Lighthouse Celebrates 30 Years
Over the past 30 years, Lighthouse (lincolnlighthouse.org) has helped thousands of middle and high school students become successful adults by providing them with a safe, loving environment where they could come after school. Programs like mentoring, tutoring and academic support, activities, and nutritious snacks and meals have been the foundation that has made it possible for Lighthouse students to thrive. To celebrate, a 30th Anniversary Gala was planned for September of 2020, but the organization decided to postpone it to this year in response to the pandemic (stay tuned for the date to be announced!).
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 1980s, 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 and G Streets. One year later, they moved to a location across from the current site at 26th and N Streets. In 2008, the new Lighthouse building was constructed after a capital campaign. Since the early days, the focus has been on education and high school graduation, along with providing recreation or socialization. Today, Bill Michener leads that charge as executive director. Once a high school dropout and recipient of Lighthouse’s services, Michener was hired to a part-time position. He now holds a master’s degree in counseling and has served as the director since 2006.
Lighthouse proudly points to a 95% high school graduation rate among students who frequent the after-school program. To learn more about the programs/resources available, visit lincolnlighthouse.org or call (402) 475-3220.