Reality Fair for Foster Youth Transitioning into Independence
Industry: Non Profit & Charity
Created by Creative Community Services, Inc and being held at Georgia Tech, the Practical Matters Reality Fair is paramount in foster youths' lives.
Atlanta, GA (PRUnderground) June 14th, 2017
Perhaps the most frightening and stressful period of our lives is the transition from childhood to adulthood. Even for those who have the security of a loving family and the funds to provide them numerous roads to travel down are struck with uncertainty. For those with little to no support, such as foster youth, the transition to independence can be a death sentence.
Creative Community Services, Inc. (CCS) is an agency determined to make sure at-risk youth do not slip through the cracks. For this reason, the annual Practical Matters Reality Fair was born. The Reality Fair’s goal is to give youth a clear understanding of what to expect after high school by simulating the life choices, consequences, and trials that they may face.
Youth ages 14-21 attending the Reality Fair receive a check register and a mock paycheck determined by their chosen career. Mandatory visits to booths for housing, utilities, insurance, transportation, groceries, entertainment, and more will take a toll on their funds, just as they do in reality. Youth are also randomly assigned marital status, number of children, and given unexpected life events throughout the fair – handed out by community volunteers who, along with CCS staff, are available to offer financial counseling and to assist youth in making positive decisions.
The latter half of the Practical Matters Reality fair consists of a College and Career Fair, which will allow for the youth the connect with educational & technical institutes as well as career professionals from all over the metro Atlanta area. Teens and young adults can have their questions answered and can explore career and educational options and opportunities.
Creative Community Services, Inc. (CCS) is looking for volunteers to assist with the Reality Fair, for vendors interested in contributing to the College & Career Fair, and for sponsors who understand just how important this event is to Georgia’s youth.
To sign up or inquire further about the Reality Fair or CCS services by calling 770-469-6226 or emailing info@ccsgeorgia.org
