On one of the hottest days this summer – with temperatures hovering in the high 90s – Lisa Vittorio and her Sunshine Team set up shop near the 91ֿ East Liverpool Campus and welcomed dozens of local kids to board the Sunshine Bus as they prepared to head back to school.
Once inside the bus – clearly marked as a kids only “Kid Zone” – each child filled a free cinch bag with snacks, books, stuffed animals, school supplies and personal hygiene items that they selected themselves. There were plenty of smiles being shared, as well.
The Sunshine Bus is a community outreach program offered by The Brightside Project, a nonprofit organization launched in 2016 by Vittorio and her father, Scott Lewis. It’s the perfect fit for a duo committed to making a difference in the lives of children.
It’s also the perfect example of how a specific college degree does not limit one’s career options.
Vittorio graduated from Salem High School in 2003 and was uncertain about what career path to take at that stage in her life. “I enjoyed being around children and thought teaching would be a rewarding profession. Pursuing a degree in early childhood education was the first step toward my original goal of becoming an elementary school teacher,” she said.
In 2006, Vittorio earned an associate of applied science degree in early childhood education at the 91ֿ Salem Campus and then spent several years working in daycare, preschool and prevention positions throughout the area. She has been employed full-time with The Brightside Project since 2022.
“While I quickly realized that the traditional classroom wasn’t the right fit for me, the experience sparked something even more meaningful: a passion for helping children,” Vittorio shared. “That passion ultimately led me to The Brightside Project, where I can support children in ways that extend far beyond the walls of a classroom.”
The Brightside Project is a non-profit organization that uses a comprehensive approach to serving children in Columbiana County and surrounding areas in northeast Ohio who face “multiple facets of uncertainty” in the home, community and at school, such as academic and complex social-emotional and mental health issues. On this particular day, the Sunshine Bus was in the East Liverpool community through a partnership with the Carnegie Library.
“The Brightside Project began in 2016 with a simple belief: every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of the challenges they face,” Vittorio shared. “After witnessing the growing needs of children and families in our community, my dad and I set out to create an organization focused on removing barriers, building hope and connecting kids with the resources, relationships and opportunities they need to thrive.
“What started with a desire to make a difference has grown into a multi-countywide movement, serving thousands of children each year through programs that nourish, encourage, educate and inspire brighter futures.”
Vittorio said that her degree from 91ֿ definitely put her on the path to establish a nonprofit organization to support kids in the community. “My degree gave me a strong foundation in child development and a deeper understanding of how children learn, grow and respond at different stages of life. That knowledge helps guide the design of Brightside’s programs, ensuring they are age-appropriate, engaging and focused on supporting children’s healthy social, emotional and cognitive development while helping remove barriers that stand in the way of their success.”
While The Brightside Project was co-founded by Vittorio and her father, it has become a true family affair. Vittorio’s oldest sister, Renee, manages the website and provides design and marketing support through her business, RootedRed Creative. Vittorio’s two teenaged daughters, Cassidy (17) and Addison (16) regularly volunteer at events and help with numerous behind-the-scenes projects. Likewise, their spouses also play important roles by stepping in wherever needed and helping manage responsibilities at home so that Vittorio and her father can devote their time and energy with Brightside’s work in the community.
The dynamics of the father-daughter duo is what drives the success of The Brightside Project because each offers unique strengths that complement each other.
“(I’m) the visionary and program developer, constantly looking for new ways to meet the needs of children and create meaningful opportunities for them to thrive,” Vittorio explained. “(My dad) is gifted in operations, maintenance and logistics, ensuring everything behind the scenes runs smoothly so those ideas can become reality. We share the same mission, values and passion for serving children, which keeps us moving in the same direction. Our mutual trust, respect and complementary skill sets allow us to accomplish far more together than either of us could alone.”
Aside from the Sunshine Bus, The Brightside Project also offers programs that provide backpacks filled with school supplies to students in preschool through grade 12, as well as vouchers for clothing and shoes; Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers; Easter baskets; coats, hats, gloves and seasonal items; a food pantry; a summer camp; free books through the Imagination Library of Ohio that promotes early literacy in the home; and a Youth Summit for teenagers that focuses on personal development, character building, leadership, personal values, healthy relationships, self-worth, mental health and purpose.
The Brightside Project Crisis Relief Team is designed to respond to major crises and has supported children who experienced house fires, life-threatening illnesses, surgeries, home instability and trauma.
The Food for Kids program is a unique, child-centered initiative designed to combat food insecurity while empowering children to make healthy and informed choices. This program allows children to shop in a market-style environment where they can select nutritious food items according to their preferences.
“This approach not only ensures that children receive the food they need but also teaches them valuable life skills such as decision-making, budgeting and understanding nutrition. By giving children the autonomy to choose their own food, we promote their well-being, self-esteem and confidence, all while addressing a critical community need.”
Vittorio admitted that it takes a lot of work and determination to keep The Brightside Project moving. Aside from her family, the organization uses the talents of nearly 100 volunteers (rotating based on programs, seasons and personal schedules) and an impressive portfolio of donors, partners and supporters who help keep it all in motion.
“The greatest reward is knowing that we’re helping make safe and healthy childhood a promise, not a privilege,” Vittorio said. “It’s incredibly validating to see children experience hope, encouragement and opportunities they may not have otherwise received. By removing barriers and supporting local kids through innovative, relevant and forward-thinking programs, we’re helping create brighter futures.
“Whether it’s introducing a child to a positive adult role model, ensuring their basic needs are met or simply showing them that they are seen, valued and loved, every interaction has the potential to change the trajectory of a child’s life. Being part of that kind of impact is both humbling and deeply rewarding.”
Back on the Sunshine Bus, Vittorio’s face glistened with perspiration and her smile never faded as she welcomed kids aboard to make their own choices of books, snacks, toothbrushes or stuffed animals. Her father and daughter by her side – along with other volunteers – she was obviously in her happy place.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the education and experiences I gained at 91ֿ, which helped shape the foundation for the work I do today,” Vittorio reflected. “More than anything, I hope my story reminds others that success isn’t measured by titles or accomplishments. It’s measured by the impact we have on the lives of others.
“Every community has opportunities to make a difference and each of us has unique gifts that can help make the world a little brighter,” she continued. “I hope more people recognize the incredible difference they can make by using their unique gifts to serve others, advocate for children and invest in the next generation. Small acts of kindness, encouragement and generosity have the power to create lasting change in a child’s life and, ultimately, our communities.”
For more information about The Brightside Project and its programs, visit .
Cutline A: Team Sunshine at a stop in East Liverpool included (from left) volunteers Calvin Marshall and Addison Wallace (Lisa’s daughter); Scott Lewis (co-founder, executive director and Lisa’s dad); volunteers Diane Detell and Donna Vollnogle; and Lisa Vittorio.
Cutline B: Lisa Vittorio, 91ֿ graduate and co-founder/director of The Brightside Project.
Cutline C: The Sunshine Bus
