A Back-to-School Celebration for Foster Youth
As summer vacation comes to an end and the back-to-school season begins, many families face the challenge of purchasing school supplies. For some, this can be a significant financial burden. However, in a heartwarming effort, volunteers and local organizations have stepped up to support foster children in need.
On Sunday, a special event took place at the AZ Barber Academy in Tempe, where 60 foster kids received essential items to start the new school year. The event was organized by several community groups, including The Good Works Project, a Chandler-based organization dedicated to helping children in need.
Among those benefiting from the event was Nyrome Collier, a 17-year-old from the East Valley who is currently in a group home. He shared his excitement about the experience, saying, “I came to get a pretty clean cut, a free cut, some school supplies, and beautiful products.” Collier also mentioned that he will be attending Westwood and EVIT next year, showing his determination to continue his education.
The event featured nearly a dozen barbers who provided free haircuts, helping the kids feel confident and ready for the new school year. Jonci Dilworth, a volunteer at the event, emphasized the importance of looking good, stating, “Your hair is your crown, so I want to make sure everybody’s looking and feeling their best… when you look good, you feel good, and you perform better.”
For Cherrie Vierra, the executive director of The Good Works Project and a mother of six, this event holds special significance. She explained, “Us as adults have resources to help us get through, and these kids deserve to grow up in a family instead of an institution.” Vierra has adopted three of her six children from foster care and wanted to create an organization that supports both children and families in similar situations.
The event included a variety of services and donations. Each child received a filled backpack, along with lunch, water, and snacks provided by Fairway Mortgage. Community on Purpose donated $1,500, which was used to give each child a $25 Walmart gift card for back-to-school shoes. Additionally, volunteers provided photography services, while Clothes Cabin donated socks and T-shirts, and gave out 60 full-size confidence kits.
The collaboration between volunteers and organizations made a meaningful impact on the lives of children like Collier, who has faced challenges but remains determined. He reflected on his experiences, saying, “I’m not gonna lie to you, the environment I was in… I’m not gonna lie, the foster care system one of the best things that has happened to me so far.” Despite the difficulties, Collier remains focused on his goals, adding, “Hard times… it’s all temporary… you’ve got to make the best of it. If you have goals, you have a purpose.”
Now, he is ready to start the school year on a positive note. “Starting the year off on a positive note,” he said. “Starting pretty strong.” With confidence and preparation, Collier is set to begin his senior year, grateful for the support he has received.
This back-to-school event not only provided essential supplies but also reminded everyone involved of the importance of community support. It served as a powerful reminder that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their circumstances.
