Why Back-to-School Support Matters in South DeKalb
Every July, families across South DeKalb prepare for a new school year filled with hope, fresh starts, and new opportunities. But for many parents, back-to-school season also comes with mounting financial pressure.
According to the National Retail Federation, families with children in elementary through high school are expected to spend an average of nearly $875 on school supplies, clothing, electronics, and other essentials this year. That figure has steadily increased in recent years, placing additional strain on households already navigating inflation, rising housing costs, and food insecurity.
For communities like South DeKalb, the impact is significant.
At New Life Community Alliance (NLCA), we know that back-to-school support is about much more than backpacks and notebooks. It’s about helping children walk into the classroom feeling prepared, confident, and ready to succeed.
The Real Cost of Back-to-School Season
Back-to-school expenses can quickly overwhelm families balancing rent, groceries, transportation, childcare, and healthcare costs. Research from the Pew Research Center found that inflation continues to disproportionately impact lower-income households, forcing many parents to make difficult tradeoffs between necessities.
When students lack basic school supplies, appropriate clothing, or reliable transportation, it can affect far more than academics. Studies from the National Center for Children in Poverty show that economic hardship can impact attendance, confidence, emotional wellness, and long-term educational outcomes.
That’s why community support systems matter. Organizations like NLCA help bridge the gap by providing practical resources that reduce stress on families while helping students begin the year with dignity.
Why Community Support Improves Student Success
Research consistently shows that students perform better when their basic needs are met.
According to Attendance Works, students facing housing instability, food insecurity, or unmet health needs are significantly more likely to experience chronic absenteeism. Chronic absenteeism has been directly linked to lower reading proficiency, reduced graduation rates, and long-term economic challenges.
Community-based support can help remove those barriers before they impact a child’s future.
That support might look like:
- A backpack filled with supplies
- A fresh haircut before the first day of school
- Access to healthy food
- Clothing assistance for growing children
- Mentorship and after-school support
- Stable housing resources for families in crisis
These are not “extras.” They are foundational supports that help children focus on learning instead of survival.
Community Impact Day Is About More Than Supplies
That vision comes to life through NLCA’s annual Community Impact Day, one of South DeKalb’s largest community outreach events. What began as a school supply giveaway has evolved into a full-scale resource event that supports children and families holistically before the school year begins.
In 2025, Community Impact Day provided:
- 1,716 backpacks distributed
- 1,603 individuals served
- 351 people supported through Garments of Grace
- 208 food boxes distributed
- 24 salon appointments through Praise Salon
Last year alone, more than 1,400 students received backpacks and school supplies through the event, and this year’s goal is 2,000.
Those numbers represent more than distributions. They represent students beginning the school year with confidence and families feeling seen, supported, and connected to their community.
Investing in Youth Is Investing in South DeKalb’s Future
Education remains one of the strongest pathways toward economic mobility and long-term stability. According to the U.S. Department of Education, students who receive consistent academic and social support are more likely to graduate and pursue career opportunities that strengthen both families and communities.
That’s why NLCA’s mission extends beyond emergency support. Through programs focused on education, workforce development, housing, food distribution, and wellness, NLCA works to help erase the legacy of poverty in South DeKalb while building thriving communities of hope and opportunity.
Community Impact Day is one example of what happens when churches, nonprofits, volunteers, donors, and neighbors work together around a shared goal: creating brighter futures for local children. We know that when students are supported, communities become stronger. And in South DeKalb, that support matters more than ever.
Help South DeKalb Students Start the School Year Strong
Every backpack, every volunteer, and every act of generosity helps a child walk into school feeling prepared, supported, and confident.
You can help make a difference through NLCA’s Community Impact Day on July 25.
Here’s How You Can Get Involved:
- Fill a backpack to help students start the year equipped for success
- Volunteer at Community Impact Day and serve local families directly
- Sponsor a child and help provide school supplies, clothing, food, and essential resources
Together, we can build brighter futures for South DeKalb students and families.
