The Back-to-School Resource Fair at the College of Staten Island (CSI) on September 24 was more than just a typical campus event—it was a celebration of community, collaboration, and student well-being. United Activities Unlimited (UAU), led by Prevention Specialist and Project Coordinator Angelica Lopez, worked tirelessly alongside partners like TYSA and YMCA Counseling Services to create this incredible fair in just a couple of weeks. The purpose? To bring essential behavioral health resources, education on substance use, and a sense of mindfulness to the CSI community.

This event, organized with the help of a stellar UAU team (including Jennifer Colindres, Danielle DiCanio, Maimouna Faye, Josh DeCambre, and Andrew Wakschal), as well as CSI’s Office of Student Life, was designed to be a welcoming space for students to learn about local services, engage in relaxing activities, and connect with helpful organizations. The ultimate goal was to ensure students felt supported and knew they had resources available for mental health, substance use prevention, and more.

In all, the fair brought together 14 community organizations, including the YMCA, Camelot Counseling, Charlie Health, and CSI’s LGBTQ+ Resource Center. Together, these partners created a vibrant event that included behavioral health screenings, pro-social activities like mocktail sip and paint, and of course, plenty of food, thanks to Country Donuts and CSI Dining Services.

But the real magic of the event lay in its mission. The fair was about more than just free resources—it was about fostering a sense of belonging and resilience among CSI students. Through education on alcohol and cannabis use and a focus on healthy habits, the resource fair aligned with UAU’s larger College Prevention Initiative (CPI) and their commitment to supporting college students. With initiatives like behavioral health screenings using evidence-based SBIRT, the event aimed to equip students with the tools and knowledge needed to make informed decisions.

For Lopez and her UAU team, this event was a “thank you” to the CSI community for welcoming them into the campus fold. The impact of the fair was clear, with around 250-300 students participating, engaging with the resources, and taking home everything from behavioral health guides to cups from the YMCA. The hope is that these connections will continue to grow, helping the UAU’s partnership with CSI flourish even further. At its heart, the Back-to-School Resource Fair wasn’t just about giving out pamphlets or prizes—it was about showing students they aren’t alone, and that help is always within reach, no matter where they are in their college journey.

For more information on the UAU’s College Prevention Initiative visit their Website.

By: Nathalia Lampkin