BRITANNY CAMPBELL, founder and CEO of Strengthening Transformations, Inc., which sponsored the Friendship Fest – now in its seventh year – takes a breather with her friend and colleague at STI, Nyechi Oleka. (Photo by Scott White)
VERSAILLES MAYOR LAURA DAKE›s job at the Friendship Fest was to pass out new shoes for kids to start the school year with. Behind her is a long line of folks enjoying the event. (Photo by Scott White)
By Scott White
Woodford Sun Staff and
Report for America corp member
Last Saturday, The District in downtown Versailles was jam-packed all afternoon with kids and families having a blast at Strengthening Transformations, Inc.’s (STI) seventh annual Friendship Fest. The annual festival is the brainchild and calling of Versailles’ own Brittany Campbell, the founder and CEO of STI, a nonprofit community organization.
Though the final tally is not yet available, an estimated crowd of between 1,200 and 1,500 were on hand to enjoy a tasty lunch, inflatables, play areas and several community providers and nonprofits with booths for giveaways and information, including information about the Woodford County Public Schools’ early childcare bus, the Woodford County Library’s book mobile, the health department and Centerpoint Health-Versailles.
The event also provided some back-to-school clothes and shoes, a backpack and lots of personal hygiene items.
Neighbors were visiting and laughing, kids were running around and folks were dancing to the music curated by super spinner DJ Green.
It was one big community get-together—and, it was all free!
“Versailles is a small town and the people here know each other, but are not always afforded the time to come together for fellowship and fun. Some of the families we are trying to reach have children that may not have these items we offer, or even access to personal care,” said Campbell. “We want to give that to them, along with a great time. This festival is to bring awareness not only about Strengthening Transformations and what we are doing in the community, but to also provide a time for the community to come together.”
STI exists to help women and families facing challenges surrounding domestic violence, substance abuse and teen pregnancy. It focuses on breaking negative cycles through education, community partnership and empowerment in which leaders advocate, mentor and educate women and girls through workshops and community partnerships.
“Our work also responds to the broader needs across the community through access to resources, health and wellness support, and prevention-focused programming for youth,” Campbell said.
Friendship Fest succeeded in creating an opportunity not just to bring the community together, but to further its own goals of reaching families.
“We love doing community events, seeing people and the kids (my son, Lincoln) goes to school with,” said Jessica, who was taking advantage of the inflatables and play area.
Lincoln, 9, added, “And it gives me something to do so I’m not bored!”
“I am having a great time,” Versailles Mayor Laura Dake said. “This is the job Brittany gave me. I’m helping to make sure kids get shoes for school and it is great!” As a cosponsor of the event, Dake said the city doesn’t charge any rental fee to STI for using The District.
Campbell explained how she and her team work all year with donors to gather clothes, shoes, school supplies and personal care items so kids start the school year off with something new. “How people feel about themselves is so important, and new clothes help.”
Campbell, her colleague Nyechi Okeka, and STI’s contributions to the girls and women of Versailles, as well as hosting such a popular community event were recognized by the Woodford County District Court and County Judge-Executive James Kay with Recognitions of Excellence. Sen. Amanda Bledsoe and Rep. Dan Fister also honored STI and Campbell’s work putting on the Friendship Fest, and Gov. Andy Beshear issued a formal acclamation honoring STI and Campbell’s work.
As she said while taking a breath in the middle of running the operation, “This is my purpose. This is why God put me here . . . this is it, just to serve others.”