As kids across the County prepare to go back to school—often entering the classroom for the first time in over a year—the preK-12 students at HACC family sites enjoyed one last day of summer with a back-to-school party, complete with barbecue, bouncy houses, DJs, and brand new backpacks!

At three events on August 13, 17, and 18, residents at Vera Yates Homes In Ford Heights, Richard Flowers Community Housing in Robbins, and Bergen/Mackler/Sunrise in Chicago Heights received backpacks filled with school supplies, courtesy of Cradles to Crayons, to ensure they get off on the right foot as they return to the classroom in person.

Cook County Health teams were onsite at each of the events to provide Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines to residents and members of the public ages 12 and up, and to answer questions about COVID-19 and vaccinations.

Representatives from many local organizations were also present at the events, including CEDA, Illinois Action for Children, Cornerstone Community Development Corporation, Prairie State College, Employment and Employer Services, and the Cottage Grove Health Center.