As the new school year begins, the excitement and anticipation felt by children are often paired with uncertainty. For many, having the right school supplies can make all the difference in building confidence and success in the classroom. This year, we had the privilege of participating in the annual Back to School Celebration, hosted the Regular Fellows Foundation, Senatory Art Haywood, We Not Me, The Lonnie Young Advisory Council, The Lonnie Young Summer League, and New Journey Christian Center. With more than 400 community members in attendance, the event highlighted the collective power of a community working together to support its youngest members.
It Takes a Village to Raise a Child
At Community Hero, we believe that starting the school year prepared means more than having pencils and notebooks. It’s about feeling equipped for the challenges ahead, knowing that your community stands behind you. Events like the Back to School Celebration not only provide much-needed resources like backpacks and school supplies, but they also foster a sense of hope, inclusion, and support for each child. We saw kids smiling with excitement, proudly showing off their new books, engaging in science experiments, and discovering new healthy foods during cooking demonstrations. These experiences help children see a future beyond the limits of their daily environment, sparking curiosity and ambition that lasts far beyond the school year.
Introducing Healthy Babies Philly
During the celebration, we also had the chance to introduce our latest initiative, Healthy Babies Philly. This goal of this program is to reduce the decline in childhood vaccinations in the 0-2 age group; ensuring that families have the knowledge and resources they need to support their children’s growth and development.
The Power of Community
The resources provided at this event were truly inspiring: from school supplies to face painting, healthy snacks, science activities, and even brand-new books to encourage reading at home. The Back to School Celebration was more than just an event—it was a reminder of what can be achieved when people come together for a common cause. Each contribution, whether time, resources, or dedication, helped create an environment where children feel empowered and ready for the year ahead.
As we look to the future, we remain committed to supporting children and families through programs like Healthy Babies Philly, ensuring that each generation is given the foundation they need to thrive. We extend our deepest thanks to the event’s organizers and our fellow partners for making this day one to remember.
Together, we continue to prove that it really does take a village to raise a child. Let’s keep building that village, one step at a time.