Fill the Backpack with Wedgwood’s NextGen Board

Wedgwood’s NextGen Board is hosting a “Fill the Backpack” event on Tuesday, July 26 at Roselle Park in Ada from 5:00-7:30pm.

Wedgwood’s NextGen Board is a group of young rising community leaders who are dedicated to increasing awareness of Wedgwood within their circles of influence, making a positive impact in the lives of Wedgwood clients, and providing feedback on strategic planning for NextGen initiatives.

The “Fill the Backpack” event is one of those NextGen Board led initiatives. The event centers around crafting encouraging notes to kids in Wedgwood’s Residential Treatment Program and collecting school supplies to fill backpacks for the students at Lighthouse Academy. Lighthouse Academy, a charter school initially launched in 2012 by Wedgwood Christian Services, has a location on Wedgwood’s campus and provides a tuition free program for teens who have run out of educational options.

“The NextGen Board is constantly inspired by the ways in which Wedgwood serves our community and we are so excited to support Wedgwood by putting on the “Fill the Backpack” event this summer,” said Lynzey Gibbons, Co-chair of Wedgwood’s NextGen Board, and M&A and Real Estate Manager for Kamps Inc. “I am thrilled to be able to invite my network of peers to this event – I can’t think of a better way to introduce people to the incredible work being done at Wedgwood, while also serving the clients of Wedgwood.”

The event, which is free, will include a welcome and update from Wedgwood’s President/CEO, Dr. Dan Gowdy, service opportunities for all ages: assembling backpacks with school supplies & creating Encouragement Cards for kids in Wedgwood’s Residential Care, Networking, and Patty Matters Food Truck for dinner and desserts!

“Wedgwood is so grateful to have an amazing group of young, thoughtful leaders who are passionate about our mission, to offer hope and healing to hurting youth and families in our community,” said Kori Thompson, Wedgwood’s Advancement Officer and NextGen Board Advisor. “When they approached me with the idea to collect school supplies for the youth who rely on Wedgwood’s grace-filled care, I was overjoyed! They are filling a tangible need while inviting their peers to get involved and make a difference in the life of a student.”

This event is open to the community, and kids are welcome! With the opportunity to help others, spend the evening at the beautiful Roselle Park, enjoy tasty food from Patty Matters Food Truck, and get to know engaged members of your community, the “Fill the Backpack” event is not one to miss.

To register for this free, family-friendly event go to https://bit.ly/Wedgwood-FillBackpackEvent

 

 

ABOUT WEDGWOOD | Since 1960, Wedgwood Christian Services has been dedicated to boldly taking on the toughest problems facing kids, adults, and families through residential care, counseling services, and community programs. The organization’s goal is to support and help restore the physical, social, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual well-being of those who rely on Wedgwood. www.wedgwood.org

ABOUT WEDGWOOD’S NEXTGEN BOARD | Wedgwood’s NextGen Board is a group of young rising community leaders who are dedicated to advancing the mission of Wedgwood Christian Services by increasing awareness of the organization within their circles of influence, making a positive impact in the lives of Wedgwood clients, supporting agency events, and providing feedback on strategic planning for NextGen initiatives. Members of the NextGen Board have the opportunity to volunteer their time, talents, and professional expertise and resources; network socially and professionally with their peers; receive notable visibility in the community; and gain leadership skills. www.wedgwood.org/nextgen