Douglas County Hosts Strive to Thrive Resource Fair With Scholarships

Douglas County officials on Jan. 7 announced a Strive to Thrive Resource and Service Fair to be held 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, at Calvary Castle Rock, 1480 Canyon Drive. The free community event, led by the county’s Community of Care Network, will provide a hot meal and on-site connections to more than 25 local service organizations offering food, clothing, medical assistance, employment help, benefits enrollment including SNAP, and other supportive services.

With no registration required, the fair is designed to lower access barriers for residents who need immediate assistance or help navigating benefit programs. County staff and partner agencies will be available to assist with benefits enrollment, potentially streamlining access to federal and state safety-net programs that affect household budgets and long-term economic stability.

This edition of the Strive to Thrive fair includes a Spring Sports Expo offering organized sports scholarships for children and teenagers ages 3–18. The scholarships are intended to cover equipment, uniforms, registration and related costs, addressing a common financial barrier to youth participation in organized activities. By reducing out-of-pocket expenses, the program aims to expand opportunities for youth development, physical activity and social engagement across Douglas County communities.

The Community of Care Network’s coordination of more than two dozen organizations at a single event reflects a collaborative institutional approach to service delivery. Centralizing food assistance, medical referrals, employment resources and benefits enrollment in one location is likely to increase take-up of services, reduce administrative friction for residents, and provide a one-stop entry point that can be particularly useful for households juggling multiple needs.

For local governance, events like this can serve as both service delivery and community outreach, strengthening relationships between residents and public agencies. By making enrollment assistance and direct services visible and accessible, the county is positioning local institutions to play a more active role in addressing immediate needs while highlighting gaps that may require longer-term policy responses.

No registration is required to attend; the county lists a local phone number for more information. The Strive to Thrive fair offers a practical, immediate option for residents seeking food, benefits assistance, medical referrals or youth sports support as winter needs and upcoming seasonal programs converge.