Growing Together: The Evolution of DeSoto County Ahead

On January 13, 2026, The Patterson Foundation (TPF) hosted the annual DeSoto County Ahead Community Update, bringing together residents, organizations, and changemakers from across DeSoto County for an evening centered on connection, learning, and shared purpose.

More than 528 community members attended the event, engaging with 95 exhibitors and supported by 20 dedicated volunteers, a mix of adults and high school students from JROTC and Links to Success. Several student volunteers returned for a second year, reinforcing the idea that community building is strongest when generations work side by side.

The DeSoto County Ahead Resource Fair continues to evolve each year, reflecting growing trust, relevance, and collaboration within the community. What began as a small gathering has steadily expanded:

• Year 1: About 30 exhibitors
• Year 2: Approximately 60 exhibitors
• Year 3 (2026): 95 exhibitors

This year's exhibitors included 95 organizations, with 32 participating for the first time. Exhibitors repeatedly noted how impressed they were by both the number of participating organizations and the strong turnout from the community, many sharing that they left with new partners, fresh ideas, and renewed energy for their work.

New this year, exhibitors were intentionally given time to connect before attendees arrived. This pre-event exhibitor exchange quickly became one of the most celebrated aspects of the experience.

Exhibitors shared that having dedicated time to mingle, exchange information, and reconnect with peers allowed for deeper conversations and more meaningful relationship-building. Many described this time as "wonderful," "valuable," and a highlight of the event, noting that it helped strengthen bonds between organizations and sparked ideas for collaboration.

By creating space for exhibitors to connect first, the event reinforced an important truth: when organizations are connected, they are better equipped to come together in service of others.

Exhibitor feedback consistently highlighted how organized and thoughtfully planned the event felt. From arrival and setup to traffic flow and logistics, exhibitors noted that details were well considered and execution was smooth, even with the large number of participants.

The layout allowed attendees to move comfortably from table to table, creating steady but manageable engagement at each booth. The Exhibitor Passport encouraged interaction, motivating attendees to stop, listen, and learn rather than simply pass by. Exhibitors appreciated having adequate time and space to share their stories, answer questions, and connect authentically with community members.

Many also commented on the welcoming atmosphere, friendly volunteers, clear signage, smooth registration, extended meal time without long lines, and creative touches like décor that made the space feel inviting and energizing.

The 2026 Community Update offered a clear reflection of Connecting → Learning → Sharing → Evolving → Strengthening (CLSES) in action.

• Connecting happened through conversations—between exhibitors, attendees, volunteers, and partners, old and new.
• Learning took place as residents discovered resources and organizations learned more about one another's work.
• Sharing was visible in creative booths, storytelling, and the exchange of local history and experiences.
• Evolving showed up in the intentional changes made this year, especially the added space for exhibitor connection and improved flow.
• Strengthening emerged as relationships deepened and organizations left better positioned to collaborate and support the community together.

The steady growth of DeSoto County Ahead, from 30 exhibitors in its first year to nearly 100 in just three years, is more than a measure of scale. It is a reflection of trust, thoughtful learning, and a community willing to grow together.

As the initiative continues to evolve, the 2026 Community Update stands as a meaningful example of what happens when people, organizations, and ideas are given the space—and intention—to connect.

Check out this year's photo album of the event!