OUR MISSION
To support, educate and reconcile families affected by incarceration, and the communities in which they live, by sharing the love and truth of Jesus Christ.
OUR VISION
To reduce recidivism, create safer communities and change family legacies.
WHAT IS BEACON OF LIGHT?
Beacon of Light supports, educates and reconciles