Resilience is the ability to adapt, recover, and keep going when faced with challenges, stress or setbacks. For the abused and neglected children Rappahannock CASA serves, many of whom have been exposed to toxic levels of stress, it’s vital. Our volunteer advocates spend considerable time getting to know these children, using what they learn to advocate for services that will help these kiddos build resilience – to not only bounce back from childhood trauma but to move forward with their lives.

Resilience is like a mental and emotional muscle — it gets stronger with support, practice and experience.

Friday, May 1, marks the start of Rappahannock CASA’s Run for Resilience, a 9-week virtual race where participants log their miles and respond to fun, weekly challenges while supporting CASA’s efforts to promote resilience in vulnerable children. 

First, join one of 4 teams named for downtown Fredericksburg coffee shops that regularly fuel our runners:
• Anita’s Cafe & Dessert Bar
• Hyperion Espresso
• Agora Downtown Coffee Shop & Roastery
• 25 30 Espresso

Next, start moving and have fun with the challenges – and encourage your teammates to do the same.

Prizes will be awarded weekly in two categories: Mileage and Challenge Participation
• Mileage: Update your mileage regularly on RunSignup. Whoever is the mileage leader by 5 p.m. EST each Sunday wins a prize.
• Challenge Participation: A new challenge will be posted each Sunday evening on Rappahannock CASA’s Facebook and Instagram pages. Respond to challenges by 5 p.m. EST of the following Sunday and be entered into a drawing to win that week’s challenge prize. Responses can be posted on our social media pages or your own – just be sure to follow and tag us (@rappahannockcasa on Facebook and @rappahannock_casa on Instagram) and use #runforresilience with your post so we can find you. 

In addition to the weekly prizes, final awards will go to the individual and team with the most miles logged and the individual and team with the most challenge points earned by 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 28.

So, if you’re a runner or a walker, a roller or a stroller, put those miles to good use by signing up for Rappahannock CASA’s Run for Resilience. Proceeds from the event support the nonprofit’s efforts to train caring adults to serve as volunteer personal advocates for abused and neglected children in the Fredericksburg region.