Beacon Specialized Living

Big News for Our Beacon Community
We have so much in store for you this year, and the best way to see it all is by following our new page.

We’re officially transitioning from Beacon Specialized Living to our new page, Beacon Specialized Living Services , which will be our home for updates, celebrations, and stories moving forward. This new page is built for our staff, the families of the individuals we serve, and the community members who support our mission every day.

You’ll see more highlights from our homes, more moments with our incredible individuals, and more of the meaningful work happening across Beacon.

Please follow our new page so you don’t miss everything we have planned for 2026 and beyond.

Today we’re highlighting Episode 2 of our *Why Beacon* series, featuring Evelyn Franco from our Virginia market.

Evelyn brings a nurturing, family‑like presence to her role as a Direct Support Professional, caring for her individuals as if they were her own children. She loves involving them in decorating their home for the holidays and takes pride in cooking meals that bring everyone together.

Her warmth, dedication, and genuine love for the people she serves shine through in everything she does.

This is *Why Beacon*, with many more stories to come from across our Beacon Specialized Living markets.

We’re excited to share the first story in our *Why Beacon* series, featuring Sadie Mitchell from our Virginia market.

Sadie brings a true “big sister” presence to her role as a Direct Support Professional, supporting her individuals, helping them grow, and empowering them to live more independently each day.

This is Episode 1, with many more stories to come from across all our Beacon Specialized Living markets. This is *Why Beacon*

We are very excited to start our brand‑new video series, *Individuals in Action*
This series highlights the meaningful everyday moments happening in our Beacon homes — from favorite routines to shared connections — all supported by our compassionate, person‑centered teams.

Each episode offers a glimpse into the lives, strengths, and personalities of the individuals we serve, along with the staff who empower them to shine in their own ways. We’re proud to share these stories and celebrate the people who make Beacon such a special place.

Welcome to Individuals in Action — where every moment is meaningful, and every person is celebrated.

Recently, our very own clinical team members Cassidy Jewell, LMSW‑C, and Mark Lakier, LMSW‑C, had the opportunity to present and provide a training session at the Community Mental Health Association of Michigan Winter Conference, proudly representing Beacon Specialized Living among an audience of nearly 200 attendees.

“Ed’s Home, Ed’s Joy”

In this clip, Ed shares the simple joys of life in his Beacon home—from his radio and pet fish to puzzles and helping set the table. Featured in our Viewpoint segment with Dennis Quaid, Ed reminds us that Beacon doesn’t just care for people—we help them enjoy life, build skills, and feel truly at home.

“A Great Start to 2026”

Our CEO Darren Hodgdon kicks off the year with pride and gratitude for our incredible staff. His message sets the tone for an inspiring year ahead—2026 is ours to grow, achieve, and thrive together! 🌟

“Listening Beyond Words”

Beacon’s teams work together to meet each individual’s unique needs, guided by the belief that all behavior is a form of communication. This approach was spotlighted in our national feature on Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid. Shared by our Chief Clinical Officer, Amber Thomas.