LAPLACE — The festive new pumpkin patch at 810 Walnut St. in LaPlace is more than just a fall family fun zone. Each purchase of pumpkins, flowering mums and seasonal crafts supports Living Way Church’s nonprofit mission to break the culture of violence in St. John the Baptist Parish.

Pastor Michael Day said proceeds from the pumpkin patch would fund the construction of a St. John Community Impact Center offering a one-year mentorship for first time juvenile offenders. The Impact Center will additionally provide substance and alcohol abuse training, parenting classes, resume and job skills classes, anger management courses and financial skills training.

“We want to reach our youth before they are getting into trouble and help families be able to help their children,” Day said. “Stable families are what we’re trying to help people achieve. We have a vision of impacting these areas of our community where we know there are some serious issues going on with crime, violence and substance abuse. If we can change that culture of broken homes and confusion in families, maybe we can break that culture of violence.”

Day said Living Way Church is applying for grants to help get the project off the ground. The Impact Center should reach completion within 12 to 18 months.

In the meantime, the space is open for fall-themed family festivities. The pumpkin patch is intended to bring families and the community together through a variety of exciting activities.

A beanbag toss, spin-and-win a prize station and a ball throw are among the carnival style games available at the site, according to organizers Connie Roberts and Debra Rayburn. Backdrops located around the pumpkin patch are perfectly staged for fall photos.

Super Saturdays feature hayrides, snacks and a bounce house. Story time for children takes place from 10 to 11 a.m. and 2 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, and from 2 to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

“We are going to have cotton candy, popcorn and drinks on the weekends,” Roberts said. “We also have brownies, cookies and candy.”

Pumpkin carving kits, face paint kits, toys and games are among the items for sale onsite. Adults can browse a selection of candles, wreaths, knitted headbands, fall décor and other holiday gift items.

The Living Way Church Pumpkin Patch will remain open through Nov. 1. A Harvest Festival is scheduled to begin at sunset and last through 9 p.m. on Oct. 26. The Festival will also include a free Trunk-or-Treat and a space jump from 6 to 8 p.m.

Rayburn has enjoyed seeing the local impact a pumpkin patch can bring.

“It’s good to see people and talk to people who you don’t normally get to talk to,” Rayburn said.

The Living Way Church Pumpkin Patch is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays and from 12:30 to 8 p.m. on Sundays at 810 Walnut Street in LaPlace, off of Airline Highway. For more information, please call 985-652-7235.