'Confidence is up': Community groups prepare families for going back to school
Backpacks, pencils, pens, notebooks, paper.
For families going back-to-school shopping, the items all start to add up.
As a mother, Kara White understands as much as anyone that this time of year can put a financial strain on parents who want to prepare their children for school with all the supplies they need. As the CEO of her nonprofit organization Live Love Dance Incorporated, she had the idea to blend dance therapy and behavioral health as a means to equip families with classroom necessities.
White decided to collaborate with Innovative Minds Behavioral Health Services, a partnership set in hopes of helping children get ready for school at their inaugural "Back to School Showcase and Supply Drive" near East University Drive and South 24th Street in Phoenix on Saturday.
"We just want to make sure (the children) are going back to school in the right mindset for themselves," White said. So (their) confidence is up and they got the right supplies and tools to start the school year off right."
Eagerness filled up the room with joyous children screaming in excitement, lining up with their parents to get their book supplies and backpacks. White noted that the organizations gave away around 200 backpacks and drawstring bags.
"The (parents') response has been so positive," White said. "A lot of times, financially, parents don't have a lot and going back to school is kind of expensive. As a mom myself, I got three kids and a grandbaby..."
Moments later, families walked around to vendors that the event offered such as Parshe Johnson's Sugar Star Sweet Treats and wax candles from Candle Mayhem. Chick'n Wing, the Magic Clown, designed creative balloons for the kids. Outdoor entertainment that featured a bull riding simulator, a bouncy castle and more.
Parents faces were lit up as they watched their children run around with balloons with their new bag and supplies on their backs.
White believes that this event can be the stepping stone for these children's mental fortitude going forward through their journey. In addition to preparing students with school supplies, she believes in empowering youth with mental strength and confidence.
"Once they get out from here, they have this anchor here," White said. "We sent them off right but they can always come back."
About an hour into the event, the community then came together for a showcase that featured singing, dancing and performances by youth and adults, alike. A live DJ also performed throughout the event, enabling children to express themselves through dance, which, according to White, could help mentally as they get ready to go back to school.
"(Dancing) handles all of our emotions," White said. "The happy thoughts, the sad thoughts, we feel good about ourselves."
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Groups collab to prepare children for school in inaugural event
