Billy Vrtiska

Youth Specialist

I first heard of Lighthouse in 2005 when I volunteered for a Southeast Community College clinical course.  I was taken away by the close meaningful relationships that the staff had with the youth and almost knew instantly that I wanted to be a part of that.  I continued volunteering at Lighthouse through the following quarter of college totaling 300 hours of service. I later graduated in 2007 with an Associate’s Degree in Human Services.

Five years later in 2010 I was hired on at Lighthouse as the volunteer coordinator and worked my up to program director in 2012.  I absolutely loved the environment and the work I was doing with the program but still felt like I needed something more for myself.

In June of 2013 I parted ways with Lighthouse and Nebraska to go on a personal journey without much planning or direction.  The only real plan I had in mind was to travel and to see what I could accomplish outside the environment that I had known for the past 28 years.

Building new relationships and seeing different parts of the country is something everyone should experience in their life journey.  However, for me, the Lighthouse, friends, and family relationships I had back in Lincoln were what ultimately brought me back home.

In December 2014 I was hired back on at Lighthouse as assistant director.  Throughout my short journey away from home I have come to the conclusion that life is what you make of it.  Don’t short yourself because you are unsure.  The world is full of resources and what you put in to it will be given back.

Lighthouse is the full package.  Teens here are provided with numerous educational and life resources, nutritious meals, safety, and love.  I am so pleased to be back at Lighthouse and a part of this mission again.