LOS ANGELES, CA— Social Model Recovery Systems, Inc. (SMRS), in partnership with First 5 Los Angeles, released new community-based research findings, The Power of Prevention: Lessons from the Skid Row Oral History Project, that reveal early intervention and sustained community connection enhance a wide range of positive academic, interpersonal, health, and social outcomes.
The findings, drawn from the oral history project and accompanying analysis by Dr. Cheryl Grills, examine the long-term trajectories of young people who participated in community-based prevention programs during childhood and adolescents. The project offers a rare longitudinal insight into how relational ties, early support and belonging influence outcomes related to education, employment, housing stability, and substance use, over time.
“As a former health care provider, I’ve seen firsthand how environmental factors and lack of social services can impact a person’s life – especially when facing homelessness and substance use,” said Mayor Karen Bass. “Our comprehensive approach to homelessness will continue to focus not just on housing for Angelenos, but also on preventing Angelenos from falling into homelessness in the first place. I want to thank Dr. Cheryl Grills for leading this critical piece of research and look forward to building upon this work.”
The research was presented at a public briefing featuring video excerpts from the Skid Row Oral History Project and a moderated panel with former youth participants reflecting on lived experience, effective interventions, and policy priorities.
“Prevention works. Its impact is measurable, and it creates benefits that extend across generations.” “When young people remain connected to consistent, community-based support, their chances of long-term stability increase significantly,” said Bruce Boardman, CEO, Social Model Recovery Systems.
