MANSFIELD, Ohio — Kenyatta Shirley grew up in the north end of Mansfield. At 14 years old, she had the opportunity to work for the Ocie Hill Neighborhood Center’s Youth Corp on 445 Bowman Street. Now, at age 29, she works for the city of Mansfield as the program director for the Success Center.
On Saturday, April 25, she will be putting her love and passion for reaching out to Mansfield’s minority population to work at the 18th Annual Minority Fair.
The fair starts at 8 a.m. and lasts until 1 p.m. The fair is held on the last Saturday of April every year and helps celebrate that April is National Minority Health Month.
The fair offers minorities information on various health options in the area, as well as information on other nonprofit organizations that specialize in jobs. Some of the organizations include OhioHealth MedCentral Hospitals, Area Agency on Aging, Richland Public Health, Richland County Job & Family Services, Central City Economical Development Community Action Council, and others.
The idea, said Shirley, is to be an asset to the community.
“I went to this growing up. It’s a really good event because there are resources made available to the community at no price,” said Shirley.
Shirley is hoping for another great turnout this year. Last year’s event drew 200-300 people.
“There’s always great collaboration (from the county) with this,” said Shirley.
Saturday’s event is open to the public, free of charge. The fair will take place throughout the Ocie Hill Neighborhood Center’s building. Brunch, catered by First Adventist Church, will be served.
