The RCYC Resource Center serves those between the ages of 14 and 26 that are or have been in foster care. The Center engages them with resources such as: the Opportunity Passport Financial Literacy Program, tools to develop healthy relationships, as well as youth leadership and engagement training.

Referrals are made by Department of the Department of Children Services, foster care organizations and self-referral. Services are available for those from Hamilton and Bradley Counties. 

Programs provided by the RCYC Resource Center include:

1. Opportunity Passport Financial Literacy Program: this program teaches budgeting, car maintenance, tenant's rights, first time home buyer's and credit management classes. Participants in the program are given the opportunity to open their first bank account. This program includes the Jim Casey Match Program. The Jim Casey Match Program is for participants who complete required financial course work, actively participate in RCYC programming and adequate savings in their account. The Match Program will help purchase vehicles, housing, investments, credit building or repair, micro-enterprises, health care, education or other approved things to improve their quality of life.
2. Personal Responsibility Education Program: this program includes the Love Notes and Manhood 2.0 classes, which teach young adults skills to navigate healthy relationships and self-awareness. These classes include self-esteem, consent, goal setting, positive communication, sexual and reproductive health, planning and decision making in the digital era, bullying, advocacy for others and safe intervention skills.
3. Youth Leadership and Engagement: this program consists of a youth leadership board which is made up of youth who have participated in RCYC programming and demonstrated leadership skills. The leadership board helps steer future activities to help engage other youth in the RCYC programming and to help the youth become better leaders and decision makers. Their goal is to be a catalyst for change in the foster care system. The board also completes several hours of community service and assists with youth led programs. The members of the board also serve as mentors with Camp HOPE.

Get involved with the RCYC Resource Center:

• Serve on the Community Partnership Board: This board is intended to be door-openers for the young adults in RCYC, to help them achieve their personal goals.
• Volunteer: loan your expertise to our participants and help our youth achieve their goals.
• Donate: Make a donation at the RCYC Amazon Wish List or a financial donation here.

For more information, contact Stephanie Athalone, youth education manager at sathalone@partnershipfca.com or 423.260.3798.

RCYC & Camp HOPE

RCYC Painting & BBQ led by the Youth Leadership Board

Foster Care Awareness Day at Chattanooga State Community College