TAKING A BREAK — The Aim Women’s Center held its first Mom’s Lunch Break event at the Sycamore Youth Center Thursday. The event allows mothers throughout the community to gather and enjoy an afternoon of fellowship, learning and community connection, according to officials. Sycamore Executive Director Bobbyjob Bauman, back, left, served as speaker. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — The Sycamore Youth Center was the site of an inspiring and engaging discussion on Thursday, a Mom’s Lunch Break event took place for members of the community.

Bobbyjon Bauman, president of the Ohio Valley Youth Network and executive director of Sycamore, served as the guest speaker for the afternoon.

Hosted by Rebekah Cohen Morris, executive director of the Aim Women’s Center, the event brought together a group of local mothers to enjoy an afternoon of fellowship, learning and community connection.

The women enjoyed a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere and ate pizza while having conversations.

Bauman shared with those in attendance a presentation regarding the mission, impact and ongoing programs of the youth center.

His talk highlighted the center’s role as the only youth center in the Steubenville area, serving more than 500 students who are in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Each of the students who attend are in one or many of the 60-plus free after-school programs offered by Sycamore.

These programs range from life skills classes, such as cooking and home repair, to arts, music and recreational activities, Bauman stated.

Additionally, Bauman spoke about the center’s role in hosting Fellowship of Christian Athletes clubs across multiple area school districts. He discussed with participants about facilitating youth leadership opportunities through initiatives such as the Sycamore Service Corps.

Throughout the lunch break, attendees asked questions about the center’s outreach efforts, inquired about its impact on local youth and looked for ways in which they can get involved.

Bauman’s presentation underscored the “tremendous support from more than 100 volunteers,” who help to sustain the center’s programs.

He noted there is “a significant role” in the community partnerships Sycamore has, which makes these opportunities possible.

The Mom’s Lunch Break event provided “a valuable opportunity for local mothers to engage with the work of the Sycamore Youth Center” and to discover ways to support and participate in its mission, according to Coen Morris.

The event left attendees encouraged and inspired by the center’s commitment to empowering the next generation through faith-based education, mentorship and enrichment programs,. Bauman concluded.

Anyone who is interested in becoming a part of Sycamore Youth Center programs can go online to its website at sycamorecenter.com or call (740) 409-2986.

Those who would like to participate in the newly-added Mom’s Lunch Break or other Aim Women’s Center programs, can contact the women’s center at (740) 346-6705.

The Sycamore Youth Center serves more than 500 students annually, offering free after-school programs, leadership training and mentorship opportunities.

Through its dedicated team of volunteers and community support, the center is able to continue to make a lasting impact on the youth residing in the Steubenville area.