Our Story
Our Purpose
We help children and families create a future where they are prepared to achieve and ready to pursue an elevated life.
We provide the support, guidance, and exposure to life experiences that will allow children and their families to envision a path for their own vision of a brighter tomorrow.
How do we achieve our mission, vision, and purpose?
By ensuring that children/families join our community and stay in programs that deliver a long continuum of comprehensive support, which compound the investment of impact over many years through a focus on:
GROW: Healthy Bodies
DISCOVER: Strong Minds
SUCCEED: Bright Futures
Beacon Place is committed to believing that these limits and lack of opportunities should not become permanent obstacles. We have a bold vision to provide the guidance, support, and exposure to life experiences that will allow these children and their families to dream and achieve more, preparing them for life-long opportunities.
We are here to change the trajectory of this community. We believe that success is not only possible but imperative for the children and families in our neighborhood. We don’t just want children to dare to dream of being more; we expect it. Since our beginning in 2012, Beacon Place has brought a vision of hope to nearly 5,000 children and families, changing lives, building futures, and lifting a community.
Bridging Education and Community Needs
Working together for brighter tomorrows
The Big Blue House giving hope to dreams
It’s not what we say, it’s what we inspire
Hoping and healing together
Big Impact, Bright Futures
Big Impact, Bright Futures
Our History
Beacon Pace becomes a 501(c)(3) with an all-volunteer team and active board, purchasing the abandoned "Big Blue House."
2013
2012
A group of friends and volunteers at Holy Family Food Pantry in Waukegan saw that the needs of the families went beyond food, sparking the idea of Beacon Place.
2014
Community partnerships strengthen and the mission of providing education, food, and family support solidifies.
The renovated "Big Blue House" reopens in the spring and becomes a focal point, symbolizing hope and opportunity in the community.
2015
2016
Steps Toward Sustainability: Beacon Place takes steps towards sustainability, recruiting paid staff and formalizing roles.
Beacon Place further strengthens its programming, education, and community connections. A new state-of-the-art facility, the "Annex," is envisioned.
2017
2018
Construction of the new annex is completed with significant community support. More than 2/3 is donated labor and materials.
During COVID, Beacon Place stays open to provide weekly distribution of emergency meal support, online educational support for our students, and virtual programs for parents.
2020
2023
Beacon Place marks our 10th anniversary, celebrating a decade of educational and community achievements.
Maha Worden joins Beacon Place as our new Executive Director!
2024
