College Church Health Fair Demonstrates How Collaboration Improves Outreach

On Sunday, September 28, 2025, the College SDA Church hosted held its free annual Choose Wellness Health Fair in partnership with the Southern New England Conference (SNEC) Adventist Community Services (ACS) and the Leominster English SDA church. Held at Sholan Farms in Leominster, MA, the fair brought together church members, community leaders, and neighbors for a day dedicated to health, fellowship, and service.

Planning and Support

The vision for this year’s fair began early in 2025 when Kari Radford, College Church health ministry director, contacted SNEC ACS to seek partnership and support. She later met with Yves Francis, ACS director, to discuss how the conference could help make the event a success. From that meeting forward, the groundwork was laid for a highly organized and impactful program.

SNEC ACS provided canopies, water bottles, yellow “We Care” vests, and purple volunteer t-shirts, which ensured visibility, unity, and strong branding for the event team. ACS sponsorship and involvement were designed to add structure and credibility, helping to maximize outreach to the Leominster community.

The Choose Wellness Health Fair offered a diverse range of services and activities for all ages, including health screenings by medical doctors and nurse practitioners, healthy lifestyle counseling, and the Teddy Bear Clinic that helped children learn about health in a fun and interactive way. There was also a children’s area with games and family-friendly activities.  Attendees were treated to free chair and hand massage and the opportunity to try Fender Blender, a make-your-own smoothie station.  Attendees also enjoyed craft vendors, vegan and vegetarian meal options, a farmers’ market that offered fresh, local produce, and drawings every 30 minutes for prizes such as restaurant gift cards and shop vouchers. 

The College church also collaborated with the Sterling Fire Department, who offered safety resources and demonstrations, and local health care institutions and organizations who set up tables and shared health resources.

Leadership and Community Response   

Maria Valente, associate pastor of the College church, and local church leaders were actively present and supportive throughout the event. Their participation not only encouraged the church family but also showed how important spiritual leadership is to successful community health and service. The event also benefited from the full support and participation of the Leominster English Church membership under the leadership of their pastor, Kleber Hernandes.

Church leadership and community partners discussed possible future collaborations and involving additional nearby churches in upcoming health fairs. This vision would create a regional event that could expand both the scope of services and the number of community members reached.

Community Impact

Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed gratitude for the free screenings, practical health information, and nutritious food in a warm and supportive environment. The presence of church members, leaders, and professional partners, working side by side, reflected the true spirit of Total Member Involvement.

The College Church and SNEC ACS are committed to building on this momentum, ensuring the health fair remains a growing annual blessing to the community.