By: Mabel Marin
As we welcome 2026, we want to take a meaningful pause to reflect on the year behind us, a year that challenged us, inspired us, and reaffirmed the power of community. In 2025, Beacon continued to show up for people across our region, responding to growing needs with compassion, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to care.
At the heart of this work are our programs, each one playing a vital role in strengthening the well-being of individuals, families, and the broader community.
Our Child Care Resource & Referral (CCRR) program continued to support families and childcare providers navigating a complex and evolving system. Through guidance, resources, and connection, CCRR helped families find care and supported providers who are essential to the health of our communities and local economy.
Our Child, Family & Youth Services teams worked tirelessly alongside children, youth, and caregivers, offering stability, guidance, and support during times of transition and challenge. Whether through prevention, early intervention, or ongoing support, this work continues to change lives in deeply meaningful ways.
Beacon’s Childcare programs continued to provide safe, inclusive, and nurturing environments where children could learn, play, and grow. Throughout 2025, educators and support staff worked closely with families to create consistent, high-quality care that supports children’s development during their most formative years. These programs play a critical role in strengthening families, supporting early learning, and giving parents and caregivers the confidence and stability they need to balance work, education, and family life.
In Employment Services, we saw individuals build confidence, develop skills, and move closer to meaningful employment. By supporting job seekers and working closely with employers, the team helped open doors to opportunity, independence, and long-term stability.
Our Youth Homelessness Prevention programs remained a critical lifeline for young people facing housing insecurity. From early intervention to ongoing support, these services helped youth stay housed, connected, and supported during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.
Through Senior Services, Beacon continued to reduce isolation and promote dignity and independence for older adults. From meals and wellness checks to social connection, these programs provided reassurance, nourishment, and care, especially for those most at risk of being left behind.
Beacon’s Thrift Shops remained a vital part of our impact in 2025. More than retail spaces, they are community hubs that promote affordability, sustainability, and inclusion. Revenue generated through thrift directly supports Beacon programs and services, helping fund care across all stages of life. At the same time, thrift shops provide accessible goods, local employment, and opportunities to give items a second life, reinforcing Beacon’s commitment to both social and environmental responsibility.
Our Volunteer Program once again demonstrated the incredible generosity that exists within our community. Volunteers contributed time, skills, and heart across our services, extending our reach and deepening our impact. Their dedication remains an essential part of everything we do.
A powerful moment of collective impact came during our end-of-year campaign. Thanks to your generosity, we raised $62,339 this holiday season, with over $40,000 dedicated to food programs. That support meant thousands of meals for people in need across our community at a time when food insecurity continues to rise. We are deeply grateful to our matching donors, Tecnet and Infinity Foundation, whose leadership doubled donations supporting childcare and youth homelessness programs.
As Shaun Cerisano, Director of Philanthropy and Partnership, shared:
“We’re grateful to everyone who has taken the time to learn more, share the message, or support this work in ways big and small. Because of you, fewer local families faced hunger this holiday season.”
None of this work would be possible without Beacon’s staff. Across every program and location, our teams showed resilience, empathy, and professionalism, often in the face of increasing complexity and demand. Their dedication, creativity, and care are the foundation of Beacon’s impact, and we are deeply thankful for their commitment to the people we serve.
Looking ahead to 2026, our focus remains clear. The need is still here and so are we. In the year to come, we will continue strengthening our programs, deepening partnerships, and creating opportunities for community connection, including Beacon Bits, a global tasting event with local impact that we’re excited to share more about soon.
Thank you for being part of Beacon’s journey. As we move into 2026, we do so with gratitude, hope, and a shared commitment to building a more caring, inclusive, and resilient community… Together!