Platte County Back to School Fair Association Inc.

In the next 5 years, one of our goals is to raise more funds to be able to help more children in need. Currently, with our funds, we are able to serve 900 children, but over 4000 children qualify. Another goal would be to continue to grow our great community partnerships and volunteer base. The Back to School Fair would not exist without community volunteers and partners. We solely depend on them year to year.  We know we are successful by hearing the success stories from parents and school staff. Children enter the school year esteemed as they have a quality backpack filled with the same school supplies as their peers. They also have necessary medical, dental and vision screenings. Through this, students are able to receive glasses that improve their ability to perform in school. The dental care improves a child's smile and self-esteem and also mitigates painful dental issues when present, improving overall health. The physicals allow students who might not otherwise be able to afford or access this service to participate in sports as well as monitoring overall health. Students also benefit from the community resources that their parents gain form this event. It is well understood that if families can resolve barriers/stressors they are experiencing, the parents, as well as the children's level of functioning all improve.

The Platte County Back to School Fair Assoc. strategies for accomplishing our goals consists of applying for grants and continuing to fundraise within our community and to always be looking for opportunities to prosper our mission.

The BTSF strengths are our community partners. Each year we provide back-to-school resources, health screenings, and information from local organizations, such as Miles of Smiles, Assistance League of KC, Northland Health Care Access, Platte County Health Department, Hillcrest, Tri-County Mental Health, YMCA to name a few.  With the continued support from these great community stakeholders, we can accomplish the Back to School Fair!

To date, we have helped over 15,500 vulnerable students start school physically, socially and mentally ready to learn and succeed no matter their financial circumstances. We understand we won't reach every Platte County family, but we know many more could use our services as 4000 children are eligible. The BTSFA wants to have the funds to reach more vulnerable families.