A personal letter from our founder
Growing up in the foster care system, I learned firsthand what it means to navigate uncertainty.
I know the feeling of searching for stability, looking for a guiding light, and wishing for a community that truly understands the unique challenges foster youth face. I know exactly what it feels like to face your late teens, looking ahead at adulthood, and wondering how you will build a stable career, manage your own money, or take the next step toward higher education.
The family that kept the light on
But my life changed completely at the age of 15 when a beautiful family, Rebecca and Steve Phipps, took me into their hearts and home. For 15 years, they left a light on in my window as a constant beacon—a daily reminder that there was stability, love, safety, and mentoring waiting for me.
That single, enduring act of love provided the anchor I so desperately needed. It taught me the lifelong power of a consistent support system to guide you through life's most critical transitions.
That lived experience, combined with a deep spiritual calling, is the heartbeat and inspiration behind One Vision Lighthouse.
Becoming that light for someone else
I didn’t just start this 501(c)(3) to create another program—I founded it to build the beacon of support I wish I had. Our mission is to provide the consistent guidance, resources, and community that empower individuals to navigate their own paths toward a brighter, more stable future.
I founded this organization to be that exact same light in the window for teenagers aged 15 and older. We equip our youth with essential job readiness training and critical life skills—like mastering personal banking.
Because we believe every young person deserves a path to success, we partner directly with local schools to guide our teens through the college application process and collaborate with area businesses to provide direct employment opportunities.
Grounded in faith
We are a faith-based organization because I believe that through my personal experiences—through prayer, worship, and the embrace of my church community—I am who I am today.
We don't just teach our youth how to survive on their own; we surround them with a community that lifts them up in faith, giving them the real-world, academic, and spiritual tools to thrive.
At One Vision Lighthouse, we believe that no one should have to navigate rough waters alone. Together, we are building a community where everyone is seen, supported, and guided home.
“No teenager should have to figure out their future alone.”
Together, we are keeping the light on—building a foundation where young people are seen, trained, and empowered by faith to reach a brighter, self-sufficient tomorrow.
With faith and hope,
The founder of One Vision Lighthouse