Ignite's Back-to-School Carnival Brought Resources and Community to Chicago's Bronzeville Neighborhood

Free Rosenwald Courts Back-to-School event connected local youth and families with school supplies, new shoes, health resources, workforce support and community services

CHICAGO, IL – Ignite brought more than a dozen community organizations and back-to-school resources together in Bronzeville on Thursday, August 20, at Rosenwald Courts, 4648 S. Michigan Ave.

The free Back-to-School Community Carnival and Resource Fair connected local youth and families with school supplies, free shoes, healthcare resources, workforce and housing support, parenting services and youth programming, along with food, games and family-friendly activities.

“A strong start to the school year takes more than supplies,” said Stephanie Piccirilli, President & CEO of Ignite. “It takes connection, resources and a community that shows up for young people and families. Bringing that support together in one place is what this event is all about.”

Participating organizations include ShoeHeals, Inc., Teen Parenting Navigators, Phalanx Family Services, Teamwork Englewood, Metropolitan Family Services, All Stars Project of Chicago, Pour In, Community Outreach Intervention Projects (COIP), Black Fire Brigade, Brave Space Alliance, Illinois Workers in Action, Believe to Receive, and The Link & Option Center.

Carlos Urquizo of the Illinois Collaboration on Youth attended the event, along with a representative from State Senator Mattie Hunter’s office.

The event reflected Ignite’s broader work supporting youth and young adults ages 10–26 who are experiencing homelessness across Chicago through prevention, outreach, housing, education, employment, healthcare and skills development.