Inside Lighthouse 2026
Join us for an Inside Lighthouse event! During this no-ask informational session, you’ll hear firsthand about the impact of your support for young people in crisis, have the opportunity to ask questions, and leave inspired. Plus, where applicable, you’ll experience a guided tour of the facility.
To sign up or for more information, please contact Caroline Phelps at cphelps@lys.org or 513-475-6026.
You can also sign up by clicking here.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Foster Care & Adoption Services
Licensed foster parents open their hearts and homes to children who can’t safely live with their families, offering stability, comfort, and a sense of belonging during uncertain times. The aim is to reunite children with their families or find them a loving, permanent family when that’s not possible.
Mecum House (Shelter for Ages 10-17)
Mecum House is the first and only local emergency shelter for children who aren’t safe at home or have nowhere to go. The team is specially trained to support children in crisis. No youth is turned away.
Lighthouse Youth Center at Paint Creek (Alternative Juvenile Detention Placement)
There are no fences, barbed wire, or guards. The residential treatment campus in Ross County is one of Ohio’s community-based alternatives for boys. The focus is on treatment rather than confinement for juvenile offenders. On campus, Boys can earn high school credits or obtain their GED at a charter school and participate in a horticultural program that includes two greenhouses.
Mental & Behavioral Health Care
The Lighthouse team provides expert and compassionate mental and behavioral health care to help children, youth, and families heal and thrive. Services include therapy, case management, psychiatric services, and diagnostic assessments. The team offers services in our offices, at home, in school, in the community, or via telehealth.
Shelter & Housing for Homeless Youth (Ages 17-24)
The Sheakley Center for Youth is the only local shelter with an expert team focused on meeting the unique needs of homeless young adults. Every young person is surrounded with the services and support they need to achieve stable, independent housing. The center also houses a Resource Center where homeless youth can come in off the streets and access basic needs, including food, toiletries, and laundry facilities. A coordinator is available to help them connect with resources and care.
Community Juvenile Justice Services
Lighthouse strives to give young people who become involved with the juvenile justice system every chance to achieve long-term success. The team provides therapy and group counseling, along with other services including educational support.
Residential Treatment
Residential treatment provides safe and welcoming places where youth with serious emotional or behavioral challenges combined with other needs can live and heal through nurturing and guidance. Lighthouse has two residential treatment locations, New Beginnings for girls and the Youth Development Center for boys. Throughout treatment, youth receive the help they need to develop healthy coping strategies and build positive relationships.