Beacons, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public benefit nonprofit
empowering adults with diverse intellectual abilities!
SIGN UPs & Upcoming Dates
July Summer Workshops - Click Here
7/7/25: Summer session begins!
7/12/25: Club- Theme: All Around the USA (5:30- 8:30 PM)
8/1/25: Studio Orientation, Explorer Begins, & Paint & Sip mini-fundraiser (5:30 pm)
8/15/25: FREE Art workshop for art fair artists: Sign up! (2 - 5 pm)
9/5/25: FREE Art workshop for art fair artists: Sign up! (2 - 5 pm)
9/19/25: Art Exhibition 5 - 7 pm "California Dreamin'"
9/26/25: Annual Fundraiser "Globetrotter Gala" 5 - 8:30 pm
FALL INTEREST LISTS: Spaces available in PathFinder • Voyager
Donation
Station!
Donations can be made through Venmo @beaconsinc or by clicking on the PayPal donate button above.
Help us sustain and grow! In fall 2018, Beacons opened its doors to serve 19 people with 1,500 sf and one option (Club Beacons) thanks to the vision of five families searching for innovative and outcome-driven postsecondary options. Beacons has since expanded its programming to add numerous vocational learning options (Explorer and PathFinder), a creative arts division (Studio), a self-determination division (Voyager), job placement and coaching support, customized 1:1, 2:1 and 3:1 support for activities decided by the individual/s served, and more! In five years, Beacons has increased its reach by approximately 600%.
To keep up with the demand and to reduce waitlists, in fall 2023 Beacons moved to a beautiful new 14,000 sf space in the middle of the thriving Carlsbad business community. Because of this move and your donations, Beacons has been able to expand its existing divisions and add new ones!
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2024: In 2024, Beacons launched its first creative arts program "Studio Beacons" to offer art support 2, 3 or 5 days a week, and up to 5 hours a day!
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2025: More expansion!
1. Studio expanded to include "Studio Explorations" to supplement its fine arts cohort with a cohort that also offers performing arts, music and culinary arts!
2.The "Voyager" division was created to support individuals in the self-determination program with fun and engaging activities for those interested in 1:1 and group fun!3. In progress:
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Beacons hopes to launch "Person-centered Career Planning" (CCP) the second half of 2025 for individuals who are within 2 years of graduating/exiting a school district, or are within 2 years of having exited their districts.
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This fall, the PathFinder division is launching a new workshop "Sous Chef" to teach culinary vocational skills for those interested in learning more about cottage industry chefs! Learn more by clicking here!
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Join us in launching additional pathways and learning opportunities for those with diverse intellectual abilities!
Current 2025 Board Treasurer: Mary Backer, M.S.
Creative Ways
to support Beacons, Inc.:
1. Monthly Giving
Make a recurring monthly gift throughout the year through our "Donate" button! Maybe try a regular donation of $20 a month?
2. Matching Gifts
Did you know many employers will match all or a part of your donation? Talk to your HR department about your corporate matching program. Typically, after you make a donation, your HR department will then request Beacons, Inc. to verify the donation via a form or website link. Once the donation is verified, the company then sends the matching donation to Beacons! Easy
3. Donations as "gifts"
Instead of gifts for an occasion, consider asking people to donate money to Beacons, Inc. through FB or other social media!
4. Add Beacons, Inc. to a will!
5. In-Kind donations always welcome!
6. Part-time jobs & volunteer opportunities
Open your workspace to paid internships or part-time jobs (1 hr - 20 hours!)
7. Mentor one of our entrepreneurs!
We work with our trainees to create their own micro-enterprises, but expertise and cheerleaders are always needed!
Wish List!
THE 2025 BEACONS WISH LIST
Rolling Stage Podium Lecturn
As Beacons grows and expands,
having a podium for its stage will help
with events and presentations!
(Approx. $1,000)
New Vans
Beacons need 2 more shuttles to help provide daily transportation and to support our divisions when they are out learning in the community. Please consider donating so that we can expand our reach by offering reliable transportation to and from Beacons.
(Approx. $50,000 each)
Recreational Equipment
Beacons has a lounge room and could use some fun things to do while hanging out! We have a donated ping pong table, but if you're looking to give away a foosball table or other recreational furniture or equipment (preferably on wheels), please let us know!
(Approx. $5,000 - 10,000)
Assistive Technology
Interactive smart screens, or other AT will always be needed and be put to good use!
(Approx. $10,000)