Beacons, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public benefit nonprofit
empowering adults with diverse intellectual abilities!
SIGN UPs & Upcoming Dates
3/7/26: Club Beacons theme "Shamrock Bash" (5:30-8:30 pm)
3/30/26-4/03/26: Voyager Spring Break Events
Spring 2026 Enrollment now open for all programs!
BEACONS, INC.
BEACONS, Inc. is a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit public benefit corporation founded in 2018 to provide vocational, recreational, and social activities as well as services to adults with developmental disabilities and their support teams to create pathways and outcomes to improve access to employment, the community and social connections. Effective August 19, 2019, Beacons, Inc. became a state funded vendor of the San Diego Regional Center (vendor # PY1700).
Beacons is the brainchild of parents who through their participation on a variety of special ed related organizations, task forces, boards and groups, recognized that more postsecondary options were needed in North County San Diego to serve individuals with developmental disabilities. Too many individuals with developmental disabilities did not have jobs or sufficient postsecondary educational options leaving many isolated and at home. Beacons opened its doors in November 2018 to provide meaningful options created by those who "live" the journey and recognize the need for better outcomes for their loved ones. (Back to top)
OUR MISSION
Our mission is simple: To empower adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve their vision of success, with purpose and joy to the best of their ability. Through our on-site (and off-site) structured programs, workshops, services and activities based on these individuals' preferences and needs, Beacons, Inc. strives to equip individuals with developmental disabilities (as well as their families, and care teams) with knowledge, tools, and support to help them succeed!
Beacons seeks to maximize opportunities and experiences for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities to develop relationships, be part of community life, and increase control over his, her or their life. Our clients will be out and about in the community working, training, volunteering, interacting and exploring.
Join us as we work around their needs and interests, instead of trying to make these individuals fit into options others select for them. (Back to top)
OUR VISION
We opened our doors in November 2018 to create a family guided, outcome oriented, and person-driven postsecondary option in North County San Diego. Beacons is a fast-growing organization and now offers:
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Bridges (career person-centered planning),
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Studio Beacons (a year-round Creative Arts division, 2-3-or 5 days a week),
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Explorer (a 2-year vocational training option, 2-3-or 5 days a week),
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Pathfinder Program (a 4-month vocational workshops and summer program),
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Program Inspire (onsite paid employment training in partnership with the SDWP),
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Voyagers (customized options for self-determination clients in ratios of 1:1, 2:1 and 3:1 to provide client-directed activities), and more to come!
Our vision is to work with adults with disabilities so that they can better engage in their community, access the local workforce, expand their social opportunities, support healthy and safe life choices, understand and identify housing options, and self-advocate so that they can meet and live their life goals.
OUR BOARD
2026 President (Co-Founder)
Mary Backer has a B.A. in American Studies from Notre Dame and a Masters in Library Sciences. Mary worked in publishing before leaving the 9-5 world to care for her three daughters. For the last several years, she has dedicated her energies to supporting her daughters' schools and athletic pursuits. She served as a Girl Scout leader for all three girls and on the GS Encinitas Service Unit Team for all three daughters. Mary's community contributions have also included serving on the Committee for the local Young Life Capernaum and Young Life fundraising committee for 4 years.
Mary served on the Board for NCL, Inc. Surf Cities Chapter as VP of Standards and Hours. She also served on the Special Education Forum for the San Dieguito Union High School District and actively fundraises to find a cure for Rett Sydrome through the Rett Syndrome Research Trust. Mary's other contributions to Beacons, Inc. have included being the nonprofit's President (2020 - 2021, 2024), Vice President (2019, 2024), Treasurer (2022-24) and Corporate Secretary (2018). Mary has been featured in the San Diego Voyager and was recently recognized as a 2022 "Woman of Impact," in nonprofit leadership by the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. Mary has also chaired the nonprofit's fundraisers 2021 - 2023. (back to top)
ANA VENEGAS
Board Member-at-Large
Ana is a professional photographer, whose experience began with magazines such as the National Geographic. Her work has appeared in Traveler Magazine, and numerous national magazines and newspapers. She also worked as a staff photographer at the Orange County Register, where she was responsible for illustrating stories for OC Home and Family Magazines.
Before relocating to San Diego County, Ana advocated for full-inclusion in her son’s home district of Los Alamitos. She helped organize local O.C. police departments to meet with parents of children with autism to help prepare police to recognize and understand behaviors during encounters. While there is much more to her story, she is an organizer at heart, having in the past created a mom’s support group and family social experiences, as well as running a Boy Scout den.
Ana joined the board to help Beacons with continued development of its vision in recognition of its value as a resource created by parents who are at the front line of caring for adults with special needs.
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Lorraine Nichols
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Carrie Price
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