2025 Back to School
Summer Festival 

What an incredible day of unity, love, and support for our community! This year's Back-to-School Festival was led by: Dr. Juliesa McFarlane - Founder & CEO, Kindle Community Inc. Rev. Shaun Jones - Pastor Star of Bethlehem Baptist Church and Mr. Chima Monday - Director, Ossining Youth Bureau. We were honored to welcome community leaders, including Mayor Rika Levin, County Executive Ken Jenkins, Senator Pete Harckham, County Legislator Emiljana Ulaj, NYS Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg, and Congressman Mike Lawler. Together, we: Gave away 300+ sneakers, Distributed 400+ school kits and backpacks filled with school supplies, Served 600 meals + hundreds of ice creams, hosted soccer & basketball tournaments.  Welcomed Ossining Police, Fire & EMS with their trucks. Connected families with dozens of vendors in mental health, physical health, education, environment, sensory supports & more! Special thanks to the Village of Ossining-Parks and Rec Staff, and our platinum sponsors: The Greater Ossining Chamber of Commerce, Gullotta House, Hoyt's Towing, JW Scholarship, and Post All Printing.  Because of YOU, our volunteers, and the vendors, our families are starting the school year prepared, confident, and celebrated!