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On Thursday, the Troup County School System will be hosting a Family Resource Expo at Clearview Elementary from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Felicia Moneypenny, a special education teacher at LaGrange High School, said the Family Expo is designed around a Family Resource Guide that includes many different agencies in Troup County that support individuals with disabilities.

“In that guide, they will be provided with agency names, contact information and a description of what each of those agencies do,” Moneypenny said. “Parents will receive that guide to keep and refer to in the future but will also be able to visit some of those vendors at the expo.”

Moneypenny said there will be over 20 vendors on site. Among those that will be present at the expo are adaptive sports agencies, emergency responder personnel from the police department and fire department, Grace Harbor, Exceptional Way, New Ventures and more.

“There are a couple of agencies that will not be there that sent materials to share with parents about their agencies,” Moneypenny said. “The huge thing about this is that it will create an opportunity for families raising loved ones with a disability in our community to have direct access to these agencies. Not only are they learning about support and services that are available, but they’re able to ask questions and even fill out some applications on the spot. It will be a great opportunity for our families.”

Moneypenny said the expo is open to anyone in the public.

“If you know anyone with a family member, a friend that is raising someone with a disability or even if they’re into adulthood with a disability, there are still care needs. This is open to everyone,” Moneypenny said.

Moneypenny said families have access to a lot of resources in the community, however many don’t know which agencies are there, and if they have heard of the agency names, they don’t know what types of support or services they need.

“It’s imperative that we educate our community on what’s available,” Moneypenny said. “It is a struggle for our families that have individuals with significant needs. It’s important for them to know that they don’t always have to do it alone — there are agencies that can support them and help.”