On Sept. 30, KYCC hosted the first annual Menlo Block Party in conjunction with El Centro Del Pueblo (ECDP) and with funding from the S.Mark Taper Foundation and GRYD. In the past, KYCC has hosted small gatherings for Menlo tenants but this year, our partners helped us close down and secure a portion of the street for a full day of family-friendly activities.

That morning, our Youth Services and Environmental Services staff came together with community volunteers to beautify the landscaping in front of the Menlo Family Apartments by planting fruit trees, replacing dead plants, pulling weeds and disposing of litter. Later, ECDP kicked off the event by catering refreshments—including hamburgers, hot dogs, popcorn and cotton candy. 

“The Block Party was a great gathering for our Menlo families,” said Julio Barahona, KYCC Menlo Family Apartments Services Coordinator. “Everyone enjoyed the day together as a community.”

Many families stayed the entire day to enjoy the festivities, which proved to double as a rare opportunity for kids to play out on the street. Ultimately, the entire community of over 230 attendees was able to come together in a celebration of the Menlo Family Apartments, meet their neighbors and build stronger relationships.