A Residence of Hope and Healing
Founded in 1980, The Beacon operates as a client-centered community living environment that supports adult women in central Iowa who have experienced trauma and systemic inequity. These social determinants of health often serve as the precursor for substance use and subsequent involvement with the criminal justice system. The Beacon's aim is to provide a supportive environment conducive to breaking this cycle in order for these women to live more satisfying, productive lives.
Our Mission
Our mission at The Beacon is to create an environment that empowers women in crisis to achieve positive long-term change.
100%
Clients experiencing homelessness or the threat of homelessness
77%
Clients reporting domestic violence in their past*
Demographics
74% White – 13% Black – 11% Latina – 2% Multiracial
*actual number likely much higher
The Client Experience
The Beacon serves adults who identify as women by providing housing and programming. Nearly all of our clients have experienced significant trauma and have a physical or mental disability, with half of our clients facing three or more diagnosed disabilities or mental illnesses.
While at The Beacon, clients participate in individual and group mental health counseling, substance use support groups, healthy relationships courses, case management, social activities, and house meetings. The case manager connects clients with community partners such as the Evelyn K. Davis Center for financial literacy and career development.
Clients are provided with culturally specific support for any marginalized groups to which they may belong. Most importantly, clients are treated with dignity and respect and provided an opportunity to experience family.
Our Staff
Melissa Vine, MA, LMHC
Executive Director
Melissa Vine, MA, LMHC is a licensed mental health counselor, speaker, and domestic violence survivor with a background in business ownership, crisis therapy, and victim advocacy. She received a bachelor’s in Communication Studies in 2002, a master’s in Professional Counseling in 2016, and will receive her JD from Drake Law in May 2024 as an Iowa State Supreme Court Scholar. Melissa was the 2022 Nexstar Media/WHO-13 Remarkable Woman of the Year, in the 2021 class of the Des Moines Business Record's Forty Under 40, 2018 recipient of One to Watch, and the 2014 recipient of Service Business of the Year. She has spoken for the Business Record's Fearless launch, Iowa Board of Regents Campus Safety & Security Summit, Iowa Healthcare Financial Management Women's Conference, the FDIC, and the Iowa Finance Authority. Melissa has four teenage boys and enjoys theater, reading, and travel.
Kiana Hines
Associate Director
Kiana was raised in Des Moines, Iowa and obtained her bachelor's degree in Child, Adult, and Family Studies from Iowa State University in 2002. She began her professional career in social work as a Family, Safety, Risk and Permanency Services Supervisor. In this role, Kiana assisted families who were involved in the DHS system with anything they needed to help get their children back into their care or prevent a removal. She most recently was the Operations Manager of New Directions shelter, assisting families that were experiencing homelessness. She is passionate about providing equity-centered care to those in our community. Kiana has three children - one girl and two boys. She enjoys being outdoors, baking, football (Go Chiefs!), and spending time with family and friends. She is most excited to support the women and staff of the Beacon in becoming the best versions of themselves.
Alexandria Atal
Lead Case Manager
Alexandria was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa and obtained her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Luther College in 2018. She began her professional career in the social work field after relocating to Cape Coral, Florida and earned certifications in child welfare case management and forensic interviewing. Alexandria has an extensive background in child welfare, client advocacy, and navigating the judicial system. She is a strong believer in therapeutic rehabilitation, unconditional positive regard, and trauma-informed care. Alexandria has seen the effects of generational trauma on many of the families she has served and is dedicated to helping the women of the Beacon end the cycle of trauma and embrace their new futures. Alexandria currently resides in Johnston, Iowa with her two dogs, Annie and Cooper. She enjoys going on walks with her dogs, reading, and being outdoors.
Nadia La Fontant
Case Manager
Nadia was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa, and obtained her Bachelor of Science in Child, Adult, and Family Studies from Iowa State University in 2013. She has an extensive career in victim services, disability advocacy, and community activism with a specialization in marginalized communities including incarcerated survivors of violence. Nadia is passionate about raising the voices of underrepresented communities and providing comprehensive, holistic care to the residents of The Beacon. She is intentional about providing individualized services that gives power to their identities and lived experiences. When she is not working, she enjoys reading, spending time outdoors hiking or camping, playing video games, attending concerts, and traveling.
