Families, students, volunteers, and event staff during the 2026 Back to School with a Purpose program.
|
~300
Students, parents & participants |
~400
Backpacks prepared |
~20
Community resource partners |
K-12
Students served |
Executive Summary
Better Future Finders (BFF) successfully concluded its 3rd Annual Back to School with a Purpose on Saturday, August 15, 2026. Built around the theme “Holistic Wellness for Student Success,” the program brought together approximately 300 K-12 students, parents, volunteers, Youth Ambassadors, speakers, sponsors, and community partners for learning, encouragement, community connection, and preparation for the new school year.
The event was designed as more than a school-supply giveaway. It combined youth leadership, parent engagement, student skill-building, a community resource fair, practical school support, and opportunities for families to connect directly with organizations serving the Yakima Valley.
Youth Ambassadors: The Leadership Behind the Event
The main event was preceded by a leadership workshop for Better Future Finders Youth Ambassadors - college-age young adults at undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels who serve as important carriers of the BFF vision. Although they are spread across different parts of the country, they used technology to coordinate planning and contribute their expertise through departments including Outreach and Community Engagement, IT and Web, and Projects and Program Development.
The workshop focused on the “BFF Youth Ambassador as a Catalyst for Change.” Speakers and interactive sessions challenged the Ambassadors to move beyond titles and see leadership as identifying needs, creating solutions, mobilizing people and resources, and developing innovative programs that respond to present-day challenges facing young people in the Yakima Valley.
Leadership Through Community Service
Before the event, Youth Ambassadors translated leadership into service. They participated in a community clean-up at Greenway Park, helping improve the park and access areas. They also served at the BFF Thrift Store, sorting quality clothing for donation as part of BFF’s support for people affected by regional wildfires. These activities reinforced a central BFF principle: meaningful leadership must result in service and positive community impact.
Preparing 400 Backpacks for Students
Later, the Youth Ambassadors were joined by volunteers from the community to pack approximately 400 backpacks. Supplies included scientific calculators, notebooks, rulers, crayons, pens, pencils, and other school essentials. The packing activity brought together BFF leadership, young adults, staff, and community volunteers around one goal - helping students begin the school year prepared and encouraged.
Better Future Finders (BFF) successfully concluded its 3rd Annual Back to School with a Purpose on Saturday, August 15, 2026. Built around the theme “Holistic Wellness for Student Success,” the program brought together approximately 300 K-12 students, parents, volunteers, Youth Ambassadors, speakers, sponsors, and community partners for learning, encouragement, community connection, and preparation for the new school year.
The event was designed as more than a school-supply giveaway. It combined youth leadership, parent engagement, student skill-building, a community resource fair, practical school support, and opportunities for families to connect directly with organizations serving the Yakima Valley.
Youth Ambassadors: The Leadership Behind the Event
The main event was preceded by a leadership workshop for Better Future Finders Youth Ambassadors - college-age young adults at undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels who serve as important carriers of the BFF vision. Although they are spread across different parts of the country, they used technology to coordinate planning and contribute their expertise through departments including Outreach and Community Engagement, IT and Web, and Projects and Program Development.
The workshop focused on the “BFF Youth Ambassador as a Catalyst for Change.” Speakers and interactive sessions challenged the Ambassadors to move beyond titles and see leadership as identifying needs, creating solutions, mobilizing people and resources, and developing innovative programs that respond to present-day challenges facing young people in the Yakima Valley.
Leadership Through Community Service
Before the event, Youth Ambassadors translated leadership into service. They participated in a community clean-up at Greenway Park, helping improve the park and access areas. They also served at the BFF Thrift Store, sorting quality clothing for donation as part of BFF’s support for people affected by regional wildfires. These activities reinforced a central BFF principle: meaningful leadership must result in service and positive community impact.
Preparing 400 Backpacks for Students
Later, the Youth Ambassadors were joined by volunteers from the community to pack approximately 400 backpacks. Supplies included scientific calculators, notebooks, rulers, crayons, pens, pencils, and other school essentials. The packing activity brought together BFF leadership, young adults, staff, and community volunteers around one goal - helping students begin the school year prepared and encouraged.
The community resource and distribution area connected families with school materials, information, and participating organizations.
Event Day: A Community Comes Together
On Saturday morning, event staff and volunteers arrived for venue setup, a leadership walkthrough, assignments, and briefing. Registration and community partner setup began around 9:30 a.m., followed by meet-and-greet activities and orientation for families. Participants were then directed to age-appropriate learning sessions and parent programming.
Community Resource Fair
Approximately 20 community organizations and resource partners set up tables to share information and connect directly with families. Participating organizations included the U.S. Army, Catholic Charities, and other local agencies and organizations serving children and families. The resource fair gave attendees an opportunity to learn about programs, ask questions, and make connections that can continue beyond the event.
Holistic Wellness for Student Success
Educational programming was organized for elementary students, middle and high school students, and parents. Elementary participants engaged in age-appropriate activities combining learning, fun, and encouragement. Middle and high school students participated in “Who Am I? Building Confidence and Positive Identity,” led by Dominic DeClaire, and “Healthy Habits for School Success: Holistic Wellness in Everyday Life,” led by Folake Okor.
