Beacon Program
	Wordsworth’s Beacon Program at Norris Barratt Middle School has the vision of revitalizing the community through the combining of people and resources into an integrated mobilized unit. The goal is to coordinate, plan, integrate and expand services currently offered while implementing new strategies to eradicate the symptoms and effects of overt delinquency, recidivism, child abuse, drug and alcohol abuse, and teen pregnancy. While it is not easy to determine what the root causes of the problems within a community are, research has shown that there are certain indicators. These include illiteracy, unemployment and lack of social and recreational activities. Additionally, according to the National Mental Health Association, for a child to prosper, they need to possess good mental health which allows them to develop self-confidence, high self-esteem, and a healthy emotional outlook on life.
	Client Focus
	The Beacon has developed an array of services and activities to ensure that both youth and adults have access to expanded learning opportunities that contribute to positive influences. These activities meet the basic four Core Elements of the Beacons while addressing the needs and desires of the community. Low and high interest activities are combined to facilitate active involvement for all students. An example of this would have a youth participating in theatre and dance class followed by a tutorial in reading and English.
	Education   The academic component of the Beacon program is fully integrated with the regular school program. In addition to the use of the Voyager Curriculum for Literacy and the Princeton Review Curriculum for Mathematics integrated units are taught through non-traditional methods which are engaging and focused on real world applications. Since high school aged youth also need structure to their academic lives, the Beacon follows the School District’s curriculum framework aligned in the appropriate scope and sequence.

Family Involvement
A Beacon Council and Youth Council have been developed from the interest displayed at community meetings. Community referrals are sought, as well as community evaluation and feedback. Faith-based organizations, parent teacher organizations and the local police and fire districts are encouraged to participate in the planning as well as the implementation of the Centers goals and visions. This process serves as an invaluable asset in assessing the needs of the community and providing collaborative resources creating the beginning of an ongoing dialog.

Wordsworth Commitment
The Beacon’s success hinges on being open to the community it serves and respectful to its members. Its design is continually changing dependent upon the community and the children’s needs. Wordsworth is confident that it can meet the ongoing challenge that faces the communities we serve. Wordsworth is always welcome to suggestions as we strive to improve our programming.

Wordsworth is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) Organization Licensing, Approvals & Accreditations • Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare Licensure for Mental Health and Children, Youth and Family Programs • Pennsylvania Department of Education Licensure for School Programs • Medicaid Approved • Type 50 Mental Health Services Provider • Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations Wordsworth BEACON Program Norris Barratt Middle School 16th & Wharton Streets Philadelphia, PA 19146 Inquires should be made to: Wordsworth BEACON at Barratt 215.952.8512 or 267.471.9812 For more Information contact: Cheryl McCabe-Stroman Program Director Phone: 215.643.5400 x4024