Indiana County Community Action Program, Inc.’s Story About CSBG

Indiana County Community Action Program, Inc. (ICCAP) created an upbeat, multi-purpose event to help low-income children begin the new school year as successfully as their more affluent peers.

The “Back to School Bash” grew out of a simple project to provide backpacks and school supplies to low-income children. Innovative thinking and the collaboration of many community service providers expanded this effort into a large-scale community event that now involves 89 businesses, service agencies, and churches. Now over 52 booths provide children with clothing, haircuts, food gift cards, new backpacks and school supplies. Last year, each of the 656 participating children received goods and services worth about $250, all donated by local businesses and service organizations.

ICCAP used CSBG funds to pay for the staff who organize and manage this event, a small investment that yields a large return. Through creative thinking, ICCAP has turned a stressful time of year for families with limited income into a celebration that prepares children for a productive school year.