Teenagers in Salem invited to third annual 'Youth Summit'
Youth of Columbiana County and Mahoning County were invited to Salem on Saturday for the 2026 Youth Summit. This is the third year that the event has been held.
Hosted by The Brightside Project, a faith-based nonprofit founded in 2016 that looks to support resiliency and the needs of children and young adults, the youth summit brought people together.
Co-Director of the Brightside Project, Lisa Vittorio, says that the program has helped youth in all stages of their life, from children to teenagers.
"Youth Summit gives them a safe space to ask hard questions, grow as a person, be encouraged in their faith and then really discover that they have a brighter future than what they might think," said Vittorio.
During the event, Vittorio says that both familiar faces and new faces were seen.
"Youth Summit is about showing teens that they are seen, loved and valued," said Vittorio.
Vittorio continued," Our goal is to create a safe and fun environment where students can grow spiritually, emotionally and socially while being surrounded by positive adult role models."
For attendees who registered in advance, raffle tickets were distributed. Those tickets could be used for a chance to win a variety of prizes, including:
- An electric scooter
- 32-inch smart TV
- A variety of gift cards
- More
The Brightside Project offers a variety of programs, including coats for kids, crisis relief, back-to-school clothing and more.
More information on The Brightside Project can be found on its website.
