Our History

The Story of Community Connections

Community Connections began in August 2018 with a shared vision: to create a simple outreach program to support students in the Pal-Mac Middle School district. Founders quickly put their idea into action, holding their first "Back to School" events for 25 students in local neighborhoods. By September 2018, they expanded their efforts with a "School Picture Prep" event, providing haircuts, outfits, and hygiene supplies to put smiles on kids' faces.

As the cooler months arrived, Community Connections focused on warmth. In December 2018, they delivered boots, hats, and gloves, ensuring 24 children were ready for winter. The spring of 2019 saw the program grow further, culminating in May with 121 students receiving new sneakers. Recognizing their impact, they established an official email address, communityconnections@palmaccsd.org, and began to formalize their operations.

Focused Growth and Adapting to Challenges

By June 2019, reflecting on their successful first year, Community Connections decided to concentrate their efforts on four key annual events: School Supplies, School Picture Day, Winter Boots, and Spring Sneakers. Their goal was clear: reach more families and more neighborhoods, even with a small, dedicated team. This focus quickly paid off. In August 2019, they hosted five "Back to School" events, serving 114 Pal-Mac students, and by December 2019, they had more than tripled their boot distribution, providing over 150 pairs.

The program's commitment shone brightly during the COVID-19 shutdown. Community Connections adapted by calling families to check on their needs and partnering with food delivery programs to provide bi-weekly activity bags filled with games, books, and activities for students of all ages. This demonstrated their dedication to holistic support beyond just physical supplies.

Continued Growth and Holistic Support

Community Connections has truly continued to grow, adapt, and change to meet the evolving needs of the Pal-Mac community. What started as key annual events has blossomed into year-round support. Now, the program offers crucial senior picture opportunities, helping older students capture this important milestone. They've forged a vital partnership with Wayne Community Schools Coordinators, allowing them to provide sneakers throughout the entire year, ensuring students always have appropriate footwear.

In a significant step to provide even more immediate assistance, Community Connections has established a clothing closet within the Middle School. This accessible resource offers essential clothing items to families in need directly within the school building. Alongside these new initiatives, the program proudly continues its foundational events: the popular picture prep days, vital winter boot distribution, and ensuring students have necessary supplies to start the school year strong. 

Community Connections remains dedicated to nurturing the well-being and success of every Pal-Mac student.