Elder Justice Initiative: Difference between revisions

|ProgramName=Backpack to the Future

|ProgramType=Initiative

|OrgSponsor=United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County

|Mission=To provide school supplies and backpacks to students in need, ensuring educational equity and opportunity. The initiative aims to foster a community environment where every child has the tools necessary for academic success.

|Website=https://www.unitedwayabc.org/

'''Backpack to the Future''' (BTTF) is an initiative by the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County designed to distribute school supplies and backpacks to students, particularly those in underserved communities. The purpose is to reduce the financial burden on families and promote educational equity by ensuring all students start the school year with the necessary materials. This initiative not only supports academic achievement but also boosts community engagement and volunteerism.

{{Official URL (simple)|url=https://www.unitedwayabc.org/}}

* To ensure every student has access to new school supplies and a backpack at the beginning of each school year.

* To engage the community in a collective effort to support education, aiming for 100% participation from local businesses and organizations.

* To reduce the educational achievement gap by providing essential resources, with a goal to increase academic performance metrics in participating schools by 10% each year.

Backpack to the Future is managed by the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County. The initiative is run by a dedicated team within the organization, with a governance structure that includes a project coordinator, volunteer coordinators, and community outreach specialists. Funding comes from donations, corporate sponsorships, and local grants. The initiative leverages partnerships with schools, local businesses, and other non-profits to maximize impact.

- **Achievements**: The initiative has successfully distributed thousands of backpacks, with significant improvements noted in student attendance and participation rates in schools receiving supplies.

- **Challenges**: Logistical issues like supply chain disruptions have occasionally impacted the quantity and quality of supplies available.

- **Unintended Consequences**: An increase in community involvement has led to a broader awareness of educational needs, prompting discussions on long-term educational support systems.

Backpack to the Future was established in response to the growing recognition of educational disparities due to lack of basic school supplies. It was launched in 2011 by United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County to address this issue directly. The initiative has since grown, adapting annually based on community feedback and needs assessments. There are no specific plans for expansion, but sustainability is a focus through continuous community engagement and support.  

The initiative is funded annually through:

 

Funding amounts vary each year, typically ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 depending on the scale of distribution planned. There is no set end date for funding as it's an ongoing initiative supported by community goodwill.

The program operates through several phases:

- **Collection**: Gathering supplies through community drives and partnerships.

- **Assembly**: Volunteers pack backpacks with tailored supplies based on grade-specific needs.

- **Distribution**: Backpacks are distributed at community events or directly through schools before the school year starts. There is no defined end date; it continues annually as long as there is community need and support.

The leader of the program holds the title of **Project Coordinator**.

* [[United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County]]

* https://www.unitedwayabc.org/

* https://www.unitedwayabc.org/backpack-to-the-future/

There is no specific Wikipedia article for this initiative; however, related information might be found under:

* wikipedia:United Way

* https://www.facebook.com/UnitedWayABC

* https://twitter.com/UnitedWayABC

[[Category:United Way]]