mentoring Program
Our Mentoring Program focuses on equipping youth with the necessary tools to thrive in life by fostering resilience, self-confidence, and strong relational skills. We are committed to nurturing safe, supportive, and consistent relationships through both adult-to-youth and peer-to-peer mentoring, offering:
- Life Skills: Empowering youth with essential skills such as decision-making, problem-solving, and personal growth management to navigate life’s challenges.
- Vocational Skills: Exposing youth to various career paths and vocational training opportunities to encourage career exploration and future planning.
- Social Skills: Cultivating effective communication, relationship-building, and conflict-resolution abilities, fostering a sense of belonging and healthy interpersonal dynamics.
- Academic Skills: Strengthening educational capabilities and enhancing academic achievement through tailored support and guidance.
- Relational Skills: Promoting positive interpersonal interactions, emphasizing empathy, emotional intelligence, and teamwork to help youth build strong, healthy relationships.
Good Neighbor & Community Stewardship Program
Our commitment to building a strong, interconnected community is reflected in this program, designed to instill a sense of civic responsibility and positive engagement. Through this initiative, youth are given the opportunity to:
- Community Relationships: Collaborate with local organizations and community members through intergenerational activities such as yard work, hosting events for elderly neighbors (like Bingo and crafting), and volunteering at community days. These activities foster connections and build a supportive, resource-rich network.
- Volunteering & Social Events: Engage in meaningful volunteer opportunities and social events that not only benefit the community but also provide students with practical experience in giving back. Our “Community Days” are designed to encourage hands-on learning about community service while developing leadership skills and empathy.
- Promoting Leadership & Stewardship: Encouraging youth to take ownership of their role within the community, helping them develop leadership and teamwork skills that benefit both their personal growth and the broader community.
Mental Health & Well-being Program
Mental health is a critical component of overall well-being, and our program integrates mental health support with our mentoring efforts. This program provides youth with the tools to care for their mental and emotional health by:
- Therapist Support: A licensed therapist is available two days per week to facilitate group discussions and provide mental health support. This access ensures that youth can learn essential lessons on managing emotions, setting healthy boundaries, building resilience, and practicing self-care.
- Promoting Healthy Relationships: Encouraging the development of positive, supportive, and respectful relationships.
- Education & Awareness: Reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues through education and awareness campaigns that empower youth to seek help and support one another.
- Mindfulness Practices: Teaching mindfulness techniques that support emotional regulation, stress management, and mental resilience.
Each of these programs works in harmony to address critical developmental areas—such as resilience, leadership, life skills, and mental health—ensuring that our youth participants are prepared to thrive in both their personal lives and as active, engaged members of the community.
Our Mental Health Professionals
Brandon Jensen MS LMFT PACC
Beacon Hill Family Services
Brandon is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a Board Approved Supervisor, an Adjunct Professor, a Prepare/Enrich Seminar Director, Public Speaker, Trainer, and a Permanency and Adoption Competent Clinician.
Brandon specializes in working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. He has extensive training in Trauma, Adoption, Gottman Approach Couples Therapy, Prepare/Enrich, Sand Tray Therapy, Attachment, Narrative Family Therapy, Strategic Family Therapy, and Cultural Curiosity Models.
Brandon uses a strength-based approach, empowering individuals, couples, and families to improve their lives.
Sara Johnson MS LAMFT
Sara, an Independently Contracted Clinician at Beacon Hill Family Services, is a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who obtained her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Saint Cloud State University. In addition, she is a certified Prepare and Enrich Facilitator.
Sara provides support to children and adolescents aged 8 and older, as well as to parent/child relationships, families, couples, and individuals dealing with a diverse range of challenges. Her primary interests lie in family dynamics, working with athletes, serving rural communities, and assisting those facing anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and trauma. With her empathy, sense of humor, and systemic therapeutic approach, Sara effectively builds connections and supports her clients within the framework of their relationships.
Our Mental Health Programming is supported in part through donors and these Community Partners
