Children and families in New York City were treated to a day of fun and learning in mid-September when Campaign Zero partnered with Win NYC, the largest provider of family shelter and supportive housing in New York City, to host the third annual Back-to-School Bash for more than 600 children and members of their families.
The four-hour event featured over 25 volunteers from the two organizations leading games, activities, and creative workshops to help children and families prepare for the 2025–26 school year.
The day’s program was designed to build confidence, provide resources, and start the year with excitement and community joy. Highlights included:
- School Supply Gear-Up: Distributing essential school supplies and lunch bags to ensure every child began the year prepared.
- Say It With Your Wrist: Kids and teens crafted affirmation bracelets with empowering words to carry with them daily.
- Snack Your Vibe: Teens created edible charcuterie-style mood boards, using foods to express how they felt about the new year.
- STEM Zone: Younger children explored Magic Milk experiments, while teens built DIY lava lamps to spark curiosity.
- Game On!: The playground buzzed with relay races, giant games, and group challenges that encouraged laughter and teamwork.
- Parent Pause Zone: Caregivers took time for rest, refreshments, and self-care activities designed to recharge them for the school year ahead.
The Back-to-School Bash underscored Campaign Zero’s commitment to partnering with Win to transform the lives of families in supportive housing. This marked the third year of collaboration, and each year the event continues to expand—combining joy, creativity, and tangible resources to reach more families, reminding them they are not alone.
“Events like the Back to School Bash remind us that every child deserves to start the year not just prepared, but celebrated,” said DeRay Mckesson, Executive Director of Campaign Zero. “We’re proud to stand alongside Win NYC to ensure that every family knows they are not alone as they begin this school year.”
Christine C. Quinn, President & CEO of Win NYC, shared:
“Our partnership with Campaign Zero makes a real difference for the families we serve. Together, we’re creating experiences that support our kids’ futures and give them the tools to succeed in and out of the classroom. This year’s Back to School Bash ensured that more than 600 children and their caregivers started the year prepared—and celebrated by a community that believes in them.”
We are deeply grateful to Win NYC, our volunteers, and the children and families who made this day unforgettable. Together, we are building a future rooted in care, justice, and possibility.
Staff Spotlight: Dwayne Messam, AVP of Transitional Housing at Win NYC
This year’s Back-to-School Bash ran seamlessly thanks in large part to the leadership and support of Dwayne Messam, Assistant Vice President of Transitional Housing at Win NYC. Dwayne’s steady guidance and accommodating spirit ensured every detail came together, creating a welcoming and joyful experience for families, staff, and volunteers alike. His commitment to both the logistics and the people behind the event exemplifies the kind of leader he is — making sure families not only had what they needed for school, but also felt celebrated by their community.
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The teams leading this event were:
Win NYC: Christine C. Quinn (President & Chief Executive Officer), Diana Santos (EVP, Chief Program & Strategic Advocacy Officer), & Dwayne Messam (AVP, Transitional Housing)
Campaign Zero: DeRay Mckesson (Executive Director) & Kelly Davis (Managing Director, Advocacy & Organizing)
About Win NYC
Win NYC is the largest provider of shelter and supportive housing for families experiencing homelessness in New York City. Through holistic solutions, safe housing, critical services, and groundbreaking programs, Win transforms the lives of thousands of families each year.