24/7 NJ Child Abuse Reporting Hotline:1-877-NJ-ABUSE
24/7 NJ Child Abuse Reporting Hotline:1-877-NJ-ABUSE
Game of Life Program
Game of Life is an interactive, scenario-based resource fair that helps students prepare for real-world challenges. Through mock life situations and conversations with local agencies, students learn where to find support and how to ask for help when they need it.
What is Game of Life?
Students move through the event with a mock real-life scenario and a passport. They visit participating agency tables to identify the community services and support that correspond to their situation. The experience introduces students to local resources in a practical, memorable, and approachable way.
The program brings together more than 20 local agencies and community partners.
How students participate
From scenario to support
01
Receive a scenario
Each student receives a mock real-life situation designed to introduce a challenge they may encounter in the future.
02
Get a passport
Students receive a passport that guides them through the event and helps them identify which resources may relate to their scenario.
03
Meet community organizations
Students visit tables hosted by local agencies, ask questions, and learn what services and support are available.
04
Complete the journey
Students identify the resources that correspond to their scenario and have their passport signed at each relevant table.
Why it matters
Students who know where to find resources in their community can feel more confident, resilient, and independent. Learning about support before a crisis happens can make it easier to seek help when it is needed most.
Awareness
Students discover services they may not otherwise know exist.
Confidence
They practice identifying where to go for different kinds of support.
Connection
Schools, students, and community agencies meet in one accessible setting.
The school’s role
The school and Deirdre’s House work together to plan the event schedule and logistics.
Past participating schools have also chosen to provide a light breakfast for attending agency representatives. Confirm current expectations with Deirdre’s House during planning.
Cost
There is no program fee for Game of Life. Deirdre’s House creates and provides the event programs and student passports. Participating schools are responsible for printing these materials and providing the location, setup, supervision, and logistical support.
Get involved
Bring the program to your school or join the community partners who help students discover local resources and support. Choose the option that best describes how you would like to participate.
Agencies interested in hosting a table and sharing their services at a Game of Life event are invited to contact Deirdre’s House for participation information.
