About The Light House Denver
Our history behind wanting to provide a safe and comforting home that can provide physical and emotional support during the transition period children have while waiting for placement.
OUR STORY
How We Got Started
The vision of creating The Light House started when Elicia and her husband Adam Williams made the decision to become foster parents. They finished their training with Arapahoe County in the summer of 2018 and had their first placement with foster children that August. Their experience with the foster care system had been an incredibly eye-opening experience. During the process, Elicia had come to the realization that the caseworkers and children being placed into the foster care system lacked the support they needed to reduce the trauma children may experience awaiting placement.
Elicia was inspired by nonprofit organizations in other states that had created a place for the caseworkers and children to find solace and support through the transition period between children being removed from their home due to safety concerns and being placed into foster care. Foster children are expected to go from one house to another without understanding what is happening, often having little to nothing of comfort. There is limited support in several counties in Colorado, including Denver county and why we have started The Light House Denver.
Where We Are Now
Elicia and her team decided to take on the challenge of creating an environment that is a welcoming and peaceful home setting that helps children process what is happening to them. In The Light House, children will also receive food, clean clothes, toys, toiletries, comfort and care while child welfare staff can work and identify a good placement. The Light House became an official nonprofit organization in May 2021. We are diligently working to raise funding to procure a home within the Denver Metro Area to help children going into foster care or kinship placement.
Programs
The Light House is now branching into providing classes for foster/kinship/adoptive chidren to provide support to their mental health during placement as well. Many of the kids have not learned good coping skills and/or are possibly aging out of the foster care system without the life skills needed to be a successful adult. The Light House will have these classes to help fill in the gaps of emotional, physical, and mental health to allow these kids a better way of dealing with their lives. Volunteers will come alongside and teach them some fun and new ways of handling stress and learn skills that they can take into adulthood.
MEET THE BOARD
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Elicia Williams, President
Elicia was a certified foster parent with Tri-County Collaborative for almost 5 years. She adopted her foster daughter in 2011 who is now 13 years old and hopes to continue to adopt other children. Elicia has been married to her husband Adam for 23 years. She is the founder of The Light House.
Gayle Demasse, Board Member
Gayle DeMasse is currently a Senior Residential Manager for Spectra Human Services. They work with youth and adults with Intellectual Disabilities. Gayle and her husband did respite for foster care before adopting their daughter through Jefferson County. Gayle spent years working with children, teens and adults in the mental health field in various states and centers. Gayle led classes in wellness, self esteem building, leisure and life skills. Gayle strives to be a positive influence in the community and with her own family.
Julia Stutz, Secretary of the Board
Dynamic and results-oriented Legal Executive with over 25 years of experience in overseeing legal operations and providing strategic counsel. Proven ability to manage complex legal matters, mitigate risks, and drive organizational compliance. Julia is married and has a son, 20, and a step-daughter, 18. She enjoys giving back to her favorite causes by serving on their Boards in various capacities and is currently serving as our Board Secretary.
Jeff Haselman, Board Member
Jeff Haselman is one of our board members that lives in Austin, Tx. He has a big heart for the children of foster care and adoption and is working hard for the success of The Light House. He currently works as an Account Manager for Cinchio systems and Director of Digital Sales at SSA Group.
Aaron Forum, Treasurer
Aaron is a former Green Beret and had a very successful business in Florida. Aaron has decided to join us at The Light House as our treasuer. His heart for children is to make sure they know they are not alone in this process.
Nathan Brandt, Board Member
Nate Brandt is a seasoned leader with over two decades of experience in driving organizational growth and fostering a strong company culture. With a proven track record of leading, managing, and creating successful ventures from the ground up, Nate has played a pivotal role in shaping numerous companies and empowering countless employees.
Having founded and managed businesses across various industries, including the innovative Middle School Matchup in Colorado, Nate possesses a deep understanding of go-to-market strategies and revenue-driving initiatives. His passion for cultivating thriving work environments and prioritizing company culture has been instrumental in achieving sustained success.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Nate is deeply committed to giving back to the community and helping others succeed. As a devoted family man, he prioritizes spending quality time with his two children and has been happily married for 15 years.
Nate Brandt is excited to bring his wealth of experience and dedication to The Light House, where he looks forward to making a meaningful impact and driving positive change in the community.
Jake Francis, Board Member
Jake has been in the regulated online gaming and technology space for the better part of fifteen years. Currently an SVP for a publicly listed firm with online sportsbooks available in several states, Jake likes to spend his free time on the golf course, reading, and helping out with the Knights of Columbus. Having developed an affinity for Colorado and its residents, he has developed a heart for at-risk youth and wants to help them ease the trauma that they are experiencing.
GET IN TOUCH. GET INVOLVED.
Welcome to The Light House Denver, where hope shines bright! We are dedicated to making a positive impact in the foster community and providing support to children in need. Whether you have questions, want to volunteer, or make a donation, we are here for you. Give us a call at (720) 556-4837.
Together, let’s make a difference!