Jovenes, Inc. understands that we must work hand-in-hand with our local partners to improve the health and vitality of our community. That’s why we created The Beacon Network, which has brought together five agencies within Boyle Heights to use a shared intake and assessment database, leverage resources, and provide faster and more accurate referrals. The vision of The Beacon Network is to build and strengthen the lines of communication between organizations in Boyle Heights through technology, and to provide the best combination of service and care for a community in need. This is an initiative which is resulting in a more coordinated group of service providers, thereby increasing access and utilization of social services. In addition to a tool that is being used by case managers, we also developed a public directory, called The Beacon Network Connect, where youth can input their own information and list their needs, and the referral directory will list the agencies that are most able to provide assistance. Through TBN Connect, individuals will be able to identify areas where they need assistance by answering the questions “I Am” and “I Need,” empowering them to actively pursue solutions.

TBN allows partnering agencies to collect and aggregate our demographic data over time. This allows us to develop a better understanding of our communities’ changing needs, long-term outcomes, and show gaps in services. TBN provides an opportunity for community based organizations to have ownership of the data they produce and to communicate through a common language.

www.thebeaconnetwork.org

www.tbnconnect.org