Neighborhood Place partner agencies host seven Back to School events

City's Office of Resilience and Community Services provides $200,000 in school supplies

The Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services (RCS) is donating $200,000 to purchase school supplies, including backpacks, folders, notebooks, pens, pencils, crayons and rulers, that will be given out at seven back-to-school events planned for late July and early August by Neighborhood Place and numerous community partners.

The funding was made possible by a special allocation of federal Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)-CARES funding, which RCS received to expand services and programming for families financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Additional supplies, funding and other types of support for the family friendly events are being provided by area businesses, churches, schools and individual donors. In addition to the supplies being distributed while supplies last, the events will offer a range of services and resources to help local youth and families be prepared for the start of the school year.

"We know the COVID-19 pandemic has made the last couple years extremely hard for many families in our community," said Tameka Laird, Director of Louisville Metro RCS. "School supplies can get expensive, and we're proud this special allocation of federal CSBG funds will provide thousands of students with the supplies they need to achieve more this school year. Having the right school supplies can give students a boost of confidence and feelings of excitement for the year ahead."

"Neighborhood Place is pleased to partner with multiple agencies and individuals to provide important support for children and youth as they get ready to go back to school," said Cassandra Miller, Executive Administrator for Louisville Metro RCS who oversees its Neighborhood Place centers. "The large donation of supplies provided byLouisville Metro RCS, in addition to the diverse network of public, private and nonprofit agencies that provide vital resources, provide an important foundation for children in our community to have a positive start to the school year."

Here is more information about the seven upcoming events, including specific activities, eligibility and other requirements:

Saturday, July 23, Back to School Festival at Valley High School, 9 a.m.-noon.
(10200 Dixie Highway; for more information call 502/363-1483.) This annual event will be a drive-thru format this year and is open to families with children in kindergarten through high school. School supplies and backpacks will be provided while supplies last, and families can stay and join in the fun in Valley High's courtyard. There will be prize giveaways, resource-sharing, and family activities and entertainment. Sponsored by South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, Cane Run Neighborhood Place, 14 area JCPS Family Resource and Youth Services Centers, Louisville Metro RCS, Kidz Club and the Louisville Bats.

Tuesday, July 26, Back to School Event at DuValle Education Center/Carter Elementary School, 5-7 p.m.
(3610 Bohne Ave.; for more information, call Elisa Freeman-Carr at 502/313-4635.) This drive-thru event will provide free backpacks, school supplies and snacks for youth 18 and under, while supplies last. Sponsors include Ujima Neighborhood Place, DuValle Education Center, Carter Elementary, Foster Elementary, Maupin Elementary, Kennedy Montessori, Brandeis Elementary, Johnson Middle School, and Greenwood Elementary School, as well as JCPS Family Resource and Youth Services Centers and JCPS Nutrition Services.

Saturday, July 30, Back to School Bash at Olmsted Academy North, 9-11 a.m.
(4530 Bellevue Ave.; for more information, call Mrs. McNally at 502/437-4756.) Free backpacks and school supplies will be provided while supplies last (students must be present). Other resources, uniform assistance and entertainment will also be available. Sponsored by JCPS' Family Resource and Youth Services Center, Louisville Metro RCS and UofL Health.

Tuesday, Aug. 2, Back to School Event at Charmoli Center Neighborhood Place, 10-11:30 a.m.
( 9100 Marksfield Road. Cars must enter this drive-thru event from S. Chadwick Rd./Hurstbourne Baptist Church area; not Whittington Parkway. For more information, call 502/574-5787.) Open to families with students in kindergarten through high school. Free backpacks with essential grade-appropriate school supplies will be provided while supplies last. Valid ID or other proof of Jefferson County residency will be required.

Thursday, Aug. 4, Back to School Fest at First Gethsemane Center for Family Development, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
(1159 Algonquin Pkwy. For more information, call Bridges of Hope Neighborhood Place at 502/634-6060.) Open to families with students in kindergarten through high school. Free backpacks with essential grade-appropriate school supplies will be provided while supplies last. CAP referrals completed for families needing clothing and uniform assistance and hair care workshops and door prizes will be offered. JCPS Nutrition Services will provide free lunches for kids. Sponsors include Louisville Metro RCS, JCPS, First Gethsemane CFD, Louisville Metro Council Members, Zolar Inc., and Louisville Metro Housing Authority.

Friday, Aug. 5, Back to School Festival at Northwest Neighborhood Place at The Academy at Shawnee, 9 a.m.-noon.
(4018 West Market St. For more information call 502/313-4909.) This annual event is open to families with children in kindergarten through high school. Free backpacks and grade-appropriate school supplies will be provided while supplies last. Community vendors will provide essential health, education, and community resources. This event is sponsored in collaboration with the Northwest Neighborhood Place Collaborative, The Academy at Shawnee Youth Service Center, and JCPS - Shawnee Satellite Office.

Saturday, Aug 6, 2022, Back to School Festival at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
(1501 Rangeland Rd. Call 502/313-4700 for more information.) This annual event is open to families with children in kindergarten through high school. Free backpacks and grade-appropriate school supplies will be provided while supplies last. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. JCPS Nutrition Services will provide free lunches to kids, and families may complete a CAP referral, for clothing and uniform assistance. A Community Resource Fair will boast over 20 presenters and include diabetes and blood pressure checks, YMCA programs, voter registration, library services and lots of fun and music. Event sponsored in part by First Neighborhood Place, area JCPS schools and (FRYSC) Family Resource and Youth Services Centers, Louisville Metro Council Members, LMPD, Louisville Metro RCS, Okolona Fire Department, and local churches.

About Neighborhood Place
Louisville's Neighborhood Place - a partnership of Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services, Jefferson County Public Schools, Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services' Department of Community Based Services and Seven Counties Services - represent community-based centers that bring together health care, education, employment and social services at eight locations across the community. To find a Neighborhood please call Metro311 or visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/neighborhood-place.

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