Neighborhood House Announces "Blast Off 2 School" Program to Serve Local Students in Need
Annual back-to-school initiative will provide essential supplies, clothing, and health services to children across Oakland County communities
ROCHESTER HILLS, MI –Neighborhood House is excited to announce our upcoming annual Blast Off 2 School program, which will serve school-aged children from families experiencing financial hardship across Rochester Hills, Rochester, Auburn Hills, Oakland Township, and Leonard Township.
Our comprehensive back-to-school initiative will provide each participating child with new backpacks, grade-appropriate school supplies, notebooks, back-to-school clothing, hygiene kits, and books. We serve children ages 4-18 from families receiving government assistance programs such as Medicaid or who qualify for reduced-price meal programs.
Two-Part Program Addresses Multiple Needs
Our 2025 Blast Off 2 School program will feature two key components designed to prepare children for academic success:
Community Health Fair (August 6): In partnership with Henry Ford Health, we will host free vision screenings and sports physicals from 4-7 PM at our main facility (1720 S. Livernois, Rochester Hills). This critical health component ensures children receive necessary medical clearances for school activities and sports participation.
Supply Distribution Event (August 16): Families who pre-register through our organization will receive complete back-to-school packages at St. Mary of the Hills Church (2675 John R Road, Rochester Hills) from 10 AM to 1 PM. Each child will select their own back-to-school clothing and receive a backpack filled with essential school supplies.
"This program exemplifies our vision of neighbors helping neighbors," said Bris Roberts, Director of Marketing. "By providing both educational supplies and health services, we're removing barriers that prevent children from starting the school year ready to learn and succeed."
Community Partnership Makes Our Program Possible
The success of our Blast Off 2 School program depends on extensive community support. We partner with the Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan to provide clothing and hygiene items for participating families and Henry Ford to provide sports physicals.
Building on 2024 Success
Last year's program served over 400 children, demonstrating the significant need in our community and the power of collaborative support. This year, we anticipate similar or greater participation as families continue to face economic challenges.
Community members can contribute donations through multiple collection points, including:
Ram's Horn (1990 S. Rochester Rd.)
Rochester Hills Public Library (1500 Olde Towne Rd.)
Rochester Fire Station (277 E. 2nd St.)
Auburn Hills City Hall (1827 N. Squirrel Rd.)
Rochester Hills City Hall (1000 Rochester Hills Dr.)
Neighborhood House main office (1720 S. Livernois)
Our Clothes Closet and Food Pantry locations
Donation deadlines: Supply kit purchases through 1st Day School Supplies must be completed by July 1st, while wish list donations can be dropped off through August 8th.
Our program also offers convenient online purchasing options through 1st Day School Supplies, with kits sent directly to us for distribution.
You can find our wish list items at
About Neighborhood House
We have been serving as a transformative nonprofit organization since 1968, assisting neighbors during times of hardship through forward-thinking programs. We partner with the community and other social service providers to help neighbors in need move toward self-sufficiency.
Our services include emergency financial assistance, food and clothing assistance, counseling, transportation, educational opportunities, and job coaching. Our vision is a community of neighbors helping neighbors thrive.