500 KIDS. ONE NEIGHBORHOOD. EVERYTHING THEY NEED TO START STRONG.
Back to School Community Day — Back of the Yards, Chicago | August 29, 2026 (Time TBD)
The Event
About the Event
A free community event putting school supplies, mentorship, and real resources directly into the hands of students and families in Chicago's Back of the Yards neighborhood.
500 students. Every one of them walks away with a fully stocked backpack and a day that shows them someone in this city is invested in their future. Co-hosted by Esprit de Corps Foundation, Dreamcatcher Cafe, and Travis Manion Foundation.
Veterans serving the next generation. That's the mission in action.
EDC in the Community
What's Happening
Free Backpacks & School Supplies
Every student receives a fully stocked backpack. No registration required. Just show up.
Free Haircuts for Kids
Partnering with local barbers from Back of the Yards. Keeps money in the community. Back to school ready.
Free Immunizations
Chicago CareVan (CDPH) — free mobile immunization clinic on-site. All CDC-recommended childhood immunizations. Bring shot records. Contact: 312-746-6181
Veteran Mentorship & Youth Programming
TMF Character Does Matter — veteran mentors leading live character and leadership programming with youth throughout the day.
Community Resource Village
Curated tables organized by category for families to navigate: Housing & Financial | Health & Wellness | Education | Employment | Veteran Resources | Community Organizations
Food & Community
Dreamcatcher Cafe leads food and hospitality. Community stage with brief remarks from EDC, Ignacio, TMF, and Alderman Lopez.
Why Back of the Yards
Back of the Yards is one of Chicago's most historically rich and resilient communities. Dreamcatcher Cafe was founded here by Marine veteran Ignacio Gonzalez specifically to be a community anchor — reinvesting in the neighborhood through healthy food, access, and programming.
We're not parachuting in. We're showing up alongside people who are already doing the work here.
The Coalition
Esprit de Corps Foundation
Lead Organizer
Dreamcatcher Cafe
Community Co-Host (1824 W. 47th St., Back of the Yards)
Travis Manion Foundation
Program Co-Host
WBL Life Choices
Community Partner (Resource Village Coordination)
Chicago Area Veterans Forum
Community Partner
Toya Crain
Community Partner
Get Involved
Volunteer
info@espritdcf.org
Donate Supplies
info@espritdcf.org
Sponsor
events@espritdcf.org
Partner
letsconnect@espritdcf.org
