B.E.S.T. Program

San Jose B.E.S.T. (Bringing Everyone's Strengths Together): was created by City Council in 1991 in response to concerns voiced by San Jose residents regarding the safety and well-being of youth caused by a growing youth gang problem. Citizens and community leaders saw a need to invest in the healthy development of youth.

B.E.S.T. is a managed program to provide funding for a continuum of prevention, intervention and suppression programs targeted at youth exhibiting at-risk, high-risk and gang-involved behaviors. Agencies apply for funding through an annual Request for Qualifications process (RFQ).

Brief History of B.E.S.T.

Between 1985 and 1994, in Santa Clara County, the violent juvenile crime rate increased at over four times the national rate. In order to arrest this trend in 1991, the City of San Jose developed a strategy to reduce juvenile violent crime through increased gang prevention.

In FY 1991-92, the San Jose City Council and Mayor announced funding of the BEST (Bring Everyones Strengths Together) Program to address the problems of youth violence and gang activities. The BEST program received over $13 million of funding from the City of San Jose between 1991 and 2000.

San Jose B.E.S.T. (Bringing Everyones Strengths Together) Program manages funding and resources to Qualified San Jose BEST service providers who provide opportunities for youth and their families to be successful and productive in their homes, schools, and neighborhoods. The San Jose B.E.S.T. Program continues to evolve, and has moved beyond the focus of prevention, suppression and intervention to include the improvement of life skills, school/community safety and educational achievement.

Highlights

Since 1992, matching funds have increased by 1,100%. The current dollar for dollar matching funds provided by B.E.S.T. contracted agencies are in excess of $2 million compared to the annual $2.5 million B.E.S.T. operating budget. The match indicates an increased capacity of B.E.S.T. providers to seek alternative funds and consequently increase programs and services.

The average cost for service has been $2.64 per hour of direct service for the past four funding cycles.

A review of reports, needs assessments, and master plans developed and currently being implemented within San Jose/Santa Clara County indicates that San Jose is incorporating "best practices" proposed by some national and State of California reports.

A client satisfaction survey of B.E.S.T. clients (1,846 surveyed) resulted in an average rating of 4.62 on a scale of 1 to 5. (1= poor and 5= excellent).

(408) 793-5560