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Our Life Skills program utilizes Art and Music to foster personal growth and exploration. Participants engage in creative expression in a safe and supportive environment to pursue personal goals, achievements, and evolution. Through artistic mediums, individuals discover and cultivate unique strengths, develop coping mechanisms, and foster self-worth and belonging.

Benefits of Life Skills

Personal Growth and Exploration:

A transformative journey of self-discovery

Safe and Supportive Environment:

Participants can freely express themselves without fear of judgment or criticism.

Development of Coping Mechanisms

Art and music serve as powerful tools for emotional expression and regulation.

Fostering Self-Worth and Belonging

Individuals discover and cultivate their unique talents and strengths,

SWOT analysis framework comprises four pillars: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. Let’s examine each of these pillars in the context of the Life Skills program.

Among the many theories we employ, applying the SWOT analysis framework to the Life Skills program enables stakeholders to assess its internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as external opportunities and threats, in order to make informed decisions and strategic choices that enhance program effectiveness and sustainability.

 

Statement of Need

RFAC recognizes the negative impact of poverty in Lackawanna County. In 2018 studies showed a total of 22% of residents of Scranton living below the federal poverty line, including 12 % of all adults age 65 and older, and over 32% of all children under the age of 18. This statistic is more jarring when you account for the post pandemic effects of poverty. “Studies show that Art can help impoverished children increase their chances of going on to college and obtaining employment by developing fundamental cognitive capacities, critical analytical skills, and providing learning experiences that have a significant impact on children’s educational achievement and social development”.

Since 2020, RFAC is dedicated to building a more robust and diverse art community for Lackawanna residents through free art education programs for at risk children and provide healthy pathways to building self-esteem and improve the outcomes of those impacted by poverty. Art can help reverse circumstances that turn a young people faced with homelessness, financial illiteracy and recidivism.

2016-scranton.pdf (institutepa.org)

Goal Measurements

Young adults who participate in our immersive art program are aligned support our mission to build a more robust and diverse art community.” Studies show that art can be beneficial to all children in reversing the negative effects of poverty which can lead to increased financial hardships, homelessness, violent crime, and recidivism. We create short term goals to observe, measure and encourage social interaction. Programs like the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program target at-risk children, juveniles, and adults and provide them with opportunities and spaces of expression they would not otherwise have access to. This program has even taken a leading role in criminal and restorative justice by offering education programs in prisons and rehabilitation centers, helping to effectively reduce crime, violence, and the poverty and misery associated with it. We hope to model our efforts after successful programs for the residence of Scranton and communities at large. 

Community Benefit

A recent report published last year by the presidentially appointed Committee on the Arts and Humanities showed results stating that low-income students who were highly involved in the arts performed better, stayed in school longer, scored higher in math assessments, and were more likely to graduate high school, attend college, find stable employment, perform volunteer work in their communities, and vote.

Enhances financial literacy by incorporating art and music as creative tools for exploring budgeting, saving, and financial planning concepts. Participants engage in hands-on activities and discussions that promote a deeper understanding of money management principles, empowering them to make informed financial decisions and achieve greater financial stability. 

Participants develop critical life skills, such as effective communication, problem-solving, and emotional regulation, which are essential for successful reintegration into society post-incarceration. By fostering personal growth and self-awareness through artistic expression, the program helps reduce recidivism rates by equipping individuals with the tools and support they need to navigate challenges and build a positive future.

Offers building workshops where participants learn practical skills such as woodworking, painting, and sculpture. These workshops provide opportunities for hands-on learning and creative expression, fostering a sense of accomplishment and self-efficacy among participants. By honing their craftsmanship and artistic abilities, individuals gain confidence and pride in their work, laying the foundation for future success in both personal and professional endeavors.

Promotes diversity and inclusion by providing a welcoming and inclusive environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds can come together to share their experiences and perspectives. Through collaborative art projects and group activities, participants celebrate their differences and learn from one another, fostering empathy, understanding, and mutual respect. By embracing diversity and promoting inclusion, the program creates a sense of belonging and community among participants, enriching the overall experience for everyone involved. 

Take an example of an artist who wants to sell their art. They have to incorporate a lot of factors, including time, cost of supplies and intrinsic value. This exercise help student understand the practical use of money by using art as a tool for learning. 

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I am forever gratefull that they took the time to help build my broken self
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Marquise B.Student
Programs like these can make a big impact and i believe we need more. I experienced self-discovery and I want to pursue music
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Wanda HStudent
This is something i can do in the future. To help others and change a few minds in life. I know I felt this way
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Billy SStudent
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