Family Partnerships Hosts 9th Annual Back-To-School Bash for Brevard Foster Families

Rockledge, FL – August 2, 2025 – Backpacks, in all colors and superhero types. Pencils and notebooks. Even fresh haircuts. The annual back-to-school event in Melbourne, Fla., equipped youth with just about everything needed for a strong start to the school year. With back-to-school costs expected at around $570 nationwide per child this school year, every bit of family assistance preparing for return-to-school helps.

As the lead Community-Based Care organization for Central Florida, Family Partnerships organized the community bash, which drew attendance of more than 200 youth and 100 adults. Held at Suntree United Methodist Church from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 2, the event featured a booth layout, with youth and their families selecting school items from volunteers at each stop.

Donors included: Suntree United Methodist Church; Sunshine Health; Eckerd Connects – Family Services; Elevation Church Melbourne; Amwins Insurance Brokerage; Eau Gallie Rotary Club; MOMS Club; and Leonardo DRS. Also in attendance was the U.S. Marine Toys for Tots program, with donations made through their Christmas in July giving. The program is partnered with WFTV Orlando on its Forever Families feature series.

“Everything was provided free of cost,” said LaChrista Jones, Family Partnerships director of Community Development and Engagement. “We had numerous organizations supporting us, including churches, companies, community clubs and parent groups, along with individual donors. It gives you a tremendous sense of pride in your community to see this come together and benefit these wonderful children and their foster families.”

When the back-to-school support drive began in 2016, Jones said the idea was to create a lasting event where community organizations could show their collective support for foster families and children.

“These events are a visual way for foster children to see how much their community cares about them and their futures,” said Phil Scarpelli, president and chief executive officer of Family Partnerships. “I think that’s just as important as the financial impact and those savings. As these children start school and pursue their dreams, they do so knowing there’s a larger community team pulling for and supporting them.”

Family Partnerships is also organizing back-to-school events in Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties in July and August, modeled after the successful events started in Brevard. “This year, we’re impacting much greater numbers of children in the four counties we now serve – our second year of operation as Family Partnerships of Central Florida,” added Scarpelli.