ONE NEIGHBORHOOD. EVERYTHING THEY NEED TO START STRONG.
Back to School Community Day — Dreamcatcher Café, Back of the Yards, Chicago
The Event
About the Event
A free public outdoor community event focused on supporting local youth, families, veterans, and underserved communities as they prepare for the upcoming school year.
We're expecting 200–500 attendees across the day. Confirmed inventory includes 150 fully stocked backpacks and school supplies donated by the Travis Manion Foundation, 150 hygiene and care kits, clothing support, food and beverages, and additional donated resources pending confirmation.
This is our first year hosting in partnership with the Travis Manion Foundation, who will also coordinate outreach to local partners including Wounded Warrior Project, YMCA, and Blue Door Neighborhood Center, plus mobilize 200+ mentors and volunteers across Chicago.
Veterans serving the next generation. That's the mission in action.
The Coalition
Made possible by an incredible group of partners, sponsors, and community organizations.
Sponsors
Travis Manion Foundation
Kids Above All
Food For Less
Jewel-Osco
Partners
Dreamcatcher Café
WBL Life Choices
Chicago CareVan (CDPH)
Esprit de Corps Foundation
Lead Organizer — community outreach, volunteer coordination, veteran engagement, and event operations.
Dreamcatcher Café
Host Site — 1824 W. 47th St., Back of the Yards. Owned and operated by Marine Corps veteran Ignacio Gonzales.
Travis Manion Foundation
Program Co-Host & Lead Supply Sponsor — donating 150 backpacks and school supplies, plus veteran and youth mentorship, character and leadership programming, and volunteer mobilization across Chicago.
Kids Above All
Sponsor & Youth Services — hygiene kits, clothing, and youth resources for children and families.
Food For Less
Sponsor — food, beverages, and on-site hospitality support for attendees and families.
Jewel-Osco
Sponsor — donated groceries, food, and supplies for community distribution.
Ignite
Youth Homelessness Prevention — hygiene kits, clothing, meals, behavioral health support, and housing assistance for vulnerable youth.
WBL Life Choices Umbrella Networking Solutions NFP
Community Partner — outreach, networking, and local resource coordination.
Charlene Henry
7th Ward Aldermanic Candidate — beverages, cotton candy, and school supply donation support.
Chicago CareVan (CDPH)
Mobile Vaccine Clinic — back-to-school pediatric vaccines and COVID-19 Moderna for eligible attendees.
EDC in the Community
What's Happening
150 Free Backpacks & School Supplies
150 fully stocked backpacks and school supplies generously provided by the Travis Manion Foundation, plus clothing support. No registration required. First come, first served.
150 Hygiene & Care Kits
Free hygiene and care kits for youth and families — provided in partnership with Kids Above All and Ignite.
Free Vaccine Clinic — 10am to 2pm
Chicago CareVan (CDPH) mobile clinic on-site. Standard back-to-school pediatric vaccines plus COVID-19 Moderna for eligible age groups. ~50–100 vaccinations expected. Bring shot records. CareVan: 312-746-6181.
Veteran Mentorship & Youth Programming
TMF Character Does Matter — Travis Manion Foundation mentors leading live character and leadership programming for youth throughout the day.
Community Resource Village
Curated tables for families: Housing & Financial | Health & Wellness | Education | Employment | Veteran Resources | Youth & Family Support from Kids Above All, Ignite, and WBL Life Choices.
Food, Beverages & Community Stage
Food and hospitality led by Dreamcatcher Café (owned by Marine veteran Ignacio Gonzales). Beverages and cotton candy provided by 7th Ward Aldermanic Candidate Charlene Henry.
Site Layout
When You Arrive
Here's how the event area along W 47th St will be organized. Look for staff and volunteers in nonprofit organization shirts stationed near the rear of Dreamcatcher Café where backpacks and supplies will be distributed.
Backpack & Supply Distribution
Staffed by EDC volunteers near the rear portion of Dreamcatcher Café. Identifiable nonprofit shirts. No registration required.
CareVan Mobile Vaccine Clinic
Positioned horizontally on the street adjacent to the event area, near the rear of Dreamcatcher Café. Operating 10am–2pm.
Parking
Paid street parking is available along W 47th St and surrounding side streets. Additional parking coordination available near the event space.
Restrooms
Restroom access is available inside Dreamcatcher Café throughout the event.
Find Staff & Volunteers
Look for nonprofit shirts. Street access and event flow are coordinated by Ignacio Gonzales (Dreamcatcher Café), Damian Garcia, and the EDC team.
Day-of Contact
Indigo DivineCommunity Outreach Coordinator 312-509-3411 indigo@espritdcf.org
Why Back of the Yards
Back of the Yards is one of Chicago's most historically rich and resilient communities. Dreamcatcher Cafe was founded here by Marine veteran Ignacio Gonzalez specifically to be a community anchor — reinvesting in the neighborhood through healthy food, access, and programming.
We're not parachuting in. We're showing up alongside people who are already doing the work here.
Get Involved
Volunteer
info@espritdcf.org
Donate Supplies
info@espritdcf.org
Sponsor
events@espritdcf.org
Partner
letsconnect@espritdcf.org
