URBANA, IL (Chambana Today) — More than 40 local organizations came together at Lincoln Square Mall on August 22, for the Scott Bennett Family Resources Day, a community event designed to connect families with vital services for health, wellness, and legal support. Now in its second year, the event has grown from its original location at Brookens to fill the mall’s spacious concourse, offering everything from child development resources to Medicare guidance — all in the spirit of late State Senator Scott Bennett’s enduring legacy.

“Scott was all about community, about service, about giving back,” said Bud Windelborn, Operations Manager for the Champaign County State’s Attorney’s Office. “This expo is the perfect way to showcase what he stood for. It’s one way we can keep his memory alive.”

Hosted at Lincoln Square Mall in Urbana, the expo featured over 40 vendors committed to supporting families with children, particularly those with limited access to health and social services. Attendees explored free programs, play groups, health screenings, and even help navigating complex healthcare systems.

At the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, Rachel, a maternal wellness and child health specialist, highlighted her team’s work in supporting families from pregnancy through a child’s fifth birthday. “We offer free developmental screenings, prenatal care coordination, home visits, and parenting support — all to give kids the strongest start possible,” she said.

Ashley Shaw, a healthcare navigator with the Champaign County Health Care Consumers, emphasized the importance of reaching underserved populations. “So many in our community don’t know what healthcare options they have — especially older adults or those impacted by recent Medicare changes. We’re here to make sure no one falls through the cracks.”

That effort is bolstered by Nicole, a Medicare specialist who has been actively helping redirect Health Alliance clients and guiding those affected by coverage cuts.

The Urbana Park District was also on hand, promoting its Health & Wellness Center, which now boasts more than 1,800 members. “We’re proud to offer scholarship opportunities and free programs on days when school is out,” said Kern, a Park District representative. “It’s all about making wellness accessible to everyone.”

Organizations like the Crisis Nursery and United Pride of Champaign County were also featured. Sarah, the Child Development Coordinator at Crisis Nursery, stressed the value of collaborative expos like this: “Events like these are essential. They bring together the people and services that families need and allow us providers to build stronger connections with each other too.”

Aiden from United Pride pointed out the size and significance of Champaign County’s Pride Fest, noting, “Ours is second only to Chicago’s. Events like these allow us to reach more families who need inclusive, affirming resources.”

With programming like Soccer Planet playtime, story groups, and walking groups for expectant moms, the expo truly had something for everyone — and served as a reminder of the strength that comes when a community works together.

“The goal is to connect families to resources, but it’s also about collaboration,” said Rachel. “We’re all stronger when we work together.”