Brightside Project moves locations in Salem
SALEM, Ohio (WKBN) — The Brightside Project in Salem has finally moved to a new and bigger base of operations.
In just a short time, the faith-based nonprofit was able to transform a former IGA and church into its new home. It was under repairs for two months.
Volunteers were moving everything on Saturday from the old building on East Perishing Street to the new one on North Ellsworth Avenue. With community support, it took less than an hour to move out.
"Probably my favorite part of today is just seeing everyone come together and what can be accomplished when everyone works together and what — in the grand scheme of what we do at Brightside — it's symbolic of what can happen when the community comes together and support our work at Brightside to help the kids in the community," said Lisa Vittorio.
Not having enough space was the biggest factor in the move. Vittorio says they were growing without any room to expand operations. The building and the immediate repairs fit into Brightside's campaign budget, but there's still more that needs done.
"We have about half the building done. We have run out of funding from our building campaign that we raise money for. So, there's some parts of the building that will have to come in phases down the road, but we're ready to start where we are now and just work with what we have," Vittorio said.
The new building is just five minutes away from the old one. Vittorio says the old location is going to become a Hispanic grocery store and resource center.
"Which is exciting because we work with those families and those children a lot. We know that's a huge need in the community. So, we're excited to see the space be used to further help families and children in our community," Vittorio said.
The new building is ready to host the last few events of the year. The organization's last Food and Coats for Kids event will be on Nov. 21 and the Bright Christmas event will be in December.
