Community Roots Resource Fair

Standing Together: The Importance of the Community Roots Resource Fair

On September 24, 2025, the Community Roots Resource Fair will take place at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds, bringing together dozens of local organizations and agencies in one place. The Sonora Area Foundation is proud to be the primary sponsor and financial supporter of this important event because we believe deeply in connecting people to the resources they need to thrive.

In today’s economy, many Tuolumne County residents are feeling financial pressure like never before. Escalating costs for everyday essentials, persistent inflation, and rapidly increasing fire insurance premiums are straining household budgets. For some, these challenges have become overwhelming—pushing families who have always managed on their own to now seek help for the first time in their lives.

This year, we are especially excited to announce a new partnership with Tuolumne County Public Health. For the first time, the Community Roots Resource Fair will include a healthcare component, offering screenings, flu shots, and other essential services on-site. This collaboration reflects our commitment to addressing not only financial and social needs but also the overall health and well-being of our community.

The Community Roots Resource Fair is designed to meet people where they are. It will provide direct access to services and support, whether that means housing assistance, healthcare resources, food security programs, mental health services, or information on navigating fire insurance and other critical financial issues. By bringing so many partners under one roof, this event makes it easier for individuals and families to discover the help available and take their next step forward.

One past attendee shared:

“I never thought I’d need help, but last year I lost my job and didn’t know where to turn. At the Resource Fair, I found people who listened, connected me to housing assistance, and gave me hope. It changed everything for my family.”

Local partners see the difference as well. A nonprofit provider said:

“This event breaks down barriers. Families who may be too proud or too overwhelmed to ask for help walk away with information, support, and dignity. It’s one of the most impactful community gatherings of the year.”

As a community foundation, we have a responsibility not only to fund important programs but also to strengthen the connections between people and resources. The Resource Fair embodies that mission—it’s about neighbors helping neighbors, local organizations working in collaboration, and ensuring that no one feels they must face these challenges alone.

We recognize that asking for help can be difficult. But this fair is a reminder that needing assistance is not a sign of weakness—it’s part of what makes us a community. When one of us struggles, we all have a role to play in lifting each other up.

On behalf of the Sonora Area Foundation, I invite you to attend, spread the word, and encourage others who may benefit to join us on September 24. Together, we can make sure that everyone in Tuolumne County knows they have a place to turn in times of need.

Let’s come together, strengthen our roots, and grow a more resilient community—together.