Partners Help Families Prepare for School

August 7, 2026

Woman in black T-shirt and glasses hands backpack to young boy.

As excitement builds for a new school year, community partners gave our families a boost to help them prepare. We saw big smiles as kids and parents received their gifts at the annual back-to-school party for our family programs.

With support from Cigna Healthcare, each of the 75 students in our programs received a new backpack stuffed with supplies specific to their grade. Students picked keychains to personalize their packs – basketballs and fuzzy creatures were popular!

Every student also received a box of new clothes, thanks to funds provided by Salvation Army San Rafael and volunteer personal shoppers. They filled individual wish lists during an early-morning shopping spree at Target.

“Last year I spent at least $90 on supplies and it was money I really don’t have,” one mother told us. “This is very much appreciated.”

Shelter and housing programs at Homeward Bound last year served 97 families with a total of 145 children.