The Brightside Project will hold an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 4 to celebrate the opening of its new facility in Salem.

The event is scheduled for Tuesday, March 4, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 1909 N. Ellsworth Ave. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 5 p.m.

The Brightside Project, a nonprofit organization, aims to meet the needs of children in Columbiana County and rural Mahoning County.

Lisa Vittorio, co-director, said the new facility, the former IGA/Crossroads Ministries building, will be a safe space for children and families to access resources, life skills programming, academic support, and career exploration opportunities.

“We are excited to open the doors to this new space and share it with the community,” Vittorio said in a news release. “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.”

The open house will include a tour of the facility and provide more about the organization's programs, including Food for Kids, Coats for Kids, Bright Christmas, and the Sunshine Bus mobile outreach. Light refreshments will be served.

The North Ellsworth Avenue building will allow the nonprofit to provide a haven where children can have their basic needs met, receive academic support, build relationships, and explore career pathways.

The organization initially aimed to purchase the former Donnell Ford building on Continental Drive. While that plan did not materialize, the nonprofit said the former IGA building offers lower operational costs, a faster renovation timeline, more manageable space for staff and volunteers, an intimate and welcoming environment, improved accessibility, and stronger community ties.