Where We Have Been
Founded in 1999, the Platte County Health Department and other community partners started the first annual Platte County Back to School Fair. Ninety-four children from all four public school systems were supplied with backpacks and hygiene products.
As time went on, the numbers of low-income children steadily grew. Exhibitors equipped with resources to address physical, mental, and social needs were introduced. In 2016, we became the Platte County Back to School Fair Association, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. |
Who We Are
Equal Start is a team of community stakeholders consisting of schools, public health professionals, social workers, and volunteers striving to provide
low-income families school resources, access to care, and prevention education. The Platte County Back to School Fair is a program of Equal Start and is funded through the generous donations of individuals, corporate and private foundations, fundraising events and grants. |
Where We Are Now
In 2022, the Platte County Back to School Fair became a program of Equal Start. The program you have supported and loved now has a new name and logo!
Even though our name has changed, our mission is still the same. We want to provide Platte County low-income families an equal and safe opportunity for school readiness by enriching physical, mental and social well-being. As of 2023, 17,981 Platte County children have been provided access to care, backpacks full of school supplies, hygiene products, and community resources. |