James Denman Beacon

Academics

Each day students must attend a mandatory academic hour where they can work on homework/projects, read or engage in critical thinking conversation. Students are grouped by grade level and are supported by a combination of Beacon After School Program Leaders, James Denman school day teachers, and a host of Community Partners (SF EdFund, JCYC and First Graduates) for 1:1 and small group tutoring. Our goal I to make every effort to help students bring their grades up, understand academic content, and address the achievement gap. 

Enrichment

Enrichment programs aim to apply 21st Century Skills with relevant, hands-on, project-based classes via topics that are creative, interactive, and fun. Here are some examples of our engaging enrichment classes:

• STEAM
• Badminton
• Health and Behavioral Sciences Career Explorations
• Music productions (Girls on the Mic)
• Life Skills Workshops (Botvin)
• Mosaic Mentors (School of the Arts interns)
• Cooking
• La RAZA (Folkloric Dancing)
• Dance
• Science Workshops
• Skateboarding
• Y Bike
• Studio 181 -  Photography, Screen Printing, Recording Studio
• Gardening 
• Intramural Sports via Rec & Park (Flag Football, Baseball, Basketball) 

Wellness

The Wellness Program assists youth living in the Oceanview, Merced, Ingleside and Excelsior neighborhood in making healthy life choices. We do so by offering therapy, case management, gang intervention, and substance abuse prevention in the form of both individual and group work. Below are our services:

VPI Case Management

The target population for the VPI program is youth (14-17) who are at risk of being in the Juvenile Justice System. The Violence Response Case Management program's primary purpose is to provide case management and counseling services to children, youth and families. Services may be provided in any number of settings agencies, schools, and community locations. Clients may also be involved in other services such as juvenile justice, foster care or child welfare. The VPI services also provide One on One case management, school and home visits, group sessions on Life Skills and Healthy Decision Making, attend court hearings to advocate for the client and make referrals to several resources within the community. 

Mental Health (EPSDT and Trauma Treatment)

Our EPSDT Mental Health Services provide individual psychotherapy to youth whose parents/guardians’ are “full scope” Medi-Cal eligible. Youth that is referred to these services typically are facing challenges in their lives such as depression, grief, exposure to the community and home violence and behavioral issues at home or school. In addition, our therapists are specifically trained to work with youth around the treatment of trauma and issues of youth exposure to violence in the home and/or community.

James Denman Beacon Case Management

Case management is available to youth that is struggling at home, in their neighborhood, or in school. With a caseload of 13- youth can meet one-on-one with the Beacon Case Manager who serves as a mentor to assist them in developing and achieving their personal improvement goals. The Beacon Case Manager is specifically trained to work with youth who are involved or at risk of being involved in gangs and the juvenile justice system. Full advocacy and accompaniment services are provided. The Beacon Case Manager is also an advocate during school suspension and/or expulsion hearings. Lastly, the Beacon Case Manager meets with teachers and counselors to support each client with their personal improvement goals.​

Transitional Aged Youth (TAY)

Transitional Aged Youth Services are for young people, ages 16 to 24, who are at high risk of not successfully transitioning into independent adulthood due to the complexity of their needs, the many challenges they face, and the lack of a support system to assist them.

• One-on-One Case Management 
• Employment Services / Job Readiness Groups / Resume Writing
• Life skills Education Support
• High school and College Support
• Family Support
• Mental Health & Substance Abuse Referral
• Girls/Women Support Groups
• Barrier removal assistance
• Community Building
• Court Advocate

Tailor-Made

The Tailor-Made Diversion Program at James Denman Beacon offers high-risk youth in the juvenile justice system
comprehensive case management services which includes: one-on-one and peer group support, life skills training in making healthy choices, referrals to mental health services, substance abuse treatment, education and employment services, and connections to other supportive services. 

• One-on-One Case Management 
• Life Skills Development Services and Education Support 
• Connections to employment services and education support
• Referrals to Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment
• Gang Prevention / Turf Intervention Support
• Court Advocate
• Mediation
• Family Support / Home & School Visits
• Community Building

Beacon Case Management

Case management is available to youth who are struggling at home, in their neighborhood, or in school. The Beacon Case Manager is specifically trained to work with youth who are involved or at risk of being involved in gangs and the juvenile justice system. Full advocacy and accompaniment services are provided. The Beacon Case Manager is also an advocate during school suspension and/or expulsion hearings. Lastly, the Beacon Case Manager meets with teachers and counselors to support each client with their
personal improvement goals.​

Community Programs

James Denman Beacon offers free community programs that provide parent workshops, recreational and enrichment classes for residents living and working in the OMI/Excelsior community or anyone that walks through our doors. Our center is a safe and diverse place where people are able to challenge themselves, learn new skills, and have fun doing it.​​​​​​​​​​​​​ We are looking to grow our community programs!

• GED / High School Diploma Classes

Strengthening Families Program

The Strengthening Families Program (SFP) at James Denman Beacon works with parents or caregivers and their teens (ages 12-14) to target common struggles among families. Specially trained SFP facilitators work closely with the families for a 14-week cycle of weekly workshops. During these sessions, families work together around communication, limit setting, and creating a supportive family environment. Stable, supportive families lead to youth that are better able to resist common risks and develop stronger social and life skills.

Why join SFP?

• Parents/caregivers feel supported and validated by other parents with shared experiences.​
• Teens have a safe place to share and work toward healthier relationships and life choices.
• Families learn valuable skills to get along better ​and develop a loving and healthy family structure.​