---

Forest Lake Area Partnership for Families, a network of service providers in Chisago, Washington and Anoka counties, is sponsoring an event that will offer information on a variety of resources available to those in need.

"Living on Less," Resources for Families in Need, isn't just about helping families in economic need, said Carolyn Carr Latady of the Forest Lake Area School Dist.

"We originally thought we'd be targeting just those who are struggling economically, but in these times, our audience is now broader," Carr Latady said. "I've taken the brochures places and asked them to be distributed, and people working there have said this is something they need too."

She said it's more about getting information to people about services such as child care, free and reduced school lunch programs, public health services, housing, youth enrichment, counseling, shelters, senior resources and more. All of these will be represented by a number of community organizations at the event, Wed., Aug. 12, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Maranatha Assembly of God Church in Forest Lake.

The event will include several free items, some while supplies last: thrift store vouchers, school supplies, budget and credit tips, blood pressure checks, kid's bike helmets and door prizes. A free lunch is also offered.

Carr Latady said the Partnership group modeled it after a similar event in Chisago County. It is being hosted in August because there are a lot of questions people need answered before their children go back to school.

She hopes the event is utilized as a way for people to make those first connections with available resources.

"They can come and ask questions and obtain information," Carr Latady said. "Mostly, it's a way to establish personal contact and know who's out there to help."

Other community resources that will be represented include: food shelves, thrift stores, homeless rights, sexual advocacy, adult education, sober living, housing, community justice, parent education, domestic violence shelters, WIC, chemical and mental health, car seat safety and more.

No registration is needed. Maranatha Assembly of God Church is located at 24799 Forest Blvd. For more information, call Carr Latady, (651) 982-8350.

---