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: 

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• Attend School daily 

• Attend the DM Monday-Saturday 

• Attend Weekly educational sessions  

• Read 5 hours a week 

• Be subject to random drug testing 

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*Parents/Guardians MUST complete a family communication education course.

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Objectives: 

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• 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. 

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Service Providers: 

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Gateway Services Prevention Department: Drug and Alcohol Education, Healthy Choices  Education, Life Skills Education, Career Education & Exploration 

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James Weldon Johnson YMCA: Health and Wellness Education, Exercise Classes, Youth  Leadership, Coaching clinics, and Recreational opportunities.

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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.

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Mentorship: 

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Right Path Behavioral Health 

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Contact information: Darryl Jefferson, Program Coordinator  ososDM@spmbcjax.org 

 904.768.7112 ext. 6201