Beacon
House
is
a
neighborhood
based
organization
that
supports
at-risk
youth
and
families
of
the
Edgewood
Terrace
community
in
Washington,
D.C.
Beacon
House
offers
educational,
cultural,
recreational
and
athletic
programs.
Founded
in
1991
by
Reverend
Donald
E.
Robinson,
a
Unitarian
Universalist
(UU)
Minister,
Beacon
House
provides
a
wide
range
of
opportunities
for
learning
to
increase
the
likelihood
of
high
school
graduation,
and
eventual
involvement
in
higher
education,
vocational
training,
or
other
productive
adult
work
paths.
Beacon House serves approximately 400 children per year, ages 5-18, with a variety of programs. Other than occasional, nominal fees, Beacon House offers its programs for free to any and all children. Beacon House is not faith-based and does not espouse any religious or political beliefs.
Our primary focus is on academic enrichment. Each day during the school year, children come to the center after the school day ends to get a nutritious meal or snack and get help with their day’s homework assignments. In the evening, children and youth participate in structured tutoring programs designed to improve reading and math skills. Under the guidance and supervision of our staff, volunteer, trained tutors work individually with each child on mastering the essential academic building blocks needed for the children and youth to succeed in school.
In addition to our academic and feeding programs, Beacon House offers an array of programs designed to afford our children and youth varied and enriching experiences. Throughout the year, under the supervision of our Athletic Director, we offer children of all ages the opportunity to participate on football, baseball, basketball and cheerleading teams. Our Teen Director oversees mentoring programs for our older youth, preparing them to successfully graduate high school with plans to attend college, a professional school, or enter the work force in gainful employment. Our annual low cost summer camp for 150 children, ages 5-13, combines fun with learning, and gives our 14-18 year olds their first employment experience as camp counselors.
These, and many other activities, are managed by a committed, dedicated staff most of whom have been with Beacon House for many, many years and who are trusted and valued members of the Edgewood Terrace community.
Congresswoman
Eleanor
Holmes
Norton,
speaking
at
Beacon
House's
Tenth
Anniversary
Celebration,
had
the
highest
praise
for
Beacon
House.
She
stated:
"I
want
to
encourage
your
work
not
only
because
what
you
have
done
here
is
magnificent,
but
because
I
want
to
encourage
other
communities
around
this
town
to
do
what
Beacon
House
has
done.
I
can't
thank
you
enough
for
the
way
you
focus
on
education.
You
have
found
a
way
to
make
education
come
alive
in
so
many
ways
for
your
children."
Beacon House is supported by contributions from local and federal governments, foundations, individuals, churches and corporations. Beacon House is a 21st Century Community Learning Center, and is listed as one of the top local charities in the
Catalogue
for
Philanthropy.
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