The UB Educational Opportunity Center (UBEOC) will host its annual Strengthening Families Celebration from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 20 at its downtown office at 555 Ellicott St.

This free neighborhood event aims to help parents and children further strengthen their bond as they enjoy activities and exhibits together.

“We are excited to sponsor our fifth Strengthening Families Celebration,” says Julius Gregg Adams, executive director of UBEOC. “This is our opportunity to not just give back to the community, but to provide a free and safe environment for our children to play, interact and enjoy activities that may not typically be accessible to them.

“Additionally, we will have recruitment advisers on site to provide information about the UBEOC, as well as to evaluate applications for instant admission into programming,” Adams says.

UBEOC offers programs to prepare low-income and non-traditional students for higher education and job placement. Founded in 1973, it is part of a statewide network of 10 Educational Opportunity Centers and two Outreach and Counseling Centers that operate under SUNY’s University Center for Academic and Workforce Development.

Families who attend the Strengthening Families Celebration can enjoy games and educational learning activities drawn from the theme of Dr. Seuss’ book “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”

As children play games based on the Dr. Seuss theme, they will learn educational lessons while their parents obtain information about UBEOC’s tuition-free high school equivalency, vocational training, academic and VITA tax programs. Representatives from a variety of community organizations, such as the Explore and More Children’s Museum and Buffalo & Erie County Public Library’s Bookmobile, will also be there to answer questions and provide information about their agencies.

The event also will include carnival-style games and scientific experiments. An engine from the Buffalo Fire Department will be on hand as well for kids to climb aboard and take pictures with real-life firefighters.

Families and children can enjoy light refreshments, nutritional treats and freshly made popcorn from a carnival-themed machine.

Those interested in attending can register online. For more information, call (716) 645-1910.