Who we are

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
Masks
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

2020

All of the bedrooms, hallways, and stairways at the Beacon house in Sherman Hill are completely remodeled using capital campaign funds so that our facilities reflect the value we place on the clients who stay here.

2020

The Beacon Boutique permanently closes its doors in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

2016

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

2013

Found Treasures is relocated to a bigger space at 817 Grand Avenue in West Des Moines and is eventually renamed Beacon Boutique.

2010

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

2000

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

1997

Beacon of Life moves to its new home in Sherman Hill 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.

Senior Staff

Melissa Vine

Executive Director

director@beaconoflifedm.org

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

Melissa comes to the Beacon of Life as a trauma-informed, licensed mental health counselor with many years of experience working with women in crisis. She has also started, purchased, and sold businesses and speaks with organizations regarding mental health and fostering healthy work environments.

Jackie Servellon

Case Manager

casemgr@beaconoflifedm.org

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

Jackie comes to the Beacon of Life with many years of experience in case management and trauma-informed work.

Amber Klingenberg

Office Manager

admin@beaconoflifedm.org

The Office Manager oversees the Beacon's daily operations and administrative tasks, while providing support to both the Executive Director and Case Manager.

Amber comes to the Beacon of Life with significant experience in nonprofit and administrative work, as well as owning her own jewelry business.