Tuscaloosa, Alabama Mentoring Program Hosts Weekend Of Free Back To School Events

The first week of August is guaranteed to be a good time in Tuscaloosa. There's going to be plenty of fun and free school supplies at the Westside Community Weekend.

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The weekend is hosted by Mind Changers, which is a Tuscaloosa mentoring program that aims to increase the achievement levels of minority and disadvantaged youth. PARA, YMCA of Tuscaloosa-Benjamin Barnes Branch, and Amazon Fulfillment Center-BHM1 are among the list of sponsors for this event.

The event activities for the weekend are as follows:

• · August 7, 10 am – 2 pm, Freeman Park and Pool, located at 3001 Dragons Lane

Featuring swimming, Back to School supplies (while they last) including back packs, COVID-19 testing and vaccines, food and more

• · August 8, 8:30 pm, YMCA Barnes Branch, located at 2939 18th Street

Featuring computer-animated fantasy comedy-drama film, “Soul”. Bring your own blanket, lawn chair and bug spray to enjoy the outdoor movie. Refreshments are free and Catch A Taste food truck will be available for purchase.

According to an official press release, Rodney Pelt, Sr, CEO of Mind Changers says, “This is our seventh year and with the growth of “Operation Backpack” it expands the scope of who all we can reach. This event is a family-friendly opportunity for our community to come together in support of a great cause. Having a relationship with AMAZON this year is huge! We are appreciative of all our sponsors coming together to help present a huge event for the betterment of our students and community."

I love what this organization is about and how they're impacting lives here in Tuscaloosa. Things like this are what we need more of in the community.

If you'd like to learn more about the Westside Community Weekend, check out the official press release below.

Press Release

MIND CHANGERS EVENT SPONSORED BY PARA AND OTHERS BRINGING

“WESTSIDE COMMUNITY WEEKEND” TO TUSCALOOSA

Tuscaloosa, Ala. ~ Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority announces a collaboration with a Mind Changers event to bring “Westside Community Weekend” to Tuscaloosa. The two-day event on August 7 and 8, focuses on health and wellness, getting families and students ready to go back to school, and to have fun. Both events are free and open to the public. Rodney Pelt, Sr, CEO of Mind Changers says, “This is our seventh year and with the growth of “Operation Backpack” it expands the scope of who all we can reach. This event is a family-friendly opportunity for our community to come together in support of a great cause. Having a relationship with AMAZON this year is huge! We are appreciative of all our sponsors coming together to help present a huge event for the betterment of our students and community. We look forward to building more bridges across the West Alabama community.”

Jay Logan, Director of Community Outreach says, “We are excited to host “Westside Community Weekend” at Freeman Park and Pool. It is part of the PARA mission to support exciting opportunities. The fact we have a global reach with Amazon this year truly speaks to positive community efforts being recognized. We are beyond happy to join an awesome group of sponsors for the benefit of our local students’ educational, physical and social health and wellness as well as their families.”

Sponsors include PARA, YMCA of Tuscaloosa-Benjamin Barnes Branch, New Life Seventh-day Adventist Church, Maranatha Seventh-day Adventist Church, People Optimum Consulting, LLC and Amazon Fulfillment Center-BHM1.

Event activities are as follows:

· August 7, 10 am – 2 pm, Freeman Park and Pool, located at 3001 Dragons Lane

Featuring swimming, Back to School supplies (while they last) including back packs, COVID-19 testing and vaccines, food and more

· August 8, 8:30 pm, YMCA Barnes Branch, located at 2939 18th Street

Featuring computer-animated fantasy comedy-drama film, “Soul”. Bring your own blanket, lawn chair and bug spray to enjoy the outdoor movie. Refreshments are free and Catch A Taste food truck will be available for purchase.

Organizers note that limited street side parking and safe walk-up spaces will be available.

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Enriching our community through exciting recreational and cultural opportunities