Community members will soon have a chance to step behind the scenes and get a glimpse of the local organization that is dedicated to working with the area’s youth and making sure they have a chance to have a bright future.

The S.P.A.N. program, formerly known as the C.I.T.Y. program, will host their annual open house and silent auction fundraiser on Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. following the Russellville Christmas parade.

According to program director Ramona Roberson, the event is a way to showcase the students who have successfully completed the program, which first began in 1999 and has a goal of helping students in the juvenile court system re-enter the school system, obtain their GED or get a job.

“We want to give our students every opportunity to develop skills that will make them successful,” Roberson said. “We have two certified teachers to help students earn credits to be able to re-enter school or receive their GED, and the comprehensive day-treatment program offers remediation to keep these kids from going back into the court system.

“We have this open house every year for our supporters and other members of the community to see how far the students have come,” she continued.

“The proceeds from the silent auction will go towards purchasing different educational supplies we need, so this event is just a great way for people to see our program and to help support us in the upcoming year.”

The event will also be a time to honor the program’s “Friend of the Year.”

“We have many people in the community who support us and our ‘Friend of the Year’ award is just our way to say thank you to a person who has gone that extra mile to help us,” she said.

Roberson added the RHS Chorus would also be providing entertainment for this year’s event.

The S.P.A.N. program is located in the former College Avenue Elementary School on College Avenue in Russellville and Roberson said everyone is encouraged to attend the event.