Monday’s meeting features two keynote speakers

STEUBENVILLE -- The Ohio Valley Youth Network will meet from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday at the Sycamore Youth Center, located at 301 N. Fourth St.

The evening's featured speakers will include Robert Corner of Strong Towns Steubenville, according to Bobbyjon Bauman, president of the Ohio Valley Youth Network at the Sycamore Youth Center.

Strong Towns Steubenville is a recently-formed group seeking to revitalize the city through principles laid out by the national nonprofit organization.

Beth Rupert-Warren will be the event's other keynote speaker, Bauman stated.

Rupert-Warren will share information about the newly-formed Jefferson County Resource Network website and app.

The Resource Network team was formed by the Jefferson County Educational Service Center following help from Jefferson County commissioners.

The program's officials have launched the informational website which features contact information for area agencies and organizations.

This will help ensure residents throughout Jefferson County receive the most up-to-date information when trying to find a local service provider.

"The purpose of the site is to bring together as many service providers as possible and categorize them in a way that will allow users to find the assistance they need through a quick and simple process," the site states.

The website continues, "The Jefferson County Resource Network also coordinates quarterly meetings with area service providers so they may foster positive working relationships with one another. These meetings will allow providers the opportunity to collaborate with one another and identify the various gaps of service within Jefferson County. Once identified, it is our hope to establish these types of service providers in our area so we can ultimately meet the community's needs."

Monday's meeting will include time for a roundtable sharing by other agencies, groups and individuals who work with youth throughout the area.

Bauman commented that anyone who works with local youth or who would like to be informed about those working with area youth can attend the meeting.

According to officials, the meeting will provide those in attendance the opportunity to obtain information on the many different local agencies which are striving to uplift teenagers and children in the area.

"It is an excellent meeting in which to meet others and to collaborate," Bauman said. "Everyone is welcome to attend."