YOUNGSTOWN — Youngstown CityScape, the community development corporation that has been helping to revitalize the greater downtown area for 23 years, will host its 11th annual Grass Roots Gala honoring Home Savings Bank.

It also will be honoring Gary Small, president / CEO at Home Savings and a CityScape board member.

The event will be Feb. 27 with a 5:30 p.m. social and 6:30 p.m. dinner in the Christman Room at Stambaugh Auditorium, 1000 Fifth Ave.

Since 2010, Youngstown CityScape has awarded the Grass Roots Award to an individual or group who has made significant personal and professional commitment to the organization’s mission of revitalizing downtown Youngstown.

Home Savings Bank has been a partner of Youngstown CityScape for more than 20 years and a cornerstone supporter. Home Savings Bank has been headquartered in downtown Youngstown for nearly 130 years “and understands that the city is the engine of this community,” CityScape representatives said in a news release.

Home Savings has supported economic and community development in Youngstown through its charitable foundation.

“As a CityScape board member, Gary Small has contributed to our mission of developing green space and promoting projects that help create a sense of place,” the organization noted.

This year will be a transitional year for Home Savings Bank, as it expands its business focus across the state.

Home Savings is amerging into First Federal Bank of the Midwest in what is expected to be a $473 million deal. The new company is projected to have assets of about $6 billion and operations throughout Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The merger is expected to increase the scale of both companies, diversify business lines and leverage the strengths in commercial banking, residential lending and fee incomes.

“We look forward to this opportunity to acknowledge the bank’s long tradition of investment in the people and institutions of Youngstown and Gary’s leadership at Home Savings and as a member of our board,” the organization said.

Founded in 1998, Youngstown CityScape is a non-profit community development organization dedicated to the revitalization of the greater downtown Youngstown area. Its mission is to focus on strengthening Youngstown’s revitalized urban core which connects downtown, the Youngstown State University campus and adjacent neighborhoods and gateways through strategic partnerships.

For information, 330-742-4040. www.youngstowncityscape.com or sharon@youngstowncityscape.com.

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