Wilder Research Results
Here is what we have been learning about the impact of TreeHouse from Wilder Research.
Key findings from first survey to 12-month follow-up:
- Eighty-five percent of youth either improved or maintained high levels of positive feelings about having at least one adult in their life that they could trust.
- Feelings of belonging remained consistently high, with over 80 percent either feeling a stronger sense of belonging from baseline to 12 month follow-up, or maintaining a high level of feelings of belonging.
- In 12 months, 47 percent of respondents improved with regard to the statement, “when bad things happen, I can deal with them.” In addition, 44 percent improved with regard to the statement, “My life feels organized and in control.”
- Almost half of respondents declined in their response with regard to the statement, “I feel so sad and hopeless that I wonder if anything is worthwhile.”
- Similar to changes at six months, over half of youth either decreased their involvement in risky behavior since baseline or reported no risky behaviors at baseline or follow up.
What TreeHouse Youth are Reporting
“TreeHouse has helped me...” - think more positively
- think before I act
- gain friends, be nicer to other youth
- improve self-confidence
- stay sober and/or quit harmful activities like drugs, alcohol, fighting and cutting
Spiritual Changes
At 12 months, over 30 percent of youth increased in each of the following areas:
- taking time each week for religious or spiritual activities outside of TreeHouse (39%)
- faith as an influence for how youth think and act each day (39%)
- gaining strength from religious faith (38%)
- talking with other people about faith (35%)
- thinking about God (33%)