United Way and the SF 49ers installed a play structure at Belle Haven during the 2008 Hometown Huddle

Ten-year-old Julio threw frequent temper tantrums and refused to do his work when he was first referred to the Family Support Center at Belle Haven Community School.   Belle Haven is one of several Bay Area “community schools” supported by United Way.

The “community school” model brings support services – such as health services, counseling, mentoring, after-school activities, and parenting programs – directly onto school campuses in low-income neighborhoods, enabling teachers to focus on academics, while the community provides added support that students and their families need.

Although there is a lengthy waiting-list for mental health services in the school district’s counseling program, Belle Haven’s Family Support Coordinator Maria Magallanes was able to immediately assist Julio. Maria facilitated family therapy sessions to address a history of domestic violence and enabled Julio to address these issues through individual play and talk therapy.

Working with Julio’s teachers, Maria taught him a system in which he could use cards to communicate with his teacher when he was frustrated or needed a break during class, rather than having an outburst. Eventually, there was no need for the cards because Julio began to communicate verbally when he was frustrated or needed a break. The teacher began to see a change in his behavior, and Julio’s mother saw a dramatic decrease in his temper tantrums.

The Belle Haven Community School has yielded significant results for other students: higher academic achievement, improved relationships with peers and teachers, and reduced violence.   Parents are more involved in the school, and the program connects families with resources needed to remain healthy, stable, and engaged in their children’s education.