Kids aged 9 through 13 come to Beacon Place twice per week to learn how to grow food right in their own backyards! But they end up learning much, much more.

 

"Beacon Green provides structure to kids who typically have none," said Barb Karacic, Executive Director of Beacon Place. "The garden needs them every week to grow and prosper. The children learn responsibility, and leave so proud of what they've accomplished."

 

There are 12 children enrolled in the program, themed this year as James and the Giant Peach. The children are reading the book together, have made clay models and drawings of the characters, built and painted birdhouses, and planted produce to go along with the story. They record their progress in journals every day, teaching them structure, organization and long-term commitment.

 

For more information and details on the Beacon Green program, you may contact Barb Karacic at [email protected] or call 224-572-9330.

 

A 2008 SmartCar with just 32,000 miles was donated to the Community Church of Lake Bluff & Lake Forest. The church has graciously offered to give 100 percent of the proceeds to Beacon Place.

 

The car is in excellent condition and has a clean CarFax report. It has been meticulously maintained by Knauz. This efficient and easy-to-park vehicle offers an automatic transmission, leather seats, AM-FM-CD, and the "paddle shift" option that makes driving fun. 

 

For more info, call 847-234-8191 and ask for Tommy Turbo. Make an offer or "Buy It Now" for $6,000!

 

We want to thank the 13 college student interns who have supported us this summer. They have helped with the Beacon Summer Lunch Bunch program, but have also taken leadership roles in the Beacon Green program, Tweens program, MOMS group, and Tutoring program. 

 

These smart, ambitious college students have been great role models for all of our teen volunteers, especially the teens from the community who have not had many opportunities to spend time with young adults in college.

 

Dominic LaVitola, along with his brother Adam, play college soccer and have been leading the soccer program at Beacon Place. Dominic recently commented, "We're not just focusing on soccer fundamentals with the kids. It's all about playing together, working as a team and respecting everyone else on the field." Adam agreed and added, "You get the sense that it is important for us to be here for the kids. They find us soon as they get here each day."

 

Kristina Ring, a Psychology and Spanish major at the University of Illinois, said the experience at Beacon Place has really helped her understand the challenges that these families face. She has interned at other social service agencies but believes that she has benefited much more from her experience at Beacon Place.

 

"In my other internships, I did a lot of administrative work," said Ring. "Here, it has been hands on with direct contact with kids and families. This was exactly the kind of experience I hoped to gain. I would love to return again. What is happening here is amazing!"

 

If your company, office, church group or social group would like to volunteer at Beacon Place, please contact us at [email protected]. We'll be happy to connect you with a volunteer opportunity that's the right fit for your group.

Dear Friends,

 

It's said, "It takes a village!" Nowhere is that clich� more of a reality than at Beacon Place every Monday and Thursday from 11:00 to 1:00 pm. To provide more than 250 children with lunch, activities, and backpacks in a two-hour time slot - well, it "takes a village!"

 

The "village" that volunteers at Beacon Place is unique; more than 50 high school teens, 13 college interns and countless adults come together for every session to volunteer their time and make each day special for the children. Many hands make the work seamlessly easy because of the incredible organization and direction provided by summer lunch program director Barb LaFasto. She has created a team that is really making a difference.  

 

With kindest regards,

 

Barb Karacic