The Harrisonburg community is coming together Friday and Saturday to help youth and families in crisis.

About 150 community leaders and everyday citizens are taking part in a "Summit on Supporting Youth and Families in Crisis."

It's an open forum run by the Fairfield Center and sponsored by the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office.

Fairfield Center Executive Director Tim Ruebke says everyone who attends the event is encouraged to speak, and the agenda will be influenced by the attendees' input during the first day of the summit.

Ruebke says he wants the attendees to be made up of more people than experts on family issues.

"The goal would be to have a broad cross-section of the community. So, from government to business to religious leaders, but also just real people too," says Ruebke.

He explains that there are many reasons for having this kind of summit.

"Providing a space, a forum for people to come together as individuals who care, who are committed. Giving them a space to talk about what's important to them. Where's the energy, what are some of the issues, but also, what are some of the opportunities," says Ruebke.