Lighthouse celebrates 30 years of helping troubled teens

The Lighthouse is celebrating 30 years of helping some of Lincoln's troubled teens with their homework and build friendships.

(LINCOLN, Neb.) The Lighthouse is celebrating 30 years of helping some of Lincolns troubled teens with their homework and build friendships.
“They’re there for you and that’s something that I love because they just make you feel so special and it’s a family it really is,” says Beccera.
Ana Solano Beccera balanced school, two jobs, and DACA applications during the pandemic. She credits having Lighthouse as a support system as it helped her graduate from Lincoln East High School this year.
“We meet our young people, no matter where they are at, and then help them through whatever they need,” said Bill Michener. “Whether that’s educational things or just issues about conflict resolution and just learning about life in general and how to grow up in those rocky waters of teenage years.”
Beccera said for her, online high school learning was not easy.
“It was really confusing and really annoying,” said Beccera.
But staff at Lighthouse helped her and other teens make it to the finish line, helping answer homework questions virtually and keep them motivated.
“They’re such caring people who want to know how you doing and want to make sure you’re okay,” says Beccera. “Cause they always wanna push you they see that light in you that you don’t see in yourself.”
The Lighthouse has changed its hours for the school year, from 8 am to 6 pm. Staff will monitor how many students come in the space at a time and are required to wear masks. They’re also preparing by stocking up with school supplies and a health check station.
“So we wanna make for sure that we are giving support to the young people that are online,” says Michener. “Cause we know parents are going to struggle with that weather they’re not at home because of work or just because they don’t have the knowledge of the material. So, we’re gonna open up earlier to make for sure those young people that need assistance on that online platform can come up here and get direct assistance.”
And as the pandemic continues the Lighthouse says they’ll be here for teens to help them during the school year.