Leveraging Community Events for Growth & Connection

Hey everyone! Beth here at the Cabell County Family Resource Network. Spring has officially sprung! The Bradford Pears and dogwoods are in full bloom, and with the warmer weather comes an abundance of free community events.
 
Free community events are more than just fun outings—they’re incredible opportunities for personal and professional growth. Whether you're looking to expand your network, engage your family, support local initiatives, or make the most of available resources, these events have something for everyone. Let’s break it down!
 
Networking & Relationship Building
In a past blog post, I talked about stepping outside your comfort zone. It’s not always easy, but taking that leap can lead to meaningful connections and unexpected opportunities. Think about it—if you trace back to a resource, job, or friendship that impacted your life, chances are it started with a single introduction.
 
Tips for making meaningful connections:
✅ Introduce yourself with confidence
✅ Ask questions and show genuine interest
✅ Be yourself—authenticity builds lasting relationships
 
Family & Youth Engagement
As a parent, I get it—sometimes it’s hard to take advice from others when it comes to your children. I was hesitant when my son was referred to Birth to Three, but in time, I realized: why not take advantage of available resources? Free events provide learning opportunities for both children and parents. Kids get exposed to new activities, people, and potential future interests, while parents discover valuable community programs designed to support them.
 
Supporting Local Initiatives
Even if you don’t think you personally need a particular resource, just showing up at a community event helps build a stronger, more connected community. When organizations see strong attendance, it reinforces the importance of their work and helps them continue serving others. Plus, you get a front-row seat to see how different groups collaborate to maximize resources.
 
Ways to show support:
✅ Volunteer (not sure where to start? I’d love to help!)
✅ Spread the word in your networks
✅ Partner with local organizations to bring fresh ideas
 
Maximizing Resources
Not every event will be a perfect fit for you, but if you ever think, "Should I go?"—the answer is YES! You never know what you might learn, who you’ll meet, or what opportunities might arise.
How to find free community events:
✅ Join local Facebook groups and neighborhood pages
✅ Follow businesses and organizations on social media
✅ Keep an eye out for flyers when you're out and about
 
 
✨ Check out our community events page for free events in Cabell and surrounding counties! → Community Events
 
Hope to see you out and about this Spring! 🌸