Who we are

Our Mission — Shelter, Safety and Support — History — Staff — Board of Directors — Frequently Asked Questions

Our Mission

To create an environment that empowers women in crisis to achieve positive long-term change.

Shelter, Safety and Support

For almost 40 years, Beacon of Life has been a guiding light for women in our community experiencing homelessness due to trauma, substance abuse, domestic violence and incarceration. Of our residents, 85 percent are rebuilding self-sufficiency after being involved in the criminal justice system. Our program isn’t just about finding a job or having a place to live — it’s about repairing broken relationships, building new ones, creating boundaries and strengthening the mind, body and spirit.

Beacon of Life, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, is the only shelter in Central Iowa that provides transitional housing with supportive services in a structured environment exclusive to single women. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, our safe and secure facility is fully equipped with a pantry, kitchen, laundry room, activity room and around-the-clock staff for 34 women. It affords both anonymity and a sense of belonging, allowing our residents to overcome addictions, trauma and personal struggles through our financial, health and wellness, employment and recovery programs.

We appreciate financial gifts of all sizes, as well as the following in-kind donations for our resident facility (in order of importance):

Copy paper
Liquid dish soap
DART bus tokens
Cleaning supplies (glass, all-purpose, toilet)
Paper towels
New women’s underwear (all sizes)
New socks (all sizes)
New bras (all sizes)
Kitchen drying towels
Liquid laundry soap
Feminine hygiene products

For direct shipment to Beacon of Life, use Amazon Smile to purchase these products — and .05 percent of the proceeds will be donated back to our organization!

History

2016

Beacon Boutique moves to its new home, an even bigger and better location, at 1974 Grand Avenue (Normandy Shopping Plaza).

2015

Found Treasures is renamed Beacon Boutique, helping to make a direct connection to store sales supporting Beacon’s mission.

2013

Found Treasures is relocated to a bigger space at 817 Grand Avenue in West Des Moines.

2010

Found Treasures, Beacon of Life's resale store, is established in the Valley Junction area of West Des Moines.

2000-2001

Beacon of Life is and expanded to include wheelchair accessibility and office space.

1997

Beacon of Life moves to its new home at 1717 Woodland Avenue.

1985

Beacon of Life is incorporated as a 501(c)3 nonprofit and establishes a board of directors. The organization also begins providing shelter and programs to homeless women.

1980

Beacon of Life is founded through the collaborative efforts of local Methodist churches, with the mission of providing basic resources — including clothing and food — to homeless women in Central Iowa.

Staff

Melissa Vine

Executive Director

Melissa is responsible for the overall strategic plan and operations of the Beacon, including staff, programs, expansion, fundraising, development and execution of its mission.

Stacie Ricklefs

Events and Marketing Coordinator

Stacie is responsible for the overall marketing plan and event operations for Beacon of Life and Beacon Boutique.

Ruth Kunkle

Case Manager & Intake Coordinator

Ruth is responsible for providing comprehensive assessment, planning, implementation and overall evaluation of each of our resident’s needs during their stay at the Beacon.