The Reality Fair
A Foster Youth’s Journey into Financial Literacy
Thursday, July 18th 2024
Event Overview
Creative Community Services’ Reality Fair is a free, hands-on event that provides youth ages 14-21 in foster care with a simulated experience for making real-world financial decisions.
How It Works
When registering a young person for this event, we ask for their career interests. Our team then takes this information to create them a custom packet filled with details on job title, marital status, and more.
At the fair, once they’ve received their career and salary information, each youth will embark on an exciting and eye-opening journey to build financial knowledge and money management skills. Booths set along a path replicate real-life events, such as buying a home, securing transportation, or obtaining a loan. The goal is for youth to complete the path while staying within their monthly budget. Professionals, advisors, and social workers guide them every step of the way.
After the Reality Fair, youth can participate in a College and Career Fair to connect with educational institutions and industry professionals.
Why the Economic Well-being for Youth in Foster Care Matters
Studies show that young people in out-of-home care face an increased risk of unstable housing, homelessness, and unemployment when they age out of the foster care system. We aim to break this cycle.
Financial literacy equips youth in foster care with the skills they need to make informed decisions about budgeting, saving, and navigating financial challenges. Moreover, it provides a solid foundation for independence as they transition into adulthood.
Why the Economic Well-being for Youth in Foster Care Matters
Studies show that young people in out-of-home care face an increased risk of unstable housing, homelessness, and unemployment when they age out of the foster care system. We aim to break this cycle.
Financial literacy equips youth in foster care with the skills they need to make informed decisions about budgeting, saving, and navigating financial challenges. This knowledge provides a solid foundation for independence as they transition into adulthood.
Why a Reality Fair?
Money-management skills such as paying bills, creating budgets, and saving for emergencies are a part of daily life. But to put it simply, many of our young people find the topic boring.
A reality fair lets us simulate real-life scenarios that are interactive and engaging. The fair features various stations representing financial aspects such as housing, transportation, healthcare, and entertainment. Participants gain practical experience in managing their wallet in a controlled, educational—but importantly fun—environment.
How much is the event?
This is a FREE event for youth ages 14-21 in foster care.
Is there parking at the event?
Yes, there is ample parking at the event space. Parking is free.
Will lunch be provided?
Yes. A boxed lunch will be provided to all youth and chaperones.
Are chaperones required?
Yes. Each registered youth must have a chaperone to accompany them throughout the day’s event. One chaperone per three youth is required.
What time should we arrive?
Do we need to register for this event?
Yes. All chaperones and participants must register for the event in advance. On-site registration is not available.
Is there a dress code for the event?
Casual attire (must be appropriate). We recommend wearing comfortable shoes for walking. Youth will receive a complimentary T-shirt for the event.
How do I volunteer for this event?
Thank you for your interest. Please contact our event manager Lauren Taylor at ltaylor@ccsgeorgia.org or call (770) 469–6226 ext. 1110.
My question was not answered here. Who can I contact for more help?
For more help, please contact our event manager Lauren Taylor at ltaylor@ccsgeorgia.org or call (770) 469–6226 ext. 1110.