By Eric Burden | December 18, 2017
Prior to the 2014 contract year, the Independent Living Division of the Mississippi Department of Human Services opted to transition from a model of providing Independent Living Skills classes taught after school to a combination large group/individual follow-up model. Under the new plan, life skills would be taught in at events and retreats to many youth at once in a seminar style, while providing individual meetings with Independent Living Specialists to reinforce the skills taught at these events. In order to accommodate this model, the PREPARE unit of Southern Christian Services for Children and Youth, a contractor for the state, undertook to prepare a curriculum for use at these events. I was tasked to lead a team of Independent Living Specialists in preparation of this curriculum. The final output of this effort is provided below:
| Module 1: Living Life on Purpose | Module 2: Standing Strong |
| Module 3: The Power of Independence | Module 4: Social Awareness |
| Module 5: Thinking Ahead | Module 6: Making a Fresh Start |