Mothers In Action 16th Annual Back to School Health & Family Festival Readies LA Youth for Upcoming School Year
By Shaver, Shonassee | |
Proquest LLC |
The proverb "It takes a village to raise a child" is true and was put to great use at this year's Mothers In Action's (MIA) 16th Annual Back to
As the school year approaches, disadvantaged children in the
"It's very important for the youth, because a lot of kids in the community don't have the resources to get the items they need to get them ready for school," said a mother of two.
"A lot of parents can't afford to buy supplies at stores," stated a KJLH rep. BSHFF appeals to the community, not to the commercial consumer.
The community advocates organized events such as the BSHFF to decrease the socioeconomic state effecting children in school.
The festival was supported by chair,
"This is a continuation of MIA and civic engagement, it [BSHFF] keeps the profile up to let folks know we are engaged and involved and trying to make sure we have a better quality of life and get ready for school," acknowledges
The at risk youth targeted ranged from 5 through 15 years of age. The event hosted everything from free health screenings, haircuts, immunizations, food, valuable resource information, school supplies to school uniforms, and groceries for parents and their children. Understanding the importance of a student's performance in and out of the classroom. Mothers in Action's 16th Annual Back to School Festival provided the community with scholastic, health and social resources for a successful school year. "Kids may not have the social or economical means to get the items they need to function day-to- day in the classroom, like uniforms and backpacks," said Michelle, a
"It's extremely important that people in the community get a chance to get ready for school, because if you're not ready with pencils and papers, you are not ready to learn," states Brian, a community health promoter for
On why the BSHFF is important, "It's very important because we have to reach out to the community and make them aware of the services that are out there, the kids are our future," states a rep from HPP Cares (Housing People Properly).
Enthused about the event, participants came with a purpose. "I'm here to pick up some free school supplies for my kids," said one father at the event. Children helped their peers and relatives get ready for school as a young man stated "I came here with my aunt for my little cousin." BSHFF provides school supplies for the school year, but instills the value of education in
"It's a good way to give back to the community while promoting higher education," stated a KJLH rep.
The event tackled every angle of preparing LA's youth for school including health and wellness. Crowds of children and their parents lined up to get their immunizations at the
During the school year, a revolving door of germs floats around causing students to get colds and viruses, thus keeping students out of school.
"It's very important for them to have their immunizations before they go back to school so they can be healthy and we also have a dental center doing dental screenings," said a representative from Cedars - Sinai. "Thousands of hours of school are lost every year because kids have dental pain, it's important that their teeth are getting checked, along with hearing and vision."
Alternative health services such as
"We are focusing today specifically on human trafficking. It's affecting our community, especially in South L.A. and
The
Not only was the BSHFF informative and resourceful, but entertaining. It was a family day, as parents brought their children to prepare for the upcoming school year as well for a nice outing. Similar to a block party, the festival had music provided by KJLH, a hotdog, funnel cake, and lemonade stand, prizes and a jumper. KJLH provided live entertainment for the festival. An upcoming artist on a school tour performed "Hershey kisses" and covered "The Worst" by Jhené
Mothers In Action would like to give a special thanks to all the sponsors, elected officials and businesses including Senator
SEIU ULTCW
7- Eleven
COACH for kids
Charles
Dr.
Children's Dental Services
Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
DPSS Cal Fresh
HPP Cares
P.A.V.A. (
L.A.P.D.
L.A.F.D.
SLAHPWIC Program
Mother's Nutritional Center
Security Measures
Sparkletts
Krispy Kreme
And to USC, the Coliseum and everyone else who came out or donated to the cause in anyway...
THANK YOU!!!
The 16th Annual Back to
Understanding the importance of a student's performance in and out of the classroom, Mother's in Action 16th Annual provided the community with scholastic, health and social resources for a successful school year.
BY SHONASSE SHAVER
SENTINEL STAFF WRITER
Copyright: | (c) 2014 Los Angeles Sentinel |
Wordcount: | 1199 |
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