''Bringing the fun to them': Families R Us group hosts block party in Prospect neighborhood
Flood City Youth Fitness Academy's Dazzling Divas were dancing in lockstep – and Ramel Malphurs, 9, was getting a Batman mask hand-painted on his face.
"This is about bringing the fun to them," said Kim Murray, one of the Families R Us co-organizers.
Saturday's event brought the party to the Prospect Housing Community – and it's just one in a series of neighborhood block parties planned across the city.
The grassroots Families R Us group formed after the event's previous lead organizer, Hope 4 Johnstown, was charged by the state Attorney Generals Office on to an unrelated, alleged sporting event ticket scam.
Families R Us organizers partnered with a list of city organizations, including the YMCA, the 1889 Foundation, Vision Together and the Greater Johnstown School District to ensure five scheduled youth events remained on track.
"We know these neighborhoods depend on these events every summer," Murray said, noting its become tradition in communities such as Prospect.
Malika Malphurs of Johnstown praised the event Saturday.
"This gives the kids something to do and it brings communities together," she said.
Nearby, Queen-Poetri Dozier was painting a super hero design on her stepson Ramel's face, while her daughter Myraclelove, 3, waited for her turn.
Ramel showed off his new mask before turning his attention to a twin set of bounce houses.
Arabella Cooper, 9, was climbing on a swing set nearby while Vision Together Executive Director Rob Forcey was flipping a sizzling griddle full of hamburgers.
"There's no community without 'U' and 'I,' " said Dozier, an event volunteer.
Murray said that certainly applied Saturday. Greater Johnstown School District officials and Vision Together donated cases of burgers and hot dogs, while 1889 Foundation donated buns, she said.
Nearby, Outreach Specialist Senda Harvey of The Backpack Project was with a bowl full of apples – but she was also offering families help throughout the school year.
The local nonprofit coordinates with Cambria County schools to ensure kids don't go hungry – but Harvey said the group recognizes some families can slip through the cracks.
The block parties serve as a perfect opportunity to reach them in their own neighborhoods, she said.
"We want to make sure kids are fed because you can't learn in school if you are hungry," Harvey said.
Organizers plan each event to host local organizations like theirs at each block party.
"This is our chance to let the community know we can help, regardless of their income level," Senda said.
Murray said blocl party volunteers knocked on doors Saturday morning to remind families about the event.
"Some of these kids don't have the same opportunities (for vacations or trips to amusement parks)," Murray said. "So something like this, they look forward to it."
The group's next event is planned for July 26 at Johnstown Housing Authority's Oakhurst basketball court from noon to 4 p.m.
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