Every fall, social services teams from many of KIND’s U.S. offices host back-to-school events for our clients to connect with each other, celebrate the start of the school year, and receive the school supplies they need to thrive. Many of our clients come from backgrounds where school was difficult to access or of poor quality, so the chance to attend a U.S. school is a milestone that makes a positive impact on a child’s life and future. Read below about just a few of KIND’s back-to-school events.
Hartford, Connecticut
At KIND’s Hartford office’s back-to-school event, children and their families gathered for games, activities, food, and school supply donations. They began with a drawing and coloring activity. Clients ages 14 and up joined in a creative writing activity led by a partner from Latinos for Educational Advocacy and Diversity (LEAD), during which they wrote and recited poems. Clients ages 13 and younger painted masks and listened to music. Parents and sponsors participated in an educational Know Your Rights (KYR) presentation from a state grassroots organization about barriers to enrolling kids in school and what they should know to advocate for children’s enrollment.
Boston, Massachusetts
KIND’s Boston office hosted two back-to-school events, one in Lynn, a city outside of Boston where many clients live, and one in Boston. In Lynn, KIND partnered with the Welcome Center Parent Information Center of the Lynn Public Schools, to host the event. Twenty clients and their families attended. Children received bookbags filled with school supplies, ate snacks, and made art at a craft table, painting bird houses and drawing on black scratch-off papers that reveal colors as you scratch. Karen Mejia, social services coordinator at KIND’s Boston office, said they used the black scratch-off papers to discuss emotions and how sometimes when we feel down, we can try to evoke positive thoughts to reveal the bright colors we all have inside.
At the office’s second event in East Boston, KIND partnered with a neighborhood health center which hosted the event at its wellness and resource space where visitors can access a food pantry and donated clothing. Children received backpacks and school supplies donated by pro bono partner Brown Rudnick. Clients ranged in age and included one finishing her last year in college and another just beginning high school. The event fostered community, as kids talked, made new friends, and learned from each other. “It was a wonderful event, and really rewarding to watch clients coming from similar backgrounds connect and talk as they prepare to go back to school,” Karen said. “These events help create community as well as emotional and social support to clients.”
Seattle, Washington
KIND’s Seattle office’s summer resource and back-to-school event was also a success. Many clients attended, and in addition to receiving their school supplies and socializing, they played Loteria games and participated in face painting, thanks to the artistic skills of one of the office’s legal interns. The atmosphere was lively, and everyone enjoyed aguas frescas and burgers. KIND’s Seattle office extends its gratitude to its many partners: Lil’ Woodys, La Michoacana, CHAP (Community Health Access Program), Friends of SPL (Seattle Public Library), Cake4Kids, and SmileMobile, which helped distribute wellness and back-to-school items to all attendees. “It was truly a memorable summer event,” said Xochilt Sanchez, social services coordinator at KIND’s Seattle office.
Thank you to all our social services staff who make these events for our clients possible! Happy back to school season to our clients and all newcomer students.
