by Lynn Johnson, Human Services Director
comments open from March 11 until March 30

Dust off those running shoes, grab your kids and register for the annual Edgerunner 5K hosted by Jefferson County Human Services and The City of Edgewater to be held May 8, 2010, from 8:00 a.m. until noon at Jefferson High School, located at 2305 Pierce St. Edgewater, CO 80214. Due to popular demand, the Edgerunner 5K will be hosted in conjunction with the Community Resource Fair offering participants the chance to support Foster Care and gain tremendous knowledge about valuable community resources.

The Edgerunner 5K raises awareness about the need for foster care homes in local communities and supports efforts to keep foster care children connected to their schools, culture and families. After the race there will be a rich variety of foster care and adoptive resources available to the community. This is an excellent opportunity to learn how you can support children in Jefferson County. The Edgerunner 5K will begin with the kid run at 8:15 a.m. and the adult run at 8:30 a.m. The Edgewater Fire Department pancake breakfast follows at 8:30 a.m.

The Community Resource Fair will begin at 9:00 a.m. and is coordinated by the staff of Jefferson County Department of Human Services as well as other community agencies. The Community Resource Fair provides a one-stop opportunity for residents and businesses to learn about, and take advantage of, the quality community resources available within Jefferson County. Community agencies and businesses from in and around Jefferson County will provide information and answer questions regarding their services. Services are diverse and include: senior services, mental health services, disability services, cultural services, family centered services and basic needs.

The fair is free to everyone and is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the businesses within the local community. In addition, there will be cultural performances, free food, refreshments and door prizes. This is a family-friendly fair that includes a Kids Corner featuring face painting and other interactive activities for parents to do with their children.

We aim to root our community with resources and awareness. Please mark your calendars for a day of connecting, learning and having fun. Visit www.edgerunner5K.com to register as a volunteer, to sponsor a youth, to run in the race or to register as a business vendor for the fair.