Marlena Hemphill
Case Manager
Marlena is passionate about working at The Beacon because she can relate to the women’s experiences and empathize with their journeys, as someone who is a graduate of The Beacon. She enjoys watching them grow and succeed to become the strong women that she knows they are. Marlena also has taken coursework in human services. She was born and raised in Des Moines and loves going to hockey games, shopping at thrift stores, and being outside, especially for camping and fishing.
Hana Boccella
Office Administrator
Hana was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa. She is the mother of two amazing daughters and received a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Phoenix in 2015. She is also a graduate of the Beacon program. Because of her personal experience with trauma and substance use, she is passionate about what the Beacon has to offer. She is excited to be part of the Beacon staff and looks to inspire women by showing them change is possible. Hana also loves music and enjoys shopping in her free time.
Yvette Sutton
Resident Assistant
Yvette has an impressive and varied background including teaching, corporate banking, and professional basketball. She is also an accomplished artist, who was even contacted by Magic Johnson to complete a piece. (You can see her work at Mainframe Studios or @wisdomof7.) Yvette keeps the office laughing and has enjoyed supporting the clients at The Beacon for several years.
Danyiel Sparks
Resident Assistant
Danyiel is passionate about working at The Beacon because she wants to help other women like her. She too felt hopeless during her battle with substance use. In her role, she can show clients that there is hope beyond the chaos, pain, and drug use - that they are worth fighting for.
Liz Legg
Resident Assistant
Liz grew up in Winterset with interest in helping those in need, such as elderly people and those with intellectual disabilities. As a graduate of the Beacon, she would like people in recovery to see life is beautiful, fun, and full of amazing opportunities. In her free time, Liz enjoys music, hiking, and long road trips.
Our Partner Organization
Full Circle Recovery Community Center
Peer-based Substance Use Recovery Support
Anawim Housing and The Beacon partnered to establish a new non-profit organization that will expand pathways to recovery for people affected by substance use: Full Circle Recovery Community Center. Through peer-based recovery support services, Full Circle utilizes evidence-based practices, public education, and policy advocacy to achieve its mission in both Des Moines and Council Bluffs. Full Circle Recovery Community Center offers emotional, informational, and practical support for individuals and families who are affected by substance use and works in collaboration with services offered by The Beacon.
Board of Directors 2023-2024
Member since July 2018
Working to make sure that all people, but especially women, know that they matter, that they are important and that they are supported is part of building a strong community. The work we are doing at The Beacon is giving women in need the second chance they deserve to overcome what’s happened to them and empower them to choose what happens from here.
Shannon Sobek, JD
Board President
Senior Acquisitions Consultant
Principal Financial Group
Member since November 2022
I am a firm believer that each individual has unique abilities; gifts that can be used to impact our communities in a positive way. In life, we are often faced with challenges that may inhibit our ability to see our potential for impact and our utility. When we face those challenges head-on and overcome them, we move towards reaching our potential as leaders and Beacons of Light for others. The Beacon, to me, represents a light guiding women in our community through the challenges they face as they move toward becoming strong contributors to our society.
Quin Riser, MBA, CLU, ChFC
Board Vice President
Strategic Relationship Manager
Principal Financial Group
Member since March 2021
I am proud to be involved with The Beacon because it offers trauma-informed care to its residents. The Beacon strives to help clients get to the root of the issues they’re facing, rather than stick a band-aid on it and walk away.
Whitney Judkins, JD
Board Secretary
Partner/Attorney
Timmer & Judkins, PLLC
Member since July 2020
The Beacon gives women in my community the support they need to achieve their goals and build a life they are excited about. Being just a small part of their success brings me a ridiculous amount of joy.
