Back to School Bash Brings Milwaukee Organizations Together to Support Local Families
As part of its 175th Anniversary celebration, Wellpoint Care Network took its annual Back to School Bash in a new direction. For the first time in the event’s five-year history, Back to School Bash expanded beyond a single day and a single location to reach more kids and families across Milwaukee.
Wellpoint Care Network partnered with Outreach Community Health Centers, Safe & Sound, UMOS, and Ross Innovative Employment Solutions to provide more than 3,000 children with backpacks filled with school supplies.
“As we celebrate 175 years of serving children and families, we wanted to do something that reflects who we are today,” said Reggie Newson, President and CEO of Wellpoint Care Network. “By building on events our partners are already hosting throughout Milwaukee, we were able to put backpacks into the hands of more children before the first day of school, while strengthening the relationships that already exist within our community.”
“When organizations work together, children win,” added Bridget Whitaker, Executive Director of Safe & Sound. “This partnership is about more than backpacks; it’s about showing Milwaukee’s young people that an entire community is invested in their future.”
“This partnership reflects what is possible when organizations come together with a shared commitment to strengthening our community and creating brighter futures for our children,” added Marjorie Rivera-Torres, Vice President of Social Services at UMOS. “We are proud to stand alongside Wellpoint Care Network in ensuring that students start the school year prepared, supported, and inspired to learn.”
The 5th annual Back to School Bash series concluded on Saturday, September 12 with a final event hosted by Wellpoint Care Network on its campus. Families gathered for an afternoon of food, entertainment, kids activities, community resources and connection as they celebrated the start of a new school year together.
For some families, the event was an opportunity to connect with resources and services available in their community.
“It’s very wonderful that Wellpoint Care Network hosts events like this,” said Shantay from Milwaukee. “People really need the things that are out here. Every time I see you guys hosting something, I make sure I’m there. As a single parent of two kids, I do need the resources.”
Celeste of Milwaukee also appreciated the community connections at the event.
“I really enjoyed seeing the fire and police departments on-site spreading awareness,” she said. “Kids enjoy having them accessible, and it’s well needed for the neighborhood.”
For others, the afternoon was simply a chance to have fun and enjoy the activities with their families.
“We drove by and thought we would stop,” said Kayla of Milwaukee. “It’s very cool for the kids. They’ve gotten their faces painted, rode ponies, went in the bounce house — my hands are full!”
