Back to School Event coming to SCC
The Columbus County Community Collaborative invites families throughout Columbus County to attend its free Back-to-School Event on Saturday, August 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Southeastern Community College, 4564 Chadbourn Highway in Whiteville.
This year's event is made possible through a grant provided by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), allowing the collaborative to expand its outreach and connect more families with valuable community resources before the start of the school year.
The Collaborative is a partnership of local agencies, schools, healthcare providers, behavioral health organizations, families, and community leaders who work together to identify the strengths, gaps, and unmet needs affecting children, youth, and families throughout Columbus County, and through collaboration, develop community-driven solutions, strengthen partnerships, increase awareness of available resources, and improve access to services that support children and families.
“The Back-to-School Event reflects the collaborative's mission by bringing community resources together in one location where families can easily connect with local organizations and learn about programs and services available throughout the county,” said Holly Niebauer, system of care regional manager for Trillium Health Resources, which facilitates the Collaborative.
In addition to learning about local programs, children of all ages can receive free school supplies and vision screenings; enjoy games, activities, and a special performance by a young Michael Jackson tribute performer; and have a chance at receiving giveaways and raffle prizes.
As part of the event, families will also be invited to complete a brief community survey. The feedback collected will help the Collaborative better understand the strengths, gaps, and unmet needs of children, youth, and families in Columbus County. This information will help guide future collaborative initiatives, strengthen partnerships, and ensure future efforts reflect the priorities of local families.
“The Collaborative is grateful to the many community partners, volunteers, businesses, and organizations whose support makes this event possible and who share a commitment to improving the lives of children and families throughout Columbus County,” Niebauer said.
Community organizations interested in participating as vendors, and businesses interested in supporting the event through donations or sponsorships, are encouraged to contact Niebauer at holly.niebauer@trilliumnc.org or Erin Warlick, chair of the Collaborative, at ebosley@advantagebeh.com.
About the Columbus County Community Collaborative
The Columbus County Community Collaborative brings together community partners to identify the strengths, gaps, and needs of children, youth, and families. Through collaboration, education, and community engagement, the collaborative works to improve access to resources, strengthen partnerships, and develop community-driven solutions that support healthier, stronger families throughout Columbus County.