Katie Caggiano, MPA
Board Treasurer
Budget Analyst 3
Iowa Dept. of Health & Human Services
Member since April 2019
The more I have learned about the systemic origins that lead to the cycles of trauma in women’s lives, the more I have become passionate about creating change. The Beacon is an organization that is focused on the entire scope of how to create hope and long lasting change for women in our community, and I am proud to be a part of it.
Emily Berrier, MBA
Associate Vice President
Nationwide Insurance
Member since July 2018
Working to make sure that all people, but especially women, know that they matter, that they are important and that they are supported is part of building a strong community. The work we are doing at The Beacon is giving women in need the second chance they deserve to overcome what’s happened to them and empower them to choose what happens from here.
Sara Wille, SHRM-CP
Human Resources Director
Federal Home Loan Bank
Member since March 2021
There are no limits on trying, falling, and getting back up. Being on The Beacon Board affords me the opportunity to promote Resilience in the capacity of women.
Dr. Kennesha Woods
Fresh Start Supervisor/Speaker
Dept. of Corrections/Live Resilient
Member since July 2020
I am involved with The Beacon because of its mission of supporting women in crisis as they make positive changes to their lives. These women matter and are so worthy, and they have something to contribute to society - giving them the trauma-informed care and support they need is good for not just them but also for our community!
Kim Babberl
Senior Director, Solution Consulting
Mede Analytics
Member since July 2022
I believe in encouraging women who have had similar experiences as myself. Being able to help women gain the tools needed to build on their strengths, support system and skills needed to continue to grow.
Leah Churchill
Service Coordinator
Broadlawns Medical Center
Member since July 2022
I am passionate about The Beacon because it gives women hope, confidence and resources to help them become the best version of themselves. It gives them ability to dream again and empowers them to be leaders in the community.
Biri Vilmael, MBA
Senior Territory Manager
Liberty Mutual Insurance
Member since July 2023
The Beacon offers so much more than support - it provides real, lasting community and countless opportunities for healing and growth for its clients. I am proud to serve on the Board and I look forward to working collaboratively towards providing a safe and empowering environment for women to reclaim their strength and independence.
Meredith Cooney, JD
Assistant Attorney General
Iowa Attorney General's Office
Member since July 2023
The Beacon doesn’t just empower women; it has a ripple effect that transforms families and communities. I am truly honored and humbled to serve on the board for an organization that embodies the potential for profound positive change.
Nina New
Vice President of Operations
The Stelter Company
Member since July 2023
I want to help ensure that all woman know they matter and help them see all the positive ways they can impact our communities. Being involved with The Beacon allows me the opportunity to provide encouragement and support at a critical time in the lives of the women we serve.
Christa Kuennen, CPA FLMI
VP Controller
Wellmark, Inc.
Member since July 2023
The Beacon provides an aspirational opportunity to effect change. It fills my heart to work with this board to support the Beacon’s mission and see the positive impacts of healthier individuals, happier families, and stronger communities.
Andrea Brunk, PMP
Portfolio & Project Consultant
Tailored Project Consulting
Member since October 2023
The Beacon provides an aspirational opportunity to effect change. It fills my heart to work with this board to support the Beacon’s mission and see the positive impacts of healthier individuals, happier families, and stronger communities.
Tracy Gryp
Program Manager
Full Circle Recovery Community Center
Member since 2023
I am a firm believer that each individual has unique abilities; gifts that can be used to impact our communities in a positive way. In life, we are often faced with challenges that may inhibit our ability to see our potential for impact and our utility. When we face those challenges head-on and overcome them, we move towards reaching our potential as leaders and Beacons of Light for others. The Beacon, to me, represents a light guiding women in our community through the challenges they face as they move toward becoming strong contributors to our society.
We practice intentional diversity by increasing access to The Beacon for members of marginalized communities wanting to experience involvement as staff, Board, volunteers, or clients. We believe that we are a stronger, more effective team because of our diversity and will do the work to uncover and remedy any experiences or systems that disadvantage someone because of their race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or veteran status.