Resurgence Life Skills Institute, Inc.
615-738-0610
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1616 Westgate Circle Suite 358
Brentwood, TN 37027
Organization Details

Programs

Budget
$50,000.00
Description
Many of Resurgence's participants are from the economically disadvantaged population of Williamson County. Some of the youth in our program are doing poorly in school, are in foster care, have been to juvenile detention, and have been homeless. Although many are unaware of this segment of residents, this at-risk population was selected due to their lack of resources and greater need for life skills. The ethnic makeup of our initial Winter, Spring, and Summer class participants consisted of African-American, Caucasian, Hispanic, Asian, and Other. Their ages range from 10 to 62 and include both females and males. All classes are taught using an evidence-based curriculum. Participants are given a pre-assessment prior to the start of each class to check their initial understanding of the topic. After the completion of the class, participants will be given a post-assessment to verify their knowledge of the topic.
Program Successes
In terms of successes, the Executive Director of My Friend's House stated the following: "In addition to their quality content, their creative presentations and authenticity make them the best program providers we utilize. They are the best, not only because of their content and character, but also because their curriculum has been successful. They are able to get the boys to let down their guard and be real about their situations and circumstances. The boys have reflected on their negative choices and their ability to make a different decision. We have seen marked differences in the boys who have participated in their classes." The greatest benefit our partners receive from our work is more empowered students. According to feedback that we have received, our participants have shared the following:

- "I am encouraged to do better in life."
- "I appreciate being able to incorporate what I have learned into my everyday life."
- "I have learned how to resolve problems."
Category
Education  - Educational Programs 
Beneficiaries
Adults
At-Risk Populations
K-12 (5-19 years)
Long-term Success
Our youth and adults have demonstrated a need for our services. Life skills education strengthens the ability of an individual to meet the needs and demands of the present society and helps in dealing with the above issues. This education helps individuals overcome such difficulties in life and develop social, emotional, and thinking skills. These skills are the important building blocks for a dynamic citizen who can cope with future challenges and survive well. It is Resurgence's goal to utilize life skills education to bridge this gap. The barrier or challenge that comes with achieving this goal is working with our students to break down the walls they have put up to protect themselves. We overcome this by being authentic, showing that we care, and building trust. Our belief is summed up in the following equation: Increased knowledge of life skills + Evidence of post-test results = Better contributing members of society.
Short-term Success
Our overall goal for this program is to address a social skills deficit by teaching important life skills so that youth and adults can make positive decisions and lead productive, successful lives. To date, approximately 99% of our students showed an increase from the pre-test to the post-tests.

By the end of our current fiscal year, we anticipate the following outcomes:
• 100% of learners will gain knowledge on crucial life skills to help them to be successful in today's society.
• 100% of learners will state that the course content is applicable to their current situation.
• 85% of learners will showcase improved decision-making and problem-solving skills.
Program Success Monitored By
Resurgence utilizes the evidence-based Ansell-Casey Life Skills curriculum provided by the ARISE Foundation. This curriculum was evaluated by the University of Miami's Department of Sociology for a period of five years. The evidence-based evaluation data over this time frame states, "Youth showed significant improvement in knowledge of issues included in the programs' content." In addition to the proven evidence of the ARISE curriculum, Resurgence also utilizes pre- and post-tests, questionnaires, surveys, and follow-ups in our program evaluation. Outcomes are tracked and measured through our use of pre- and post-tests, questionnaires, surveys, and program evaluations. To date, approximately 99% of our students showed an increase from the pre-test to the post-tests. Additionally, our clients are engaged in the planning process for our program. We are always gathering feedback from our clients on a continuous basis.
Program Areas Served
Williamson County, TN