Youth Materials

The following activities can help you get your class, troop, or youth group involved in the issues of homelessness and hunger in our community. These fun and engaging materials are designed to broaden perspectives and motivate youth to be agents of change. They complement any of the hands-on volunteer projects that may be conducted from your location or at RI program sites. See our Youth Activities Calendar for more details.

For Elementary School: 

Ana’s Story is an illustrated children’s book that provides an age-appropriate look at homelessness. Ana is a second-grader whose family has recently lost their home. Ana struggles with school and friends, but ultimately learns that there are resources in her community to support her and her family through their transition. Accompanying the story is a discussion activity geared to engage kids.

Ana’s Story
Ana’s Story Discussion Activity

For Middle School: 

The Food Pantry Simulation is an activity that can be conducted either at a grocery store or on the computer. It calls on students to use critical thinking skills to organize a family grocery budget around a fixed income and real food prices. Discussion questions invite participants to share their reactions to the activity and to better understand the need for supportive community resources.

Pantry Simulation Activity Guidelines
Pantry Simulation Worksheet
Pantry Simulation Example Client Family Worksheet 

For High School and Beyond: 

This Client Profile Simulation allows students to take on an identity of an individual or family who are facing financial challenges.  The students then complete a budget for their identity in order to better understand how people in our area can become in need of services such as those Reston Intefaith provides.  This activity is a great jumping off point to host a discussion with a group about the causes of homelessness and financial insecurity, as well as to get students thinking about ways they and others can help.

Client Profile Simulation Facilitator's Guide
Client Profile Simulation Identities
Client Profile Simulation Financial Worksheet