'Kickin’ it in the Community' returns Aug. 12

Local organizers are busy planning the second annual Kickin’ it in the Community event in an effort to unite the community with entertainment and resources in a safe environment.

The event will take place Saturday, Aug. 12 from noon to 6 p.m. at the Eastern Henrico Recreational Center at 1440 North Laburnum Avenue. There will be food and merchandise vendors, as well as entertainment, free school supplies, job opportunities and more, event organizer Timika Cousins said.

“We want people to come out to get the resources and job opportunities that are out there,” Cousins said, “especially during this hard economical time.”

The main event of the day is a kickball tournament, where nine teams will face off – including squads from the Henrico Sheriff’s Office and the Henrico Division of Police. Community members who want to play but did not already sign up can still join a team the day of the event, Cousins said.

A gaming truck and free haircuts are new to the event this year. Youth will also be able to enjoy a splash pad, arts and crafts and free goodie bags. Food will be available for purchase from vendors at a reasonable price, Cousins said. There will be Trinidad food, Caribbean food, soul food, water ice, funnel fries and more.

During the event, local business such as Kings dominion, Mending Fences, GRTC and Costco will provide their services for job placement and give resources to aid in the development of the community, Cousins said.

Other resources like self-defense training, financial advisors and mental health professionals will be there, Cousins said. The event will be hosted by MC Choco and have music by DJ Ron C.

Cousins is the founder of The Faces Behind a Purpose For You, one of the two organizations behind the event. Her planning partner Jerrilyn Forbes is the founder of We Inspire and Nurture Life.

Kickin’ it in the Community came together for the first time in 2022 when Cousins and Forbes got the idea to create an event that would be economic and resourceful for the community, Cousins said.

“We did it so everybody can just have fun,” Cousins said. “It's just not for the adults, it's just not for the children, it's for everyone, and we just want to give back and show the community that we appreciate them.”

This year, Henrico county provided a larger space since county officials saw the large turnout last year, Cousins said. She showed much appreciation to the county for its support and is hopeful that community members will come and have a good time but leave with a resource.