
DIFFERENCE MAKERS
Program Requirements:
The youth of the Difference Makers Program (DMP) shall be males ages 13-18, who reside or attend school in the 32208 and 32209 zip codes, can be considered at-risk, and lives in a high referral neighborhood. Additionally, youth can be referred by the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), Court System, the St. Paul Church Evening Reporting Center (SPMBC ERC), or parent/guardian suggestive and cannot be a danger to themselves or the community. The youth must also:
• Attend School daily
• Attend the DM Monday-Saturday
• Attend Weekly educational sessions
• Read 5 hours a week
• Be subject to random drug testing
*Parents/Guardians MUST complete a family communication education course.
Objectives:
• Reduce recidivism.
• Attendance in School and provide after school supervision.
• Referrals to Mental Services.
• Anger management and substance abuse Education.
• Referral to Case management beyond the program.
• Career and Skills education and exposure.
• Health and wellness education and recreation.
Service Providers:
Gateway Services Prevention Department: Drug and Alcohol Education, Healthy Choices Education, Life Skills Education, Career Education & Exploration
James Weldon Johnson YMCA: Health and Wellness Education, Exercise Classes, Youth Leadership, Coaching clinics, and Recreational opportunities.
Daniel Kids - Long Term Case Management, Supervision of School Based Mental Health Counseling
New Town Success Zone - Weekly Volunteer Opportunities, Agriculture Education and Training, Scholarship Acquisition Support, Access to Entrepreneurship Support.
Mentorship:
Right Path Behavioral Health
Contact information: Darryl Jefferson, Program Coordinator ososDM@spmbcjax.org
904.768.7112 ext. 6201