Nonprofits put on autumn block party | News, Sports, Jobs

UNITING THE COMMUNITY — The Sycamore Youth Center and AIM Women’s Center teamed up for a fall block party Wednesday evening. The leaders who put on the autumn event, along with the hip hop artists who entertained by performing for the community, included, from left, Rebekah Cohen Morris, executive director of AIM; Bobbyjon Bauman, executive director of Sycamore; J.R. Lawrence Lewis, Elisha Fletcher and Gene Shelby.
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STEUBENVILLE — Approximately 350 people from across Steubenville gathered along North Fifth Street Wednesday evening, as the Sycamore Youth Center and the AIM Women’s Center hosted a fall block party. The event, which is aimed at fostering community connections, featured live performances from the Steubenville High School drumline, local musicians, food, games, a foam party and nonprofit vendors — all focused on bringing the community together.

The block party brought together residents from different backgrounds, emphasizing unity and fellowship. Screwy Louie’s Foam Party was among a variety of activities offered for children.

Families came together and united with other families, enjoying free hamburgers, hot dogs, football, frisbee and live music from hip hop artists MoTruth, J.R. Lawrence Lewis and Elisha Platinum Fletcher. The Steubenville High School drumline added to the event’s atmosphere.

Sycamore Youth Center Executive Director Bobbyjon Bauman emphasized the event’s goal of creating a space where children and adults from diverse backgrounds could come together and build lasting connections.

“One of the goals was to give students and adults the opportunity to hang out with one another from all different backgrounds, from wherever station of life they find themselves,” Bauman said. “They’re able to sit down, have a meal together, share fellowship and have a great time.”

J.R. Lawrence Lewis took time to meet with some of the students from the Sycamore center following his performance.
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This community-centered initiative reflects the Sycamore Youth Center’s broader mission of providing hope and life skills to students from all walks of life. The center continues to be a hub for educational and recreational opportunities for youths in kindergarten through 12th grade, with a commitment to fostering faith and connection.

Rebekah Cohen Morris, executive director of the AIM Women’s Center, echoed Bauman’s sentiments regarding fostering a sense of community among those who might not usually interact with one another.

“We really just want to bring parts of the community together that may or may not necessarily interact,” Morris said in trying to build bridges across Steubenville. “It’s just beautiful to see people of all types out here having a great time and celebrating community.”

The block party exemplified the collaboration between two community organizations, each striving to support families and individuals in the Steubenville area. Through their combined, ongoing efforts, the AIM and Sycamore centers are continuing to strengthen the fabric of the community by offering services which support health, education and overall well-being.

Given the success of Wednesday’s block party and the block party held during the summer, plans are underway to host the event on a quarterly basis, Bauman commented. The gatherings have grown in popularity, providing the community an opportunity to come together regularly … breaking down barriers and building new connections.

For updates on future Sycamore Youth Center and Aim events, visit the nonprofits’ websites at sycamorecenter.com and aimwomenscenter.com.