Harvesting Hope Youth and Family Wellness Inc., in partnership with the Dorchester County Health Department, Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce, Dorchester County Economic Development, and Dorchester County Public Schools, is hosting its 4th Annual Youth Expo to be held Saturday, May 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Chesapeake College-Cambridge Campus.

The Youth Expo provides educational workshops and hands-on experiences for youth in Dorchester County and surrounding areas. The past few years, it has reached over 680 youth and parents. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, Harvesting Hope was unable to host the event in 2021. However, this year promises to bring the same exciting experience as in the past. The Youth Expo is a free event for youth and families. 

The event opens with guest speaker Trevor Pryce, ex-football player for Baltimore Ravens and owner of OVFX media. It continues with some exciting and interactive breakout sessions for youth focusing on youth development, financial literacy, career and college readiness, bullying prevention, healthy relationships, healthy eating, physical fitness and wellness, mindfulness, and a reading social.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Recreational activities, giveaways and door prizes are just a few incentives that youth will receive for their participation.

However, what would a Youth Expo be without youthpreneurs and entertainment?  Jay’s Yum Yum Snacks will be there along with the Lemonade Kidz, artist Ce’Zanne Jackson, Braday’s Snackpak and Beyond Blessed Beads. The day will end with powerful performances by Ayla Dennis, Mega Empowerment’s Mega Dance Team from Annapolis, Eastern Shore Dance Academy, A1-FAZO and a special guest performance by Lake Boii. Other activities include arts and crafts, community resources and vendors. 

There will also be plenty for parents. Sessions will be facilitated by Dorchester County Public Schools- Supporting Parents in Student Success. This training will provide information that will assist parents with helping your student be successful. Information provided in this workshop will consist of graduation requirements, social-emotional learning and mental health information. It will provide you with information and resources to assist in your student's success.

There will also be Moving Dorchester Forward-The Power of Being Present: Interactive Self-Care Collaborative Discussion, with special guest Joy Moore. Moore, an author and parent advocate, Shay Lewis-Sisco, a parent and advocate, and Steve Rideout, a retired juvenile court judge and child advocate will introduce parents to the Bridges of Cambridge project. Families and our community are at a crossroads: The challenges brought on by the pandemic has exacerbated generational challenges that have long plagued communities all over America. The one truism in confronting any challenge is that solutions are best found when people work together. That is why the Bridges of Cambridge needs you to be part of the solution.  Come tell us about what you hope for Cambridge.

In addition, the Pauline F. and W. David Robbins Family YMCA will have information on programs, support and services for families. 

Strong partnerships have enabled the groups to offer this amazing event. However, they also rely on sponsorships for financial support to be able to provide this event annually. This year’s sponsors are Platinum Sponsor: Chesapeake College-Cambridge Campus, Legacy Level Sponsor: Affiliated Sante’ Group, Alpha Genesis CDC, Mr. Kevin Beverly, Dorchester Lodge #223 - IBPOE of W, Henry Funeral Home by Zhaden T. Myster, P.A., Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina, The Living Legacy Foundation, LNJ Event Rentals, Pauline F and W. David Robbins Family YMCA; Heritage Level Sponsor: Pepsi Company, Preston Ford, Todd Foundation; Community Level Sponsor: CJ’s Angels, Heirloom Athletics, Tri Gas & Oil Co Inc.; Empowerment: Caked by Kem: The Beauty Bar, Eastern Shore Area Health Education Center, Fairchild Properties, Mary Beth & Norman Klotz, Dr. Lois Narr, Scott & Melissa Smith, Chick-fil-A; Event Support Sponsor: Europa Salon & Spa, Susan Klise, Dorchester County Public Library.

The Youth Expo is also supported, in part, by funds through the Maryland Department of Health Cigarette Restitution Fund Program and the Dorchester County Health Department and grant number AH-TP1-20-001 from HHS Office of Population Affairs through MDH. 

The committee and partners of the Youth Expo would like to extend a special recognition and thank you to Branden Hesson and Platinum Sponsor Chesapeake College and the Cambridge Campus staff for their support of this event and the youth in our county.