As summer break winds down, children across Charlotte are ecstatic for the new school year. On June 23, Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy celebrated the season of new beginnings with a Back-to-School Bash, welcoming 750+ children and families to the Advocacy Center’s office. 

Attendees stocked up on free school supplies, enjoyed games and activities, and connected with over 20 local organizations ready to support them throughout the year ahead. More than 375 backpacks were distributed to students eager to start the school year strong. 

“This event was even better than I could have imagined,” said Addison Gaddy, Health Insurance Navigator summer intern. “It was so great to interact with the community and bring the energy for back-to-school season.” 

The event created opportunities for families to meet with a variety of community partners, including Novant Health, Healthy Blue NC, Anuvia Prevention and Recovery Center, NAMI, Embrace All Latino Voices, The Bulb, Our Bridge For Kids, Hope Community Clinic, Mecklenburg County Community Support Services, Alliance Health, Piedmont Music Therapy, Hope Street Food Pantry, RAIN, and Legal Aid of NC. In addition, attendees were able to meet and speak with members of the Advocacy Center’s veterans, tax, immigration, health insurance navigator, and Medicaid ombudsman teams. 

A huge thank you is extended to our Health Insurance Navigator interns – Addison Gaddy, Amaree Jones, Aoife Nurse, and Aidan Palmer – who planned and helped bring the event to life, and to our entire Navigator team for their hard work in making this year’s event a resounding success. 

The event was more than just a back-to-school kickoff; it was also a strong reminder of what community can look like when advocacy, resources, and compassion come together. 

We’re already excited to see everyone again next year!