PROGRAMS

Reality Tour

The Reality Tour is an evidence-based drug prevention program developed by Candle, Inc. Through this program youth, parents/guardians, and the community, together openly explore the consequences of drug use. This program is not designed to be a scare-tactic, but the beginning of a family conversation about substance use and addiction. Participants take a “tour” which demonstrates an overdose of an addict; from that first step of drug use to their final moments of death. The Reality Tour explores the importance of family communication and accountability, and the evening ends with a small group question and discussion session.

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LIGHTHOUSE After School

This program provides after-school enrichment programming for elementary-aged students in a target effort to help them safely, effectively, and productively manage their free time. Sessions cover such topics as Robotics, Natural Science, Bicycle Safety Mechanics and Riding, Building Computers (Engineering), Fine Arts, along with  Gardening & Healthy Cooking.

LIGHTHOUSE Mentoring Program

The Where Everybody Belongs (WEB) Program at Atascadero Middle School, is a middle school orientation and transition program that welcomes 6th/7th graders and makes them feel comfortable throughout the first year of their middle school experience. Built on the belief that students can help students succeed, the program trains mentors from the 8th grade class to be WEB Leaders.

Atascadero Middle School Wellness Center

The Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) Team provides critical counseling and family services to the students at Atascadero Middle School.  For the past several years, San Luis Obispo County Behavioral Health has provided a half-time PEI counselor.  Beginning with the 2023—24 school year, LIGHTHOUSE has contributed funding to increase the counselor to a full-time position. Data shows the increase to a full-time position will double the services to at-risk students for behavioral health needs such as anxiety, grief, anger, substance use, suicide, impulsivity, depression, and bullying.   The counselor also coordinates counseling groups and intervenes in crisis incidents on campus.

LIGHTHOUSE Coffee Company

The LIGHTHOUSE Coffee Company began in 2012.  The coffee company is student-run, and was developed to provide hands-on-leadership and job training opportunities for the students at Del Rio Continuation High School, now Paloma Creek High School. The coffee company is operated in partnership with Joebella Coffee Roasters, a local business in our community.  The coffee concession trailer is often seen at events such as the Tamale Festival and Winter Wonderland, giving the students opportunities for face-to-face interactions with their peers and adults, as they learn elements of business and ways to contribute positively to the community in which they reside.

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Paloma Creek High School Wellness Center

Students enrolled at Paloma Creek High School and ACE Academy have access to an on-site licensed therapist who meets with to address needs in the areas of addiction, anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. The licensed counseling staff is available for drop-in and appointments that are self and staff-referred.  Staff is trained in and draws on the models of Relapse Prevention, Harm Reduction, Positive Psychology, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Brief Solution Focused Therapy, Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy for Depression, and several other models. Services are offered through individual, group, and family sessions.


In addition to counseling services students can receive assistance related to housing/homelessness, clothing, healthcare needs. Referrals can be made to the Link Family Resource Center, or other local agencies as needed. It is the goal of the Wellness Center to support our students and families so that they can remain healthy, productive, and contributing members of our community.  It is difficult for students to attend school and focus when their basic needs are not being met. It is our goal to work with each individual student to assist and guide them so they can graduate from high school and continue to develop their skills and talents.

All Comers Track Meet

This event is an opportunity for individuals and teams from our community to come together and participate in track and field events, fellowship, and enjoy the summer weather of the Central Coast. Held on Wednesday evenings for the month of July at the Atascadero High School Track.

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LIGHTHOUSE 5K Benefit Fun Run and Family Day

The LIGHTHOUSE 5K Benefit Fun Run and Family Day is an annual fundraiser to support the ongoing programs of LIGHTHOUSE and provides youth with opportunities for “constructive use of leisure time.” It’s a day to enjoy our beautiful outdoor community that we are so fortunate to live in, spend quality time with family and friends, and get a little bit of exercise too!  Through the generous donations of our sponsors and many hours of volunteer-time, this event continues to be one that participants look forward to each year. 

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Annual Wayne Cooper Memorial Golf Tournament

The Annual Wayne Cooper Memorial Golf Tournament is a major event which continues to raise funds for the LIGHTHOUSE programs.  Thanks to the generous partnership with the Chalk Mountain Golf Course in Atascadero and the many sponsors, this event is always a success.

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Our

Vision

We are passionately committed to making a difference every day for the youth in our community

Partners and Supporters

Get in Touch. Get Involved.

PO Box 3120, Atascadero, CA 93423

Call Us: (805) 703-1344

Make a Donation

LIGHTHOUSE Atascadero and the youth it supports appreciates your consideration in making a donation.
LIGHTHOUSE is a program of the Atascadero Greyhound Foundation 501(c)3 – Tax I.D. #77-0390865