Beacon Centers were begun in New York City in 1991. They were designed to rebuild communities of support and improved academic success for children, youth and their families in urban neighborhoods.
In 2001 Philadelphia adopted this program model seeking to improve the health, safety and academic outcomes for Philadelphia 's children and youth. Through youth development and after school programs, Beacon Centers contribute to these goals by:
• reducing risk factors and establishing "safe havens" for the communities' children, youth and adults;
• supporting community safety;
• providing educational assistance and enrichment;
• expanding youth leadership opportunities; and
• offering employment and training activities.
EducationWorks' management and support for Beacon Centers stems back to 1995 when our AmeriCorps members worked in a Beacon Center in the Washington Heights section of Manhattan.
Currently, of the 25 Beacon Centers in Philadelphia, EducationWorks manages three: Gray's Ferry, Germantown High School, and Vaux High School.
How They Work
Beacon Centers are community centers located in public schools and community centers, offering a range of activities and services to children and adults, after school, in the evening, and on the weekend. Collaboration is key for Beacon Centers as they build a continuum of integrated support and programs that meets the needs and interests of children and families in the community.
Programs and activities offered at Beacons are identified by EW Beacon staff, in close collaboration with school leadership from the high schools and their feeder middle and elementary schools, and neighborhood community-based organizations.
Each Beacon has two advisory councils, one comprised of youth and the other of community residents, to provide extensive input into the nature of services and programs offered as well as general operations.
The Youth Council represents students from the neighborhood and helps identify and implement programs of interest to young people. The Youth Council representatives commit significant time and energy to:
• attend weekly meetings;
• identify, through surveys and meetings, programs and activities to be offered at the Beacon;
• encourage student participation in programs-they themselves participate in 8-10 hours of programs per week;
• meet with school administrators at least monthly to voice student concerns and interests; and
• sponsor events for students and raise funds for programs.
Community voice is critical. The Adult Council, like the Youth Council, plays an integral role in ensuring Beacon programs and services serve family and community resident needs and interests. The Council is comprised of parents and representatives from city and community organizations. Monthly meetings are held to review programs and services, establish future plans, and foster coordination and collaboration with neighborhood organizations and agencies.
Beacon Centers are open to children, youth and adults in the community from 3:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and Saturday mornings and early afternoon during the school year. During the summer, programs are offered from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Registration is required for participants age 20 and younger; those under the age of 18 need parental permission. Most programs are free of charge; a few have a nominal fee.
Highlights
After School Program Grades K-3
This daily after school program offered at each Center recognizes the special needs of young learners, Students work in small groups on homework, reading, math and social skills. Additional instruction and recreation is provided in music, arts and crafts, and socialized play.
Music Production
In partnership with local music producer, Paul Dunnaville, this program teaches the basic elements of creating music to older youth attending the Germantown Beacon Center . Students gain experience writing lyrics, composing music, recording music on tracks, and producing CDs.
Mentoring Matters
In partnership with three other Beacon Centers located in South Philadelphia, children and youth, ages 4 to 18, in our Grays Ferry Beacon who have an incarcerated parent are matched with caring and committed adult mentors. The program promotes family health and unity, and support mentors as they listen, encourage, and inspire youth to achieve scholastic and emotional success.
Mentors and mentees meet for one hour each week over the course of a year. Together they complete homework, play board games, participate in arts and crafts, and participate in computer lab activities. Mentors and mentees also get together with their families and program staff for group outings.
Evening Adult Computer Classes
This class, designed for the first time adult computer user, provides a basic introduction and skill development in using Microsoft applications, navigation of the internet, and basic computer hardware.
Benefit Bank
The Benefit Bank assists community residents to identify federal, state and local benefits they may be eligible to receive and to apply for benefits, such as CHIP, Food Stamps, Child Care Subsidy, heating assistance, and income tax credits through a web site. Residents enter basic personal and financial information into the system to assess their eligibility and submit electronic applications for benefits for which they qualify.
Beacon Center staff assist users to collect the financial and personal information needed and to enter the information into the web-based system. This service is possible through a partnership with Solutions for Progress, the creator of the Benefit Bank.
Contact Information
Gray's Ferry Beacon Center Salvation Army
3225 Reed Street , 2nd Floor
Philadelphia
Eric Williamson, Director
(267) 575-7124 EWilliamson@EducationWorks-Online.org
Germantown Beacon Center Germantown High School
40 E. High Street Philadelphia Jason Weems, Director
(267) 575-7149 JWeems@EducationWorks-Online.org
Vaux Beacon Center
Vaux High School
2300 W. Master Street
Philadelphia
Hugh Dixon, Director
(267) 575-7118 HDixon@EducationWorks-Online.org
