COVID-19 Update – as of August 4, 2022
The James Morehouse Project (JMP), which is the ECHS student wellness center, is back, providing in-person services at El Cerrito High School, following the lead of the WCCUSD which went back to 100% in-person school starting August 16th, 2021.
To Request JMP Services, fill out the: ECHS CARE Team Resource Request Form
Welcome to the James Morehouse Project website. The James Morehouse Project (JMP) works to create positive change in the El Cerrito High School community through health services, counseling and youth development, and school-wide initiatives. The James Morehouse Project has three main types of program areas:
- Medical & Dental Services – Basic medical services (sports physicals, vaccinations, TB tests), reproductive health care (birth control and screening for STI’s & pregnancy), and dental services (cleanings, exams, fillings) are provided by Contra Costa  County Health Services.
- Counseling & Youth Development – Drop-in support, individual counseling, peer conflict mediation, and supportive youth development groups are provided by the James Morehouse Project staff and interns, and partners from a range of community agencies.
- Restorative School-Wide Programs – JMP school-wide activities (such as restorative circles, teacher and staff support, parent support, ELAC youth group, and classroom dynamic mindfulness) strengthen and sustain a safe and caring school community for all students, parents and staff.
From its formation in 1999 until January 2010, the James Morehouse Project was known as the ECHS Community Project. We took James Morehouse’s name in 2010 to honor his 35 years of service to the El Cerrito High School community. Mr. Morehouse loved, mentored and inspired two generations of staff and students (from 1968-2003) and in taking on his name, we commit to carrying on his legacy of love, respect and service for generations to come.
The JMP is open 8:30am-4:30pm Monday through Friday. For more information about specific programs and services, please call (510) 965-4401, or stop by ECHS, Room A-210.
How to request JMP counseling or support:
Youth can connect with all of our services and programs directly by dropping by the James Morehouse Project, at ECHS – Room A210, or students, friends, teachers, parents and others can request support for students by filling out the ECHS CARE Team Resource Request Form by clicking on this link:
If you need immediate support, please contact the following community resources:
Urgent Counseling Related Services:
- In case of a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 for immediate assistance
- Seneca Mobile Crisis Response Team: (877) 441-1089 (24 hr phone support)
- California Youth Crisis Line: 800-843-5200 (24 hours)
- Call TeenLine Online: (800) TLC-TEEN from 6pm to 10pm PSTÂ
- The Trevor Project: (for LGBTQ Youth – 24 hours)Â Â
- Phone 1-866-488-7386Â
- Text START to 678678
Texting Hotlines:
- Text “safe” to 20121 (Local, between 4pm-11pm)
- Text 741-741 (24 hours)
- Text “TEEN” to 839-863 (Teens helping teens, 6pm-9pm)
See this link for other Community Resources and Financial Supports compiled by JMP / Lista de Recursos Financieros y otros Recursos JMP:
*IF ECHS IS CLOSED DUE TO A COVID OUTBREAK, JMP will Offer the Following Services By Phone/Video:
Counseling options for students will include:
- One time check-in conversations.
- Crisis support
- Weekly individual counseling
- Group counseling (groups forming this fall: grief and loss, students up against anxiety, social skills, LGBT and more)
- Support for families to access community resources around food, legal support, economic aid etc.
Parents/Guardians can also request to talk with a counselor to get support or find out about resources.
JMP is a fiscal project of West Contra Costa Public Education Fund (Ed Fund). To make a tax-deductible donation to James Morehouse Project, you may write a check to “West Contra Costa Public Education Fund”, and write “James Morehouse Project” in the Memo or Notes section and mail it to :
JMP/ECHS
540 Ashbury Ave.,
El Cerrito, CA 94530
Thank you for your support!