Beacon Place, the big blue house and community center perched strategically in the heart of Waukegan, is there to do what matters most — to raise the bar of success and blaze a trail of transformation for under-served youth and their families who seek guidance and support to reach their full potential. In 2012, a group of dedicated and inspired individuals recognized a significant need in south-east Waukegan and decided to do something about it. In the spring of 2013, an abandoned home at 603 McAlister in Waukegan was acquired with the vision of providing a beacon to the neighbors by becoming a local community center that would deliver programs focused on food and nutrition, over-all health, academic support and life skill development. With the belief in the power of neighbors helping neighbors, these volunteers listened closely to the needs of the families in their community and brought them programs and support that have allowed the people of the community to see a path to new opportunities in their lives. Families in this Waukegan neighborhood are severely impacted by poverty, violence, low-performing educational options, inadequate school readiness, and a limited view of what the world can be. They are constantly bombarded with the idea that success for them is the exception, not the rule. Beacon Place is committed to the belief that these limits and lack of opportunities should not become permanent obstacles. They have a bold vision to provide the guidance, support, and exposure to life experiences that will allow these children and their families to dream and achieve more, preparing them for life-long opportunities. Since its inception, Beacon Place has brought a vision of hope to nearly 4,000 children and families, changing lives, building futures and lifting a community.