Brightside Project secures new building in Salem

SALEM, Ohio (WKBN) — The Brightside Project has officially secured a new building, according to a Facebook post by the nonprofit.

The group launched a campaign in April to find a larger space called “The Spark: A Bigger Space for a Brighter Future.”

The group was looking to purchase the former Donnell Ford Lincoln building on Continental Drive in Salem but has purchased the former IGA/Crossroads Ministries building located at 1909 N. Ellsworth Ave.

“We had big dreams with the Donnell Ford building, and while that particular plan didn’t unfold as we had hoped, we believe that every step has led us exactly where we need to be,” the Facebook post read. “Though it is a downsize from what we initially aimed for, there are several exciting positives.”

Some goals the organization hopes to achieve in the new space include:

• Lower operational costs
• Faster renovation timeline
• More manageable space for our current staff, volunteers and operations
• An intimate and welcoming environment to make children feel more comfortable
• Room to grow
• Improved accessibility for families across Columbiana and Mahoning counties
• Stronger community ties with a building already rooted in local history

The group said there are funding needs to complete the construction, and it is unclear when the new space will open. Monetary donations can be made online at brightsideprojectohio.org or mailed to PO Box 314, Salem, Ohio 44460.

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