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More than 40 local organizations came together on March 1 to participate in Hollister Downtown Association’s Fourth Annual Youth Expo at the Veterans’ Memorial Building.
Omar Rosa, chief executive officer of the Hollister Downtown Association, told BenitoLink the Youth Expo grew from an idea brought to him in 2022 by Maria Spandri, manager of the Hollister Veterans’ Memorial Building. She suggested hosting an event to bring “different groups that offered after-school activities or programs as a one-stop shop, so that parents could see what is available for their children,” Rosa recalled.
This year’s expo hosted a wide range of organizations with information for local families. Participants included Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, 4-H club, and the Hollister Police Department’s Explorers. Representatives from various tutoring programs, martial arts academies, sports and performing arts organizations also participated, along with behavioral and mental health organizations, and BenitoLink reporters who provided information on its internship program.
”I told her that the Hollister Downtown Association would love to assist her with creating such an event,” he said. The downtown association has since partnered with the American Legion and the Veterans’ Memorial Building to keep the Youth Expo going.
Rosa said many of this year’s participating organizations gave him positive feedback after the event.
“A lot of them told me that they were able to have quality conversations regarding their programs with parents and they expect to see more sign-ups as a result,” he said.
Rosa also said some families were able to receive more than information. For instance, the Community Action Board gave out back-to-school supplies, and the Commonwealth Credit Union offered a $200 promotion to anyone who signed up for a membership. Attendees were also treated to performances by Ha’ Hula/Te Reva O Te Manu and San Benito Dance Connections.
“There are so many different organizations here—a family with kids who are so different would be able to find things that will cater to each one,” San Benito Stage Company board member Adrienne Summers said.
Enterprise Martial Arts Owner Mark Preader said he appreciated that the expo was giving families options to see “what’s out there.”
“I don’t think a lot of parents—or kids—know what’s available, and there are so many great resources we have here in town,” he said. “Whether they are physical, or not, they have a lot of choices.”
Rosa said he is grateful so many local organizations participated, and is now “looking forward to year five and beyond.”
“We help put this together for them, as they are the ones that provide our children with the opportunities to follow their passions.”
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