Uniontown’s East End celebrates youth, community
Uniontown firefighter Michael Deems shows a fire truck to children during the National Night Out event held Tuesday in the East End.
East End Concerned Citizens Group hosted a National Night Out Against Crime in collaboration with the Uniontown Police Department, the mayor's office, the Uniontown Fire Department, Weed and Seed Program, the Redevelopment Authority of Uniontown, Revamped Youth Group and the local Target store. Above, Mike Jones (right) of Revamped does face painting on four-year old Demontae Brooks.
East End Concerned Citizens Group hosted a National Night Out Against Crime in collaboration with the Uniontown Police Department, the mayor's office, the Uniontown Fire Department, Weed and Seed Program, the Redevelopment Authority of Uniontown, Revamped Youth Group and the local Target store. Above, 4-year-old Lylicia Shipley enjoys a hot dog at the event.
Uniontown’s East End focused on their youth and celebrated their community and the positive things occurring there by participating in the National Night Out Event.
“Events like these help residents become more involved and make the community more cohesive. They let people know there are groups here who care and who are willing to do what they can to make our community a better place,” said Pat Henderson, president of the East End Concerned Citizens group.
Tuesday’s event was held in a grassy lot at the corner of Collins Avenue and Austin Street and was organized by the East End Concerned Citizens; the East End Senior Group; and Revamped, a youth ministry group.
Uniontown Police Department, Uniontown Fire Department, city government officials and Target also supported the event.
The Night Out campaign is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, strengthen community/police ties and send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
Police Chief Jason A. Cox said meeting residents in a relaxed atmosphere benefits both police and the community, especially children who many not have much interaction without police outside of work setting.
“This let’s children know as adults that we really care about them, and we want to see them succeed,” said Mayor Ed Fike.
“It’s nice to see the community come together and see teens out here volunteering to help make this happen,” said Councilman Philip Michael.
About 10 teenagers involved with Revamped helped run games for smaller children and assisted in other ways with the event.
Michael Jones of Uniontown, who runs the group with his wife, Beth, said the purpose of the group is to teach youth the importance of their community.
The group’s slogan is: Real life, real love, real God.
“We’re trying to teach them to be responsible young adults and teaching them to care about their community,” Jones said, noting that the teens have been involved in other recent community-oriented events.
Middle and high school youth interested in becoming involved in Revamped can email Jones at revamped.real@gamil.com.