Days before the start of the new school year, First Commerce team members from the Adel financial center visited Cook County Middle School and donated 24 backpacks for teachers to give to students who may not have the ability to purchase their own school supplies. The backpacks were filled with notebooks, watercolor pens, scissors, rulers, pencils and erasers, pencil sharpeners and pencil cases. First Commerce also donated 200 pens and 200 pencils to add to the school’s supply of materials available for all students.

“As a local credit union committed to empowering generations and transforming communities, we want to help students start the school year strong,” said First Commerce CEO Cecilia Homison. “Back-to-school is an exciting time for students and their families, but the rising cost of school necessities, such as clothes, electronics and classroom supplies, can present financial challenges. Our donation of backpacks is one small part of the incredibly impactful work carried out by the Cook County school district.”

Cook County Schools supports families in the community, in part by having a parent resource coordinator who has put together a “parent liaison room” with various resources for parents. Parent Resource Coordinator Vanessa Mitchell serves the entire school district but works at Cook County Middle.

First Commerce team members were able to tour the parent liaison room, learning about the many ways it provides support for parents who may need resources for themselves and their kids. The parent resource program also offers resume assistance for parents and help with job searches.