

The dedication and enthusiasm displayed by Saundra Jordan and Raychelle Fair highlight the effectiveness and importance of relationships in the Parent Mentor Program. These individuals serve as shining examples of how communities can come together to ensure that children with disabilities receive the special attention and support they deserve.