JFCAC, Jefferson Franklin Community Action Coop, ran a back to school fair in Franklin County for many years. This fair served the under-resourced families in the county that qualified by meeting the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The majority of the volunteers were supplied by a local church, First Christian Church in Union, MO. In 2014, JFCAC lost all their state funding for the back to school fair and was looking to close down the event. The volunteers from First Christian Church Union stepped up and decided to not let that happen. Finally, in 2015, the Franklin County Back to School Fair, Inc., was established and became the largest 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation in the area giving away FREE school supplies and backpacks.
Backpack Man meets Batman and Wolverine.
Our board members vary from a retired alligator trainer to one of a kind Harley rider. Just kidding!! Seriously, though, as a team we've got experiences working with children for over 100 years. One of our favorite moments at the fair is when "that" kid comes in and finds the perfect book or backpack or even Prom dress. And then they run off screaming, as loud as they can, "I'm going to Prom, look at my dress!!" And we get to be a part of their journey to go to Prom for this first time or maybe the last time, either way we got to be a part of it. We wouldn't have it any other way!!
President
Christy Vanderfeltz
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
NOT PICTURED
Board Member
Board Member
Lynn Scharfenberg
Board Member