The students at Lighthouse Community School in Madisonville delivered Christmas early to residents of St. Paul Retirement Village in Madisonville.

Lighthouse President and CEO Bob Mecum says a simple mantra guides his work at Lighthouse Youth Services. "We help ourselves by helping others. We make ourselves stronger by helping others. We make our community stronger by helping others. We become a better person in so many ways by helping others, and that’s what makes this country great," he said.

Lighthouse Youth Services was honored to be chosen as one of the six finalists for Transform Cincinnati, an initiative co-founded by Richard Rosenthal and aimed at linking philanthropists to big ideas aimed at transforming Cincinnati for decades to come.

WLWT News 5 provided a Thanksgiving feast for the Lighthouse Sheakley Center for Youth on Monday, November 22. The same day WLWT News 5 Reporter Jennifer Schack told the story of the Sheakley Center and we work each day to make a difference. Thank you WLWT!

“Just because we’re teenagers doesn’t mean we can’t make a difference.”

Lighthouse parent Jessica Schumacher: “Finding homes for larger sibling sets is very, very difficult. Usually, they are separated, but it’s a gift. It’s a gift to us that they are together. It’s amazing.”

Lighthouse parent Jessica Schumacher: “Like any mom, there's rough days but so many wonderful days and beautiful days. It's a joy to watch them grow. It's a joy to watch them learn and flourish. I'm excited about the people that they are and the people they are going to be.”

Thanks WCPO 9 On Your Side for telling the Schumachers' story! We're so proud they are a Lighthouse family!

Right now, 3,000 Ohio foster alumni between the ages of 18 and 21 are struggling to survive.

Around this time of year, most of us are adding to ever-expanding to-do lists…turkey, tinsel, parties. However the trimmings and gifts can’t hold a candle to the warm embrace of family.