In this issue of Lighthouse Views, you'll see how you gave a young man the chance thrive, learn about a 2,000 mile journey to find a place to call home, and be inspired by the story of a young woman who has gone from Lighthouse care to being a member of the board.

bi3 awards $695,000 to Lighthouse to develop the Lighthouse Clinic, which will expand mental health services to provide in-house psychiatric and medical management services to youth under age 24 who experience multiple barriers to receiving care in the community.

"Lighthouse is proud to be among the small group of organizations chosen to launch OhioRISE," said Paul Haffner, President and Chief Executive Officer. "This program is a great example of how we're leading the way in creating a community where every young person has the opportunity to thrive."

As an OhioRISE Care Management Entity (CME), Lighthouse will serve as the go-to providers delivering wraparound care coordination for children and youth enrolled in OhioRISE who have the most complex behavioral health needs. CMEs will also help ground and grow their communities’ system of care so overall resources expand to help kids with behavioral health needs and their families in the coming months and years.

The Beacon of Light Humanitarian Award recognizes leadership, community service, and a positive impact on the lives of young people and families. Lighthouse has honored individuals in the community since 1996 and is proud to celebrate the remarkable 2022 Beacon of Light Humanitarians: Phillip and Gail Holloman, Moira Weir, and Barbara Malcolm Weyand.

"It’s clear, the solutions [to youth violence] are not easy; however, we can each do something. The state of crisis has gained the attention of legislators, law enforcement, nonprofits, educators, medical professionals, and, of course, parents. Let’s keep the pressure on. Volunteer. Mentor. Hire. Rent. Be the light. Walk the walk with us."

Lighthouse Youth & Family Services has raised the minimum wage for all employees to $15 per hour and made additional adjustments in various pay ranges to promote equity.

Lighthouse Youth & Family Services is proud to be honored by Cincinnatus with the Spencer Award for promoting equity and inclusion. Named after Cincinnati’s “First Couple of Civil Rights,” the Spencer Award celebrates the couple’s achievements and honors nonprofits and businesses who exhibit conspicuous and enduring contributions to promoting greater inclusion and diversity in the community.

Rashidah Sellers, Director of Residential Services/Treatment Programs at Lighthouse Youth & Family Services, is the 2021 OneSource Center Emerging Leader Award recipient