One Very Powerful Light House: The Story of a Bright Space

Webster's dictionary defines a liight house as "a structure with a powerful light for guiding mariners." In Kansas City, there are not a lot of mariners, but there is one very powerful light house that shines as a beacon for young women and their babies. That light drew a group of Bright Horizons volunteers from four of our centers and the National Access Program team to its door.

Time for a Bright Space in Kansas City At last year's leadership conference, while watching the Foundation video on Bright Spaces, several attendees from Kansas City decided that it was time Kansas City had some Bright Spaces. The word went out and in July of 2005, a group met to form a plan. The first step was finding a shelter to partner with.

That wasn't hard once we met the young women at the LIGHT House. These pregnant and homeless women, ranging from age 12 through 19, find the LIGHT House offers them a safe haven to learn about life, finish their education, find a job, and plan for their future and the future of their child.

The Light House is located in a beautiful 90 year-old stone home, with the most enchanting, sun-filled attic space. After interviewing the residents, it was clear that they needed a space to call their own: A space where they could relax, watch TV, do
homework, or just read and get away from the "hectic life downstairs."
Although their needs were small, their desire for color was grand, with lime green, yellow, coral, and purple their colors of choice.

A Space to Call Their Own
The space was completely carpeted and the walls were painted to represent the various activity areas of the space. The study area, complete with two black desks, two computers and printers, was painted lime green; the adjoining TV/reading area, with new TV/stereo/DVD player and comfy chairs, was painted yellow; coral was the perfect color for the snack area; and purple completed the look in the bathroom. When the last paint brush was put away, the draperies hung, and pictures framed, the volunteers agreed that not only did we give these young women a gift of love, but we found partnership as a team. To put it simply: After having worked to create this Bright Space together, we'll never be the same.

On a recent chilly, gray, damp morning, the time had come to show the recreated space to the young mothers. As they entered the space, the gasps, shouts of joy, and hugs told the story. The Bright Horizons volunteers had created a place of joy for these young women of Kansas City. As tears flowed and prayers were recited, one staff member was heard to say "this truly is a bright space." We think that says it all.

View More Foundation Articles