SAFE_Centers_Board_Presentation_Feb2026

     SAFE
  Centers:
 Impact &
Evaluation
   Update
              DeKalb County School District
             February 2026 Board Presentation
             Division of Wrap Around Services




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    Safe Centers In Action


         https://youtu.be/P6ZLJpwCFMY




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        Purpose of Presentation



 Provide an update on SAFE Centers
  impact and growth.
 Share data and evaluations
 Highlight Partnerships
 Aligned outcomes with DCSD
  Strategic Plan




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                What Are SAFE Centers?

 The SAFE (Student and Family Engagement) Centers are a collaboration
  of school services and community partnerships designed to equip our
  students academically, behaviorally, socially, and emotionally to be
  better scholars and productive citizens.
 The SAFE Centers are currently in 8 high schools within the district and
  provides wraparound services through community partnerships to support
  scholars’ immediate needs in their school, home, and community.
             Family Support Services                              Social and Emotional Wellness
•   Kindness Closet assisting with food, clothes,    •   Mental and Emotional Health Counseling.
    toiletries, and school supplies.                 •   Discipline Support through Restorative Practices.
•   Wellness checks for students and families.       •   Substance Abuse/Vaping and Drug-Prevention.
•   Family Support to aid in safety and stability.   •   Mentorship Programs.
•   Support Group for Teen Parents.                  •   Life Skills Group for Student Growth.
                                                     •   Small Groups.




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               Locations
                Cross Keys

SAFE Center     McNair
                Redan
High Schools
                Stone Mountain
                MLK Jr.
                Lithonia
                Stephenson
                Towers




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        Evaluations & Feedback

Evaluation Tools
 Monthly Reports
 Student Surveys
 EHarvest Data
 Student Referrals


Feedback
 Increased Engagement
 Reduced Disruptions
 Strong Family Engagement

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    YTD Mental Health & Child Welfare
            Referral Data




School Year/Reason   2022-2023   2023-2024   2024-2025   2025-2026
                                                           First
                                                         Semester
Emotional/Mental       1461        1351        1486        1023
     Health
Suicidal Ideation      690         611          563        294
 Abuse/Neglect         909         894          857        387
   Homeless            1127        1214        1394        778
  Foster Care          218         166          116         67
   Pregnancy            66          51          47          28
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       2024–2025
SAFE Center Impact Data




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SY26
Semester 1
SAFE Center                                        Number of
              Service Category
Impact Data                                        Interventions
              Student Contacts                     4,824
              Families Served at Food Distribution 2,640
              Food Pantry Visits                   713
              Parent/Guardian Conferences          387
              Hygiene Visits                       251
              Staff Conferences                    182
              Clothing Assistance                  171
              Partner Conferences                  145

              School-Based Mental Health Referrals 109

              Student Groups                      97
              Parent Groups                       11
              Total Interventions                 5,640


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         Student Ambassador
              Program
What is a SAFE Center Ambassador?
A student ambassador is a student leader who represents the SAFE Center to students, families,
staff, and visitors. They act as a liaison with Center staff, assist with tours, events, recruitment,
community service, and forums, and maintain year-round knowledge of SAFE Center programs
and services.
Qualities of an EXCELLENT SAFE Center Ambassador
    Leadership abilities and capabilities
    Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
    Enthusiastic, friendly, and approachable personality
    Punctual, flexible, and reliable
    Well presented
    Empathy
    Good judgment
    Good academic standing
    Good time-management skills




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                Partnerships


     •   Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta
     •   Atlanta Vision Lions
     •   Easton Banks (EBLLC) Project GRAPE
     •   The Georgia Lions Lighthouse (GLLF)
     •   SOC Integrated Services
     •   Chris 180
     •   Pathways Transition Program
     •   Positive Growth
     •   Hazel Health
     •   SKIP-Save the Kids of Incarcerated Parents
     •   Kate's Club
     •   ACFB (Food Bank)
     •   AREACH
     •   Desires to Change
     •   Hope Hustlers
     •   UCHAMP
     •   Progress Place
     •   Mimi's Yoga Kids
     •   AFHK-The Blank Foundation
     •   CARON
     •   Desires to Change

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 Operational Strengths

 Collaboration with Internal Departments
 Creating and Maintaining External Partnerships
 Monthly Reporting
 Increased response time for students in crisis
 Staff Trainings
 Expanded Mental Health Capacity




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     Strategic Plan Goal Area 5
     Mental Health and Wellness
SAFE Centers are directly aligned to Strategic Plan Goal
Area 5 through the following programming:
•    Partnership with mental health providers to deliver school-
     based services
•    Addressing interpersonal relationships
•    Vaping cessation programming
•    Drug prevention programming
•    Address basic needs, food, hygiene products, school
     supplies to maintain dignity
Through strong community partnerships and coordinated
wraparound services, the SAFE Centers help ensure students
are supported, connected, and ready to learn.


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     Challenges & Needs

 Funding
 Expanded Mental Health Capacity
 Space Limitations
 Data Platforms




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     Goals for 2026–2027

 Expansion of Centers
 Strengthen Ambassadors Training
 Increase Peer-Led Participation
 Increase partnerships
 Increase the Awareness of SAFE Centers Districtwide




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   Questions


   Thank you for your
 continued support of
   the SAFE Centers.
    Together, we are
      strengthening
community partnerships
      and providing
       coordinated
  wraparound services
 that help our students
     feel supported,
connected, and ready
         to learn.

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     THANK YOU!

     WRAP AROUND & SUPPORT SERVICES
17   DIVISION OF WRAP AROUND SERVICES