ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – AARC Booker and Comprehensive Community Solutions (CSS) hosted their third annual Back to School Party on Kent Street to introduce children and parents to useful tools in the community.
On Saturday, students from Rockford Public School District 205 and surrounding districts learned about various community resources and grabbed a free backpack before school started. The event planned to distribute 1,000 backpacks to community members.
“In my opinion, what young people need most is tools to deal with the things that can make them angry at school. They learn how to communicate appropriately and how to respect their peers and authority,” says William Chatman, CEO of Comprehensive Community Solutions.
The event provided essential items for children preparing to go back to school this season, including school supplies, physicals, haircuts and dental exams. Screw City Jeeps 815, Rockford Police Department, 17th Circuit Court Therapy Dogs and the library were also introduced to the youth of Rockford.
“Our goal is to send a clear message that violence is not acceptable in our community. And as we do that, we want to make sure our young people have the tools they need to start their first day of school with a smile on their face,” Chatman says.
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