The Brightside Project suspends campaign for new youth center in Salem, Ohio

SALEM, Ohio (WKBN) – A local faith-based nonprofit is suspending its campaign to purchase the former Donnell Ford Lincoln building to convert it into a youth center.

On Monday, Brightside Project co-directors Lisa Vittorio and Scott Lewis posted the following on the Brightside Project Facebook page:

It is with deep regret that we must announce that we were unable to raise the necessary funds in time to purchase the Donnell Ford dealership for our Youth Center. Despite our best efforts, a request from the State of Ohio for $775,000 was not approved, creating a gap too large for us to fill and preventing us from implementing our Youth Center plan at this time.

We share your disappointment and feel the same heartache and frustration. We truly believe in this project and have worked tirelessly to make it a reality for our community. However, we trust in God and believe His plan is bigger than ours. We will be reaching out to our current Ignite the Spark donors to offer them a refund of their contributions. Your unwavering support has been a beacon of hope for us and we remain true to our commitment to equipping and empowering children to reach their full potential by building resilience and providing hope.

Love, Scott and Lisa

Last month, the Brightside Project said it was closer to its $3 million goal to purchase the site on Continental Drive in Salem, but still needs help from the community.

The group says they have been needing new space since last year and the current space is too small to use as just a transit space. The Salem-based nonprofit said a new building would allow them to expand their program. Vittorio says the youth center would have consisted of academic, health and human resource development components.

The Brightside Project works with children to help them reach their full potential, no matter what challenges they face. For more information, visit the Brightside Project website.