This event will provide an opportunity for youth in care to access the benefits of physical activity and will allow YOU the opportunity to support them. 
"Youth in care", "Foster Care", "Out of home placement" Have you heard any of these terms and wondered what does that mean? This is your chance to find out and make a positive impact. These terms identify children who must be removed from their homes and families because of safety concerns. There are many reasons why this happens: parent mental health issues, treatment needs for serious physical or behavioral health conditions which cannot be addressed within the family, or to protect a child from abuse or neglect. This can be a very traumatic and confusing time for a young person while the RI Department of Children Youth and Families works with the family toward achieving the goal of assuring that every child has a permanent, safe, and nurturing environment in which to achieve their maximum potential.
The mission of RICORP and its member agencies that work with these children while they are 'in care' is to ensure their health and well-being. Evidence supports the idea that physical activity helps promote better overall health and wellness! Sooooo, proceeds from the event will benefit the youth RICORP serves in many ways including: covering the cost for positive opportunities like organizing teams for walking/running, providing sneakers or event entry fees and other opportunities that will give youth a chance to thrive and achieve through physical activity! 
What does Physical Activity do?
-Improves physical health &body image
-Boosts Confidence & Self-esteem
-Recalibrates Brain Chemistry & Provides Stress Relief
-Provides Focus & Determination
-Encourages Positive Relationships & Feelings of Belonging
Foster care placements may be unavoidable; however, the negative outcomes associated don't have to be. How, you ask? RESILIENCE! Resilience is a 'teachable' trait but it requires encouragement and support. It's also about opportunity! So here is your chance to provide this opportunity! Let's all make some positive moves! 

If any of the above sounds interesting to you join us for a 5K walk/run at the beautiful Slater Memorial Park!