STEUBENVILLE -- The Sycamore Youth Center and Aim Women’s Center will partner to host a Sycamore/Aim Back-to-School Block Party from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Aug. 12 at the corner of North Fifth Street near the Aim Women’s Center.
The free event is open to the public and is designed to help local families prepare for the upcoming school year while enjoying an afternoon of food, entertainment, games, school supplies and connections to local community resources.
A highlight of the event will be a lineup of live performances featuring the Steubenville High School Marching Band, which will begin performing at 3 p.m., along with Evan Conn, Lydia Battistel, Lynzee Ensell, Dalana Bove, Elisha Fletcher, Next Level Community Choir and the Mighty Disciples Mime Team.
In addition to the entertainment, attendees will be able to enjoy free hamburgers and hot dogs while supplies last, receive school supplies, participate in outdoor games, and meet representatives from nonprofit agencies serving children and families throughout the Ohio Valley.
Organizations scheduled to be present include Sycamore Youth Center, Aim Women’s Center, United Way of Jefferson County, Salvation Army of Steubenville, Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County, Milton Hershey School, L.A.W.S. and other community partners.
Bobbyjon Bauman, executive director of the Sycamore Youth Center, said the event is meant to be a celebration and practical support for families as the new school year approaches.
“We want this to be a joyful afternoon where families can come together, enjoy great entertainment, receive school supplies and connect with organizations that are here to support them,” Bauman said. “The start of a new school year can bring financial pressure and stress for many households, so we wanted to create an event that not only blesses families with tangible help, but also reminds them that this community is behind them.”
Rebekah Cohen Morris, executive director of Aim Women’s Center, said the block party reflects the shared mission of local ministries and nonprofits working together for children and families.
“We really just want our families -- especially the moms -- to get a little extra support before the school year kicks off,” she said. “Moms are often the ones home with their children during the summer. Many of our moms are solo parenting, so we’d love to help relieve some of that financial burden and make the summer to school transition easier.”
Organizers say the block party is intended to offer a fun and encouraging way for families to kick off the school year while learning more about the services and opportunities available in the community.
Community members of all ages are invited to attend.