Local Nonprofits, Community Service Providers to Share Ideas, Resources at Thursday Conference

Connect Pas4, a networking event which provides an opportunity for participants to network with community service providers and organizations while listening to music and eating delicious food, is happening  at the Pasadena Convention Center (PCC) on May 4 at 3 p.m.

Mayor Victor Gordo, Councilmember Tyron Hampton, Day One, Flintridge Center, and Harambee Ministries are sponsoring the event, which is expected to bring over 100 agencies, faith-based organizations and entrepreneurs within Pasadena and Altadena.

Tina Williams, Director of Community Engagement at Harambee Ministries said the event aims to inform participants about what is happening in the city in various areas including education and social services.

“We wanted to make it lively. We wanted to make it interactive and at the same time offer an opportunity for people in various departments and agencies to get to know each other,” Williams said. 

Williams said there will be breakout sessions during Connect Pas4 so participants will be able to meet and talk about their goals.

“Those involved in social services will get an opportunity to meet with those involved with social services. There will be three breakout areas where people will meet and talk about what are their goals, what are things that they would like to see happen in the city.” 

Williams believes organizations in the city should be united in solving pressing issues in the society. 

“We can do more together. If you have one resource and I have another resource, why don’t we work together and help each other out versus going after the same resources and competing with each other.” 

“Maybe we can talk about what policies are in place or can be put in place that can create a healthier community, for instance.”

This is the second ConnectPas4 hosted by the Harambee Ministries. The first one was held last year. 

One of the things that nonprofit leaders accomplished after gathering since last year, is the creation of a directory where residents can find service providers and the services they offer. 

“The Commission on the Status of Women would put out a directory and other agencies, but there wasn’t one that was kind of centered and streamlined that would also incorporate the faith community.”

“The directory is now complete. We’re going to show that at Connect Pas4 and will be revised next year. So there’ll be an opportunity for those people attending to get their information in the directory. Our hope is to expand upon that work because it’s just begun.”

Those joining the free event can register online and onsite but online registration is preferred as the organizers can only accommodate more or less 300. 

To register, visit: https://harambee.kindful.com/register/connectpas4