Safehome Systems and Allegheny Highlands YMCA Bring a Free Family Carnival to the Community

Safehome Systems and Allegheny Highlands YMCA Bring a Free Family Carnival to the Community

On Saturday, April 25th, that’s exactly what Safehome Systems, in partnership with the Allegheny Highlands YMCA, is hoping to create.

In a recent conversation on Allegheny Mountain Radio, Education and Outreach Coordinator Elijah da Silva Weikel shared the vision behind the upcoming Spring Carnival—a free, family-centered event designed to give back to the community that continues to support their work year-round.

“We wanted to develop something as a counterpoint in the year,” Elijah said, referencing the organization’s annual “Cookies with Santa” event held each December. “Something fun… something that brings families together… and gives people a safe place to be.”

That idea—creating space—sits at the heart of what Safehome Systems does every day.

As the region’s only domestic violence advocacy agency and emergency shelter serving Alleghany, Bath, and Highland counties, Safehome plays a critical role in supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Their services range from emergency shelter to legal and medical advocacy, housing support, and community education. But this event isn’t about the weight of that work. Not directly.
It’s about something just as important. Relief. Joy. Presence.

“You know, there are a lot of fundraisers throughout the year,” Elijah said. “And while those are important, we really just wanted to give back… no strings attached.”

That decision—to make the entire event free—is intentional. It reflects a deeper understanding of the community they serve and the barriers that can sometimes keep families from participating in events like this.

And when you walk through the doors of the YMCA that afternoon, the goal is simple: make it easy to stay.

Families will be greeted at the front, then free to move through a range of activities—carnival-style games, a bounce house, a ball pit, cornhole, and even a large fishing game hosted by Douthat State Park. There will be free popcorn and hot dogs, thanks to a partnership with Mountain Field Market in Clifton Forge, along with face painting provided by Jagged Effects Studios.

And for those looking to cool off, the YMCA pool will be open—just bring a swimsuit.
Local vendors and organizations will also be on hand, including Bath Community Hospital, Victim Witness Services, the Virginia Department of Health, and Light Beyond Bars—offering resources alongside the fun.

For Safehome Systems, that balance—between service and connection—is intentional. The same organization that provides shelter and advocacy is also creating moments where families can gather without pressure, without cost, and without worry.

In a region where support often shows up quietly, this is one way of saying thank you—out loud.
The Spring Carnival will take place Saturday, April 25th, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Allegheny Highlands YMCA.

To hear the full conversation with Elijah da Silva Weikel, click the link below.

Safehome Systems is a business supporter of Allegheny Mountain Radio.