Our Race is modeled after the famous TV show The Amazing Race, but with a special twist! RFL youth are placed onto teams of 4 (with volunteer drivers, so we don’t run the risk of competitiveness causing over-excitement and dangerous driving). Like the TV show, teams must decipher clues and then go to stops where they are required to perform various tasks.

Here’s where the twist comes in! All of the tasks in our Race are designed to help the youth we serve fill in life-skill and learning gaps that are common to this vulnerable population. Many of the young people Ready for Life serves have not had the opportunity to experience or engage in important “life” activities to understand how things are done. The Amazing Resource Race takes each team through situations that are designed to help fill in some of the missing pieces in a fun way. Past races have included activities such as:

• Applying for an apartment or a job

• How to change a flat tire and check your oil

• De-escalating conflicting situations

• Team building

• Meal planning and shopping on a budget

• How to open a bank account

• Navigating the bus system to get around town

• How much it really costs to own and care properly for a pet!

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The Race makes learning these life skills fun. It’s a whole day of learning without opening a single book! Then everyone celebrates with a Finish Line Party at Quaker Steak and Lube after the race.

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The young adults we serve also often haven’t had the chance to decorate a car for Homecoming, attend a dance, or participate in the scavenger hunts many of their peers did growing up. The Amazing Resource Race not only fills in life-skill and learning gaps at the Race Stops, but also gives the young people we serve an opportunity to participate in similar activities together. It’s another milestone they get to meet as a part of the RFL family.

The Amazing Resource Race is an incredibly impactful learning event for over 40 former foster youth in our community, and provides high visibility for companies who want to sponsor a team or a Race Stop.