Our Story
2009 -
2012-2014 -
2016 -
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2020-2024 -
TODAY -
A group of dedicated community members came together to form a Giving Circle, united by a shared mission: to bring hope and tangible support to families in crisis. Fueled by compassion and prayer, they then opened a transitional living home for women and children seeking safety, healing, and a fresh start. Perched like a beacon of light on a hill, this home became more than just a shelter—it became a symbol of hope and inspired our name: Beacon Hill.
As the mission of Beacon Hill grew, so did its focus—shifting toward one of the most vulnerable populations in our community: children and families impacted by foster care. Recognizing the deep need for connection, healing, and hope, Beacon Hill turned its efforts to supporting these families on their journey toward restoration. In 2014, this vision came to life with the opening of the first Family Support Center in Anchorage—a safe, welcoming space where children and parents could rebuild trust, strengthen bonds, and take meaningful steps toward reunification.
Recognizing the importance of early intervention, Beacon Hill launched Safe Families for Children—a proactive and compassionate initiative aimed at supporting families in crisis and preventing unnecessary entry into the foster care system. By surrounding families with community, care, and vital resources, Safe Families helps ensure children remain safe and families stay together during their most vulnerable times.
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In late 2016, Beacon Hill also became the proud home of the Heart Gallery of Alaska—a compelling visual project devoted to finding permanent, loving homes for Alaska’s legally-free youth. Through powerful portraits and moving personal stories, the Heart Gallery brings visibility to children awaiting adoption, giving them a voice and a chance to be seen, known, and embraced by a forever family.
Pictured is Matrona and her mother, Colette; Matrona was adopted from the Heart Gallery in 2023.
Beacon Hill expanded its impact by moving to its current location on Arctic Boulevard—a space that became both a headquarters for hope and a hub for community support. Soon after, the Beacon Hill Bargain Boutique was launched—a mission-driven thrift store that would help fund our mission. In 2024, the boutique closed to the public as a thrift store and reopened as a place where families and children could receive tangible needs. While this had already been happening, the shift allowed us to better accommodate the growing need in our community.
Beacon Hill entered a season of extraordinary growth—expanding its reach, deepening its impact, and solidifying its foundation for the future. This included the opening of the Mat-Su Family Support Center as part of its growing network of care. With the development of a million-dollar annual budget and a significant boost in fundraising, the organization was empowered to do more than ever before—fueling the launch of two transformative programs: The SEEN Initiative, mentoring youth in foster care who need adoption, and CarePortal, a technology-driven platform connecting community members with real-time needs of families in crisis.
Today, Beacon Hill stands as a thriving, community-powered organization—fueled by the generosity of dedicated donors and strengthened by partnerships with hundreds of local organizations. United by a shared mission, Beacon Hill continues to work tirelessly across Alaska to preserve family connections, prepare families for future stability, and provide the care and tools needed to sustain them.
