Beacon House Association of San Pedro
Invite reviews
From the very first interview I was told that I would be participating DAILY in service for someone other than myself. I began by cleaning the streets of San Pedro, and continued doing community service throughout Los Angeles County, and the action taught me about the paradox of giving to receive. Not a religious concept, but a spiritual one indeed. This was a part of the foundation building that is done by action, rather than talking (talking accomplishes little). Now there are some things that I can do to feel good about myself, and because the Beacon House took the time to show me the way, I won't have to drink again- if I do some simple things. As a result of my stay at the Beacon House, I haven’t had a drink in over 5 and a half years, and I have just graduated Harbor College with the President's Distinguished Honor, after being homeless for 20 years of my life! It doesn't need saying that they saved my life, but I need to point out that I never was asked about money, because the Beacon House will not discuss money or billing with ANY primary resident except to point out that in the face of our disease, we only should concern ourselves with how to save our own lives. I am proud to say that I am Alumnus of the Beacon House, and my name is David S.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
From the very first interview I was told that I would be participating DAILY in service for someone other than myself. I began by cleaning the streets of San Pedro, and continued doing community service throughout Los Angeles County, and the action taught me about the paradox of giving to receive. Not a religious concept, but a spiritual one indeed. This was a part of the foundation building that is done by action, rather than talking (talking accomplishes little). Now there are some things that I can do to feel good about myself, and because the Beacon House took the time to show me the way, I won't have to drink again- if I do some simple things. As a result of my stay at the Beacon House, I haven’t had a drink in over 5 and a half years, and I have just graduated Harbor College with the President's Distinguished Honor, after being homeless for 20 years of my life! It doesn't need saying that they saved my life, but I need to point out that I never was asked about money, because the Beacon House will not discuss money or billing with ANY primary resident except to point out that in the face of our disease, we only should concern ourselves with how to save our own lives. I am proud to say that I am Alumnus of the Beacon House, and my name is David S.
More feedback...
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
They let me stay 5 years, which gave me the chance to not only work on my recovery foundation, but to get a formal education. I was a commercial fisherman before getting clean, and now I counsel and teach at a local community college. I still teach an intro to college class for the men at the Beacon House and their sister organization, the House of Hope. I am currently coming up on 13 years, and without the time they gave me to work on myself, I don't know how it would have turned out.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Every area of my life. I learned to live by societys rules, and keep the principles of the program my number 1 program of living. I am married, have three grown stepdaughters, and two wonderful grandkids who have never seen me loaded.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Diversify the expiences of the men. They now are on a much 'tighter rope' than when I was in the house. We could choose sponsors and fellowships to attend. NOt true now. Also, the second phase men seem less prepared to move out, so better after care.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the support of the men in the House. I still go to meetings with the same guys I was in primary with.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Varied. There was, and is, need for better staff education and oversite.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Send it's staff for formal schooling and licencing. They could also expand the facilities to incluld the model outside of the one San Pedro location.
Ways to make it better...
The staff was better trained
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
financial.
One thing I'd also say is that...
I still think that this is the best program in the South Bay/Harbor Area. It is not for people who are not serious about their recovery, however. Don't come here if your plans are to socialize by the seashore...
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
I was a man that thought I loved my wife and children and figured that the meth i was smoking was my only problem. I couldnt stand my life or myself and using drugs was the only way to escape my problems. I thought the world was against me. After a family intervention, I called the Beacon House. They took me in without asking for a dime, all I had to do was be willing to go to any lengths for my recovery. It was the hardest work i've ever done. through social model, I had to take a good look at myself(it wasn't pretty). In a relatively short period of time, I had to learn to become a man and make grown man decisions. Although I was there 2.5 yrs I Was asked to leave the House because I wasn't spending enough time with the men. I was mad at that staff member for not wanting any contact with me, yet It isn't about me. it's about the men that are changing their lives at that blessed house. today I get to be a father,and husband. I am a productive member(ASE certified auto mechanic) of society and I feel the best i have ever felt about myself. It is all because of the wonderful people at the Beacon House that never gave up on me. Thank You -Raul Diaz-
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
The way I see life today.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Have staff members not be so hasty when asking men to leave
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the connection to the men in the House.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
firm in their confidence
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
build more space to help more men and feed them too.
Ways to make it better...
I had listened and followed direction
One thing I'd also say is that...
god is good
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
The Beacon House Asoc. of San Pedro takes men who are broken and lost and provides a path for these men to retrieve what had been lost through alcoholism and drug addiction. The men of The Beacon House receive group and individual counseling, and attend a minimum of (10) 12-Step meetings per week. All men attend parenting classes, anger management classes, relapse prevention classes, alcohol and drug awareness classes as well as educational and vocational guidance. Every man in the Beacon House learns the esteem building value of giving back and contributes 15-35 hours per week to community service. All toll the men of The Beacon House contribute over 45,000 hours per year to other nonprofits, faith based, and community organizations at an estimated $500,000 annually. When the men graduate the primary phase of the program they can elect to continue on to phase II where they spend an additional 18-36 months going to school or vocational training to enhance their employability. When this phase is completed men are ready to leave The Beacon House Asoc. with a Job, theier own home, transportation and some money in the bank. As an alumni he is invited back to share his experience with those that come behind. I know of no other organization that commits to this level of recovery. It is no wonder that 88% of the men who stay long enough to complete the program as prescribed never drink or use drugs again. Never....
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
The experience changed my life and brought me back into contact with my family after 21 years. Today I have an opportunity to give back what has been given to me.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
RECOVERY FOR A SEEMINGLY HOPLESS STATE OF MIND AND BODY.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
THE BEST!
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
OWN ALL OF THE PROPERTIES OF THE ASSOCIATION OUTRIGHT AND BUILD EVEN MORE FACILITIES TO PROVIDE EXTENDED SERVICES SUCH AS A MEDICAL DE-TOXIFICATION CENTER.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
I was raised by the Beacon House. My dad battled drug addiction and alcoholism for 17 years of my life. He was an absent father in my life until he came to the Beacon House in 1999. I am very greatful to these men who taught my father the tools he needed to stay clean and to be an active father. Without them I would not have my father back in my life or in the life of my son. I am very greatful to Mr. Lozano and the men of the Beacon House for giving me my father back.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
My father has been clean since January 1999 and I owe it all to the Beacon House!
More feedback...
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
I am a former client and current employee of the Beacon Association of San Pedro. I was sent here to continue my treatment and recovery from another program. I had not other place to go, no money and no one who would take me. The Beacon House opened its' doors and its' arms to me and did not ask me for anything in return other than I be willing to learn, follow a few simple directions and help others. My life before had been devastated by my alcoholism and drug addiction. I had nothing to give or so I thought. What I learned here is that if I had one day sober I can help the new man in the house. The program gave me an opportunity to get back on my feet and become self-supporting and independent. I now work here and I cannot get enough of it. Each day brings a new experience and new challenges but it never gets old.
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
my own life
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
To be able to serve more men who need our help.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the people that I've met along the road to recovery and in the community of San Pedro.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
All were committed and knowledgeable about the recovery process.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Help 10 times as many men.
Ways to make it better...
the Beacon House would have had the resources and staff to provide more individualized counseling.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
The on-going funding and diminishing resources in the community for services.
One thing I'd also say is that...
We will continue to help and serve the community no matter what.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
Filter by reviewer role:
Support This Nonprofit
Help this nonprofit get more reviews
5 tips for getting reviews
David, you make us so proud. Keep us the good work and always be your best.