This year’s Back-to-School Community Event gave families the chance to prepare for the school year in a supportive and welcoming space. Children picked up backpacks filled with supplies, helping them start the year ready and confident.

The day went far beyond back-to-school readiness. Families and community members had access to a range of services, including fresh haircuts and hairstyling, health screenings, legal guidance, and restorative back massages. A highlight of the event was the opening of our new Pantry Room, a resource designed to support families who struggle with food insecurity by providing groceries and essential items. By combining practical resources with wellness services, the event created meaningful opportunities for people to feel cared for as a whole.

We are especially grateful to our partners who made this day possible: Gramercy Masonic Lodge 537, NOBLE – National Organization of Black Law Executives, DSTRANDS Barbershop, Viva La Beauty, Safiyah Africa, Attuned Kinetic, Eat My Cakes Too, East Harlem Community Partnerships, Harlem RISE, Eastside SOUL, Black Girls Do Bike, Bahati Foundation, and The Klein and Cardali Law Firm. Also, a special thank you to Fenwick & West LLP for donating backpacks and supplies so that our Achievers can be set up for success!

We love sharing resources not only with the families we serve but also with the wider community. Events like this remind us that when support is extended openly, the impact reaches far beyond one day.