RISE Shreveport helps equip the community with the #FightForYou Summer Soirée

by: Dr. Kirkpatrick Williams
Published July 13, 2025

As students prepare to return to classrooms this fall, RISE Shreveport stepped up to support families with its #FightForYou Summer Soirée, a community-centered event held at Bill Cockrell Park. Designed to provide both practical support and encouragement to local youth, the event drew dozens of families for a day of free resources, entertainment, and wellness services.

RISE Shreveport, a local nonprofit focused on empowering underserved communities, offered free backpacks filled with school supplies, as well as large trunks for college-bound students preparing to live on campus. The organization emphasized that the event was more than just a giveaway, it was a statement of solidarity with families working to ensure a strong start to the school year.

The event also featured health and fitness stations, including blood pressure screenings, fitness demos, and access to community wellness information. Organizers said they wanted the event to address both educational and physical readiness by promoting health as an essential part of academic success.

Music, games, food, and family-friendly activities helped turn the giveaway into a festive, empowering atmosphere. Volunteers and community leaders were on hand throughout the day to offer guidance, distribute supplies, and speak with families about additional resources available in the Shreveport area.

Organizers said the Summer Soirée was designed to “fight for” students who often face barriers to educational achievement due to financial hardship, lack of access to services, or other challenges. By connecting students and families to resources in a fun and welcoming environment, RISE Shreveport aims to remove those barriers and promote equity in education and health.

Community partners and local sponsors played a key role in making the event possible. Their contributions ensured that every family in attendance could leave with not only the supplies they needed, but also a renewed sense of connection and encouragement.

RISE Shreveport plans to continue similar outreach efforts throughout the year, with a focus on advocacy, education, and community-building. Organizers encouraged families to stay connected and informed about future events and support opportunities by following the organization’s social media pages and website.

The #FightForYou Summer Soirée was a clear reminder that when communities come together, they can make a meaningful difference, one backpack, one student, and one act of support at a time.