5th Annual Back-to-School Jump Off: Joy, Community, and Student Success
A Celebration of Community and Joy
The 5th Annual Back-to-School Jump Off was a lively celebration of community, joy, and preparation for the new school year. Held at Bright Futures Growth & Development Center, the event brought families together for music, performances, food, and essential resources. Students left with backpacks filled with school supplies, families discovered local services, and everyone walked away energized and inspired for the months ahead.
"One of my favorite moments was watching the youth ride the ponies and enjoy the train ride. They were having a wonderful time. It was also great to see the adults riding the horse at the event and to witness their excitement. It perfectly connected with the theme of this year's event and showed the joy families experience when coming together." -Sheryl Lane, Executive Director, FIERCE Advocates
Fun for All Ages
This year’s event embraced a “Boots on the Ground” Western theme. Children enjoyed pony rides and a train, while adults joined in the fun and celebrated alongside their families. The event created countless memorable moments and brought smiles to everyone in attendance.
"It is really great to see the community experiencing joy. So much of our work engages heavy topics and difficult interventions. It is nice to be able to experience joy with our clients and community.
Particularly for young people who bear so much of the systemic injustice, being able to access joy, talent, purpose, and connection is so valuable." -Xan West, Director of Programs, FIERCE Advocates
Showcasing Youth Talent and Community Resources
The Jump Off also highlighted the talents of youth performers, including Ivan, and the importance of teamwork. Families explored resources from local organizations and enjoyed healthy offerings, including fresh produce provided by Rich City.
"My favorite part of the day was seeing the youth performances and the resource vendors. The youth performers always bring such joy and excitement to our events, showcasing the importance of dedication and teamwork within our community. I also really enjoyed seeing attendees take advantage of the free produce provided by Rich City, which highlights our purpose of keeping the community healthy in body, mind, and soul." -Shukura Lattier, Health and Wellness Program Coordinator, FIERCE Advocates
The Lasting Impact
Events like the Jump Off do more than provide a fun day for families. They ease financial burdens by offering free school supplies, promote educational readiness, and strengthen community connections. Bringing families, schools, and organizations together fosters trust and collaboration while empowering children to begin the school year with confidence and excitement.
The success of the 5th Annual Jump Off would not have been possible without the support of FIERCE Advocates’ community partners! Bright Futures Growth & Development Center, NAACP Richmond Branch, Black Village Network, Rich City, and many more brought resources, energy, and expertise to make the event meaningful and memorable.
As the new school year begins, FIERCE Advocates is proud to continue hosting events that combine joy, community, and impact! The Jump Off reminds us that when families, neighbors, and organizations come together, communities thrive.
