READY, SET, SUCCEED:
Community Comes Together for New School Year

August 14, 2026

As a new school year begins, children and youth throughout our community are preparing for fresh opportunities, new challenges, and exciting possibilities. For many children in foster care, however, the start of the school year can also bring uncertainty. Something as simple as a new backpack, school supplies, properly fitting clothes, or a new pair of shoes can make a meaningful difference in helping a child feel confident, prepared, and ready to learn.

This year, our community came together in an extraordinary way to ensure that children, youth, and young adults served by CCKids started the school year with the tools they need to succeed.

Thanks to the generosity of United Way of St. Lucie and Okeechobee, American Legion Post 40, Gerelco Electrical Contractors, Rack'd Roofing, BlueScope, Lil Feet of St. Lucie County, and many other incredible community partners, businesses, organizations, and individual donors, CCKids was able to provide 270 students and young adults with backpacks, essential school supplies, and other back-to-school necessities. Through the support of Lil Feet of St. Lucie County, children in care who needed them also received brand-new shoes, helping them step into the new school year with confidence and pride.

These donations mean so much more than notebooks, pencils, backpacks, and shoes. For children and youth who have experienced trauma, instability, and uncertainty, beginning the school year prepared sends a powerful message: you are valued, supported, and worthy of every opportunity to succeed. Having the supplies they need helps build confidence, reduce anxiety, and allows them to walk into the classroom feeling like their peers rather than standing out because of their circumstances.

This support is equally important for the young adults in our Independent Living program. As they pursue college, vocational training, certifications, and other educational opportunities after age 18, many back-to-school expenses become their personal responsibility. Community support helps ease that financial burden and provides encouragement as they continue building independent, successful futures.

Because of the kindness and generosity of our community, 270 children, youth, and young adults will begin this school year with hope, pride, and confidence. They will know that there are people throughout our community who believe in them, care about their success, and are invested in their future.

From all of us at CCKids, thank you for helping make the start of this school year brighter. Together, we are doing more than providing school supplies. We are creating opportunities, building confidence, and reminding every child and young adult we serve that they are supported as they take the next step toward achieving their dreams.