We started the Skills Day program because we discovered that many of the boys living In foster care group homes never learn some of the basic skills our kids learn either by watching us or by being intentionally taught.
Things like how to change a tire, or check the oil in the car, or what it means to have a good work ethic. We also learned that most of them don't have any idea about the kind of work they would like to do when they graduate from high school. So, we designed Skills Day. On the second Saturday of the month, we put together a program to teach the boys life skills like cooking, teamwork, or problem-solving, or introduce them to a career field like car maintenance or body shop work, police and fire careers, or graphic design. We have taken them to trade schools for a tour and met in a park for BBQ. We have built catapults and obstacle courses and even learned how to be a gentleman.
Skills day has become the starting point for relationship building. It is through building these relationships that we are able to earn their trust. Once we have earned their trust, we can truly begin to change the trajectory of their lives.
Testimonies from the Boys
Andrew, 18
I met the people at Ram at a skills day. It was fun and a way to get out of the house. People with Ram always want to see the best in you. They want to see you succeed in life and not go back to the dark place you were in. I chose to move into the Launch pad house because it was a better environment than moving home. And I have more opportunities. If I had gone back home I would have dropped out of school, and not had people to go to for advice. Ram gives me support and I have people that give me good advice and hold me accountable for my decisions. So far I have opened a bank account, started saving to buy a car, got my driver's license and will start trade school in a few weeks. Back home I would have no future, here my future is good.
Kam, 21
When I first came to the Launch pad house I knew the other boys so I felt like it would be a good thing. I already knew the people running the house because I met them at Skills and camp. I knew I could trust them and I felt safe. Since living in the Launch pad house my life has changed. My anxiety has gone away and I no longer need to smoke weed. I am still working on my self-discipline and learning I can do hard things. I have learned alot to prepare me to be on my own.
I know I need to work full time and save money. I know I will be able to make it when I live on my own. I have learned to trust people and I feel like I'm growing closer to God everyday. Without Ram I would be living in Louisiana. I would have dropped out of high school and still have a lot of anxiety and be upset about everything and want to fight all the time. But with RAM I don't have anxiety, I feel more peaceful and I don't want to fit all the time. In LA I felt like I didn't have a future with RAM, I feel like I have one. I hope someday RAM is able to open more homes for kids that need help with the life that is going on around them right now.
J, 16
I like to go to Bible Study because it helps me have a good week and stay focussed on good things so I can make good choices.
D, 17
When I go to Bible Study I feel better.