The Brightside Project will be holding an open house to celebrate the opening of its new building (pictured). (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

SALEM — The Brightside Project will be holding an open house to celebrate the opening of its new building.

The open house will be held from 4 through 7 p.m. March 4 at Brightside’s new location at 1909 N. Ellsworth Ave. and will feature a ribbon cutting in partnership with the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce. According to a media release, attendees “will have the opportunity to tour the new facility, meet the team, and learn more about The Brightside Project’s programs and services.” Light refreshments will be provided.

The event is free and open to the public and community members are encouraged to stop by and celebrate as Brightside marks “an exciting new chapter.”

Brightside purchased the new building on South Ellsworth, which was formerly an IGA Supermarket, followed by Crossroads Ministries, in September as part of its ongoing efforts to expand its programming to serve more families and children in Columbiana County and rural Mahoning County. In addition to providing Brightside with additional space to help meet their goal of serving 25,000 children annually by 2034, the new building “will serve as a safe and welcoming space where children and families can access essential resources, life skills programming, academic support, and career exploration opportunities.”

The Brightside Project initially intended to purchase the former Donnell Ford Lincoln building at 152 Continental Drive to renovate it into a youth center for Columbiana County children, embarking on a capital campaign to fund the purchase which was ultimately suspended in July after Brightside was unable to secure sufficient funding to meet the $3 million purchase price.

“We are excited to open the doors to this new space and share it with the community. This facility represents our continued commitment to serving children and families by creating a supportive environment for children and youth that fosters growth, learning, and hope,” said Brightside Project Co-Director Lisa Vittorio.

For information or questions contact Brightside by phone at 234-320-4005, or by email at lisa@brightsideprojectohio.org or visit their website at www.brightsideprojectohio.org.

mahart@mojonews.com