Age range

Website: www.yesatlanta.org

Mission/Goals: To impact the lives of "at-risk" teenagers in a way which supports them in becoming self-sustaining, productive and contributing members of their communities. To work with parents in a way that enriches their lives and makes them more able to support the growth of their children. To create a variety of partnerships with other organizations that makes all our work with youth more efficient and effective.

Notes: Programs include: Rising Star (long-term mentoring program) helps teens take personal responsibility for their future, reconnect with the community through caring adults, & experience healthy development through self-understanding. Coaching for Transition program is designed to support teenagers returning to the “mean streets” after participating in Inner Harbour’s residential treatment program.

Source(s): www.guidestar.org;
www.yesatlanta.org

Type of Evaluation: Outcomes Monitoring.

Objective: To measure program effects on participants.

Impact/Outcomes: Over 90% of participants returned to school and realized improvements in academic performance; many graduates continued to receive some sort of higher education. Nearly 80% of those on probation successfully completed their terms. Parents and teachers reported that the youth were "easier to get along with, more responsible, and did better in their classes". A former Chief Justice of the Fulton Country Juvenile Court reported that Rising Star youth are 80% less likely to reappear in her court. There is anecdotal evidence suggesting that youth believe the program positively impacted their lives.