Men are the strength of their communities, and organizers of an upcoming event hope to convey that message to the men of the Shenango Valley.

"Man 2 Man," for men 18 and older, will be held from 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Oct. 18 in the Jesus' Church-Faith Christian Center Ministries, 901 Fruit Ave., Farrell.

The event is an offshoot of the Father's Network, which is a program run through the Neighborhood-based Family Intervention Center in Sharon.

Shenango Valley Urban League and the Minority Health Center are also organizing the event.

The idea for the all-male forum developed out of a need to focus on men's unique issues, said Yolanda Mazyck, center director.

"We're trying to find something that will draw them," she said. "This is for all men, regardless of background. They are the backbone of the community, and they need to assume their position."