The vision of Project Renaissance is unusually multifaceted. It is neither a preventative health program, an arts organization, nor a youth development and leadership program, nor a social change project. Rather, it is all of these combined in a highly structured, solution-oriented curriculum that combines components of all of these models.

 

This energetic program utilizes humanistic psychological theory to support youth as they are guided to integrate their life experiences and transform their stories into powerful assets. The arts offer a unique space for young people to express themselves while simultaneously having the experience of recognizing the pieces of their individual stories that are shared by others.

 

Project Renaissance empowers youth to become mature, self-motivated young adults who realize that their lives are integral to the creation of a community that cares about all of its’ citizens. Our program evaluations consistently indicate that teens that have artist mentors and a rich experience of the arts are more likely to resist gang affiliation, stay in school,  and have increased resistance to drug and alcohol abuse and self destructive behaviors. Over a sustained period of time in the program, youth start to have the experience that they can make a positive difference in their own lives and neighborhoods. 

 

Our  research compiled from 2000-2007 consistently indicates that gaining a sense of future is one of the most effective antecedents to  reducing self destructive behaviors in teens.  Our experience has also taught us that that there are no hopeless kids only kids without hope.  This project is designed to offer youth the inspiring and hope producing experience of realizing that their voice in the community can make a difference in creating a more peaceful society.

 

 

 

              Our Vision: