Since May of 2001, SRT has gone from Billings, Montana to over 90 schools and communities in 20 states. During this process, many wonderful people, dedicated to helping struggling children and families, have joined the project and brought their enthusiasm, wisdom and skills to the team.
An essential part of implementing SRT is the advocacy and organization that school and community visionaries provide. Tom Willis in Montana, Nancy Jahns in Washington State and Diane Bruck in Arizona are wizards at mobilizing and empowering the multiple systems serving at risk youth, adults and families.
Data gathered so far show that 50-70% of youth and families introduced to SRT engage with the program and put the information and tools to work for personal growth and change. The dollar-for-dollar return on program cost is $ 20 or more.
The Department of Justice Community Capacity Development Office has recognized SRT as an important ingredient in their nationwide effort to utilize AmeriCorps volunteers in supporting communities to address the needs of the most at risk youth and families.
Yavapai County, Arizona was recently chosen as one of the top 100 counties for youth by America’s Promise as the result of implementation of SRT in schools and in the community. The Spokane Youth and Families for Social Responsibility Project was awarded the State Community Partnership Award in 2004.
SRT has now been used for three years with Native American youth and parents with positive results, and is currently being implemented with Native Alaskan youth in Northern Alaska.
SRT provides a tool for educators, counselors, and community leaders—the caring and compassionate helpers who uplift, inspire, teach and provide accountability to young people, parents and families at risk.
Read a more complete overview of our progress, “Making a Difference with SRT” (PDF)
Thank you to our friends and colleagues who are making the world a better place!