Jalen’s Journey: A Testament to Dedication and Transformation at Avalon Non-Public School

Avalon Non-Public School graduation

Earlier this month, we celebrated the remarkable success of Jalen (a pseudonym), a young man who has been with Fred Finch for many years. After graduating from Avalon Non-Public School, he is now moving forward to Hayward Adult School. His journey has been one of resilience, personal growth, and the unwavering support of his dedicated team.

Jalen first entered Fred Finch through our New Yosemite program, a highly structured crisis stabilization and assessment program designed for youth with developmental disabilities and/or autism, who are experiencing significant challenges at home or in care. At the time, his behaviors were disruptive, and he struggled with engagement—often leading his 1:1 staff on chases around campus and refusing to complete his schoolwork. Despite these challenges, his team remained steadfast, providing individualized support and guidance.

Through the dedication of his teachers, mental health clinicians, and school staff, Jalen gradually began to embrace the opportunities around him. When his 1:1 support ended, he made the decision to turn things around. Over time, his behaviors transformed—he became calm, focused, and eager to learn. Today, he is known as a kind, respectful, and motivated student, ready for the next chapter of his education.

His teacher, Jose Pena, reflected on his remarkable progress, sharing on his graduation: "From the very beginning until now, you've made an incredible transformation—a complete turnaround. I want you to know how proud I am of you and the progress you've made in our program. This isn’t the end of your journey—there is still so much ahead. Keep being respectful, embrace everything your next program offers, and continue striving for success. Your future is bright."

Jalen’s success is a testament to the power of individualized support and the dedication of Avalon’s multidisciplinary team. Their steadfast commitment to providing structured education, mental health services, and mentorship has helped him reach this important milestone. We are incredibly proud of Kwazaye and grateful to all the staff who played a role in his journey.

At Avalon Non-Public School, our goal is to equip students with the tools to thrive in less restrictive environments, fostering independence and long-term success. His journey is one of many that highlight the effectiveness of our approach. Congratulations—we can’t wait to see what you accomplish next!

To learn more about our state-of-the-art nonpublic school, visit: https://www.fredfinch.org/avalon-non-public-school