As I have often described, the staff at Beacon Mental Health is a dedicated, talented group of well-trained people who help local citizens in need every day. It is an honor to work with them, and they deserve all the praise we can give them.
Today, I want to shine a special light on a group of individuals whose efforts, commitment, and selfless service often go unnoticed—the remarkable members of our volunteer Boards of Directors. Here at Beacon, we actually have two Boards of Directors – the Governing Board that oversees Beacon Mental Health, and the Board that oversees the Beacon Mental Health Foundation.
It takes a special person to step up and volunteer to serve as the governing oversight for Beacon Mental Health. We are a complex organization that works within a regulated industry and employs more than 200 local employees. The Beacon Foundation manages funds and keeps the building that houses our main clinic up-to-date and welcoming.
The community members who take on this responsibility are not paid. They show up at meetings, review minutes, assess financial reports, learn about our work, and provide advice and guidance to me. They bring a wealth of knowledge from diverse fields—law, finance, healthcare, education, and business—lending their expertise to guide our strategic direction and safeguard our financial health. And, they dig into their own pockets to support Beacon special events.
In recent years, the demand for mental health services has risen sharply, and we have undertaken programs to help everyone from seniors to children. Our organization has evolved and grown, through a pandemic and through the purchase of our building. Through it all, our Boards of Directors have provided steady, thoughtful leadership.
It has been a great honor to serve alongside these dedicated individuals and see firsthand their concern and support for Beacon Mental Health, its staff, and all the fine people we serve. They are strong partners in our mission. 