Parents participated concurrently in “Healthy Habits for School Success: Partnering with Your Child for Holistic Wellness,” led by Folake Okor, and “Preparing Your Child for Success Beyond the Classroom: Developing Character, Leadership, and Life Skills,” led by Dominic DeClaire. Parent engagement also included an interactive segment with Lee Spakousky. The sessions emphasized that student success is strengthened when families are equipped alongside their children.
Closing Challenge: Perseverance Is Part of Success
The closing ceremony featured raffles, recognition of sponsors and partners, information about Better Future Finders, and a keynote address by Anthony Peterson, CEO of OIC. Mr. Peterson challenged students to understand that trying repeatedly until success is achieved is itself part of the success story. Young people were encouraged not to fear an unsuccessful first attempt, but to learn, adjust, keep trying, and make use of the opportunities around them.
Backpack and School Supply Distribution
The event concluded with free backpack and school-supply distribution, followed by takeaway lunch. Positioning the distribution after the educational and community-building portions of the program reinforced BFF’s purpose: the backpack is important, but the greater investment is in the student’s confidence, wellness, resilience, family support, and future.
Impact and Outcomes
The 2026 Back to School with a Purpose demonstrated what is possible when young leaders, families, volunteers, community organizations, sponsors, and supporters work together. Better Future Finders will continue strengthening its Youth Ambassador structure, deepening community partnerships, expanding parent engagement, and developing innovative youth-centered programs responsive to the changing needs of young people in the Yakima Valley.
BFF extends sincere appreciation to every sponsor, donor, speaker, community organization, volunteer, Youth Ambassador, staff member, parent, and supporter who contributed to the success of the event.
On Saturday morning, event staff and volunteers arrived for venue setup, a leadership walkthrough, assignments, and briefing. Registration and community partner setup began around 9:30 a.m., followed by meet-and-greet activities and orientation for families. Participants were then directed to age-appropriate learning sessions and parent programming.
Community Resource Fair
Approximately 20 community organizations and resource partners set up tables to share information and connect directly with families. Participating organizations included the U.S. Army, Catholic Charities, and other local agencies and organizations serving children and families. The resource fair gave attendees an opportunity to learn about programs, ask questions, and make connections that can continue beyond the event.
Holistic Wellness for Student Success
Educational programming was organized for elementary students, middle and high school students, and parents. Elementary participants engaged in age-appropriate activities combining learning, fun, and encouragement. Middle and high school students participated in “Who Am I? Building Confidence and Positive Identity,” led by Dominic DeClaire, and “Healthy Habits for School Success: Holistic Wellness in Everyday Life,” led by Folake Okor.
Parents participated concurrently in “Healthy Habits for School Success: Partnering with Your Child for Holistic Wellness,” led by Folake Okor, and “Preparing Your Child for Success Beyond the Classroom: Developing Character, Leadership, and Life Skills,” led by Dominic DeClaire. Parent engagement also included an interactive segment with Lee Spakousky. The sessions emphasized that student success is strengthened when families are equipped alongside their children.
Closing Challenge: Perseverance Is Part of Success
The closing ceremony featured raffles, recognition of sponsors and partners, information about Better Future Finders, and a keynote address by Anthony Peterson, CEO of OIC. Mr. Peterson challenged students to understand that trying repeatedly until success is achieved is itself part of the success story. Young people were encouraged not to fear an unsuccessful first attempt, but to learn, adjust, keep trying, and make use of the opportunities around them.
Backpack and School Supply Distribution
The event concluded with free backpack and school-supply distribution, followed by takeaway lunch. Positioning the distribution after the educational and community-building portions of the program reinforced BFF’s purpose: the backpack is important, but the greater investment is in the student’s confidence, wellness, resilience, family support, and future.
Impact and Outcomes
- Approximately 300 students, parents, volunteers, and community participants were reached.
- Approximately 400 backpacks were prepared with school supplies.
- Approximately 20 community organizations and resource partners connected directly with families.
- Students received development in identity, confidence, wellness, resilience, healthy habits, and school success.
- Parents received practical strategies for supporting holistic wellness, character, leadership, and success beyond the classroom.
- Youth Ambassadors gained hands-on experience in leadership, planning, technology, teamwork, community engagement, project development, service, and event implementation.
The 2026 Back to School with a Purpose demonstrated what is possible when young leaders, families, volunteers, community organizations, sponsors, and supporters work together. Better Future Finders will continue strengthening its Youth Ambassador structure, deepening community partnerships, expanding parent engagement, and developing innovative youth-centered programs responsive to the changing needs of young people in the Yakima Valley.
BFF extends sincere appreciation to every sponsor, donor, speaker, community organization, volunteer, Youth Ambassador, staff member, parent, and supporter who contributed to the success of the event.
The backpack was only part of the message.
Your future matters. Your potential matters. Keep learning. Keep trying. Keep growing. Keep moving forward.
BETTER FUTURE FINDERS - “We do just that!”
Your future matters. Your potential matters. Keep learning. Keep trying. Keep growing. Keep moving forward.
BETTER FUTURE FINDERS - “We do just that!”
