Message from our Executive Director
As I reflect on my first four months as Executive Director of Back 2 School America, I can’t help but feel both proud and deeply humbled by the incredible journey we’ve embarked on together. When I joined this wonderful organization, it was during a time of significant transition. We were restructuring our team, hosting two major events, and gearing up for our busiest season.
We hit the ground running and haven’t slowed down since!
One of the aspects that excited me most about joining Back 2 School America was the opportunity to help grow our nonprofit into a national powerhouse, ensuring that children in need across the country have the essential tools they need to succeed. It’s a mission that resonates with me personally, especially as a parent. I recently spent over $400 on school supplies for my two kids, one heading into their senior year of high school and the other into 8th grade. While I feel blessed to be able to provide for them, it also gave me pause. It reminded me, more poignantly than ever, of the countless families who cannot afford even the most basic school supplies.
This awareness fuels my passion and commitment to our mission. At Back 2 School America, we are dedicated to ensuring that no child is left in need simply because they lack the necessary tools to learn and grow. Every backpack we fill, every pencil we provide, and every notebook we distribute brings us closer to closing the gap and giving every child a fair chance to succeed.
As we continue to expand our reach and impact, the generosity of our supporters inspires me, as does the dedication of our team and the resilience of the families we serve. Together, we’re making a tangible difference, one child at a time – and with you by our side on this meaningful journey – there isn’t anything we can’t achieve.
Warm regards,
Bernadette Shanahan-Haas | Executive Director
Back 2 School America and YMCA of Metro Chicago: A Partnership in Action
At Back 2 School America, partnerships are the cornerstone of making a significant impact in the lives of children. Over the past several months, our collaboration with the YMCA of Metro Chicago has exemplified this belief, resulting in an incredible achievement. Together, we have donated over 7,000 back-to-school supply kits to children in need across the Chicago area.
This partnership has been months in the making, involving a series of Build-A-Kit events and distribution initiatives that have brought together our communities, volunteers, and supporters with a shared purpose. The Build-A-Kit events, held at various YMCA locations, saw volunteers from all walks of life come together to assemble these essential kits, each filled with the tools that will help students thrive in the classroom.
The distribution events, hosted at YMCA centers across Metro Chicago, were the culmination of this collective effort. They were more than just the handing out school supplies; they were moments of connection and support, where families felt the embrace of their community, and children received a tangible reminder that their education matters.
Through the generosity of Back 2 School America, the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago has been able to provide school supplies to thousands of students — from Pre-K to 12th grade — across our communities each year. As one of their longest-term partners, Team Y is proud to work with Back 2 School America to continue building a significant positive impact alongside their team.
– Bryan Biello, Brand Experience Manager at the YMCA of Metro Chicago
The impact of these 7,000 kits is profound. Each represents a child who is now equipped to start the school year with confidence and hope. The YMCA of Metro Chicago has been an outstanding partner in this mission, providing the infrastructure, staff, and enthusiasm needed to reach as many children as possible.
As we look ahead, we are excited about the continued potential of this partnership. Our work with the YMCA of Metro Chicago is a powerful example of what can be accomplished when organizations unite with a common goal. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to serving the community and are proud to stand alongside them in this critical work.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to making this partnership successful—whether through your time, donations, or support. Together, we are making a difference, one kit at a time.
Proudly Helping Those In Need 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
In a world that often marginalizes and underrepresents the LGBTQ+ community, Back 2 School America is taking a stand to promote inclusivity, visibility, and empowerment through its annual Proud 2 Build-A-Kit event.
Held in October during International LGBTQ History Month, Back 2 School America is inviting you and your company to our annual Proud 2 Build-A-Kit for an empowering day of networking, volunteering, celebrating LGBTQ+ history and achievements, and a chance to make a real impact by assembling Back-2-School Kits for queer students, families, and allies in need.
- Date: October 18, 2024
- Time: 12:00PM – 4:00PM (Build-A-Kit)
- Happy Hour Reception: 4:00PM – 6:00PM CT (cash bar; 21+ only)
- Location: Center on Halsted – 3656 N. Halsted St. Chicago, IL
Register Now
Empowerment and Confidence
Education is a fundamental right, and every student deserves access to the resources they need to succeed academically. Unfortunately, many LGBTQ+ youth face unique challenges, including discrimination, bullying, and a lack of support systems, which can hinder their educational journey. The Back-2-School Kits assembled during the Proud 2 Build-A-Kit event aim to address this disparity by providing essential school supplies and fostering a sense of empowerment and confidence among queer students.
Through the simple act of assembling these kits, volunteers send a powerful message: “You are seen, you are valued, and you have a community that supports you.” The inclusion of heartfelt “Notes of Inspiration” further reinforces this sentiment, offering words of encouragement and reminding LGBTQ+ students that their identities are celebrated and their dreams are worth pursuing.
Dispelling Harmful Narratives
One of the core objectives of the Proud 2 Build-A-Kit event is to challenge and dispel harmful narratives that often surround the community. By actively engaging in an educational initiative, participants demonstrate that the queer community is not only supportive of education but also deeply invested in nurturing the next generation of learners – serving as a powerful counterpoint to the misconceptions and stereotypes wrongfully placed on queer people.
Learn More
Milestone Alert: Approaching 400,000 Kits and 12 Million School Supplies!🚨🎉📚 ✏️
As we wrap up August 2024, we’re excited to share some incredible milestones. This month alone, we’ve distributed 19,318 kits filled with 576,540 essential school supplies. Our reach continues to expand across the country, impacting 13 states, including Illinois, New York, Texas, California, Washington D.C., North Carolina, Florida, Utah, Indiana, Ohio, New Jersey, Georgia, and Connecticut.
Looking at our journey so far, our lifetime totals have now reached an impressive 398,009 kits and 11,936,000 supplies.
We’re thrilled to announce that, with just one more month to go, we’re on the cusp of surpassing 400,000 kits and 12 million supplies distributed since our inception!
Thank you for being a part of this journey with us. Together, we’re making a tangible difference in the lives of students across the nation!
