Ohio University Lancaster to host third annual Social Work Resource Fair

Ohio University Lancaster will host its third annual Social Work Resource Fair on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Brasee Hall’s North Lobby and Wilkes Gallery, located at 1570 Granville Pike in Lancaster.

The 2026 Social Work Resource Fair is a free event and is open to the public. More than 20 community organizations will be represented through individual booths, offering attendees the opportunity to connect directly with local agencies and nonprofit partners serving Fairfield County and the surrounding region. 

Participating organizations include 2-1-1, Fairfield County ADAMH Board, Fairfield County Juvenile Court, Lutheran Social Services, The Salvation Army, The Recovery Center, The Senior Hub and Meals on Wheels, FairHope Hospice, NYAP, OhioGuidestone, Connexion West, Fairfield County Health Department, Lancaster City Schools and many others.

The event continues to grow each year. In 2024, nine agencies participated in the Resource Fair. That number nearly doubled in 2025, with 16 agencies in attendance, reflecting increased community engagement and student interest. Organizers anticipate continued growth in 2026 as additional partners join the event.

Feedback from previous years highlights the fair’s strong impact on both students and agency partners.

“I loved having the ability to network with other agencies and seeing a physical manifestation of the phenomenal services Fairfield County has to offer,” one student shared following the 2025 event.

Another described it as “an amazing opportunity for agencies and students alike to network and foster a collaborative environment for social workers,” while others appreciated the diversity of services represented and the wealth of information available.

Agency representatives echoed that enthusiasm. One praised “the flow of the event, allowing the students to mingle and feel comfortable talking to different agencies.”

Others highlighted the value of “direct communication with the students,” “the community of agencies coming together,” and the strong engagement and friendliness shown by both staff and students.

The event takes place during National Social Work Month, which is celebrated each March to recognize the vital contributions of social workers and to educate the public about the profession’s impact.

The 2026 theme, “Social Work: Uplift. Defend. Transform.” reflects the core mission of the profession. Social work focuses on enhancing human well-being, advocating for human dignity and justice, and creating meaningful change for individuals, families and communities.

The Resource Fair provides students and community members with a valuable opportunity to explore internships, service-learning placements, practicums and future career pathways within the helping professions. Students are encouraged to attend prepared with questions about agency services, internship and volunteer opportunities, and points of contact for continued engagement.

For social work students, the fair also supports academic progress. It offers opportunities to identify service-learning placements for SW 2601C and to explore potential senior-year Bachelor of Social Work placements and graduate-level Master of Social Work practicum sites. Beyond fulfilling course requirements, the event strengthens professional networking and introduces students to the wide range of community resources available locally.

“This event continues to grow each year, and we are thrilled to welcome such a strong group of community partners back to campus,” said Amy Wells, instructor of social work at Ohio University Lancaster. “The increased participation from agencies demonstrates how committed our community is to supporting students and strengthening the social services network in Fairfield County.”

Lisa Skeens, associate professor of social work at Ohio University Lancaster, added, “By bringing agencies and students together in one setting, the Social Work Resource Fair reinforces Ohio University Lancaster’s commitment to experiential learning, community partnership and workforce readiness.”

She continued, “While especially valuable for social work majors, the event is open to all students and community members who are interested in learning more about the services and support systems that strengthen individuals and families across the region.”

For more information about the Social Work Resource Fair, contact skeensl@ohio.edu or wellsa2@ohio.edu. For additional information about the Social Work program, visit ohio.edu/lancaster/academics/bachelor/social-work.