It all started when…
Lighthouse was created in 1990 by Peter and Maureen Allman and Jim Perry. The Allmans are still involved with the organization today. After visiting a similar facility in New York City called The Covenant House in the late 1980’s, Pete Allman was told by several Lincoln community members that a safe place for teens was needed in Lincoln.
Woods Charitable Fund gave the initial funding for a needs assessment and upon completion, the organization set up in the Atwood House at 17th & G. One year later, they moved to a location across from the current site at 26th & N.
In 2008, the new Lighthouse building was constructed after a capital campaign. Since the early days, the focus has been on education and highschool graduation, along with providing recreation or socialization.
“Lighthouse makes me feel like I have people outside my family that genuinely care for me.”
YOUTH IN ACTION
PROM
Our youth get to experience prom thanks to the Independent order of foresters and Junior League. Each youth is eligible by attending two gender specific etiquette trainings. After the training is complete they get to shop for their dresses, accessories, shoes and tuxedos. Lighthouse has teamed up with Elite party buses to give them a limo bus experience, a formal dinner; the dance and a post prom lock in. Our young people look like a million bucks and this becomes a life changing experience.
LOVE
Love is our change agent and our staff shows them a healthy, caring environment. Relationships with an adult help our young people connect to the resources necessary to become self-sufficient.
GRADUATION
The end of their journey with Lighthouse is placing their picture on our wall of fame. Graduation from high school may be the end of their time with Lighthouse, but it really is just the beginning of life long journey.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Service to the community is important for our young people. Exposing our young people to the resources and helping others give them a sense of purpose. During our 25th anniversary the youth did two acts of kindness each month, and that tradition of helping others continues.
HOLIDAY MEALS
The sense of family is what sets Lighthouse apart from other youth serving programs. During the holidays the Lighthouse board serves a meal to the youth and spends time with them. During Thanksgiving families are invited to join the staff as a large family and share stories together.
“I have been through so much in my life but the friends and family I’ve made at Lighthouse have made me realize you’re never alone.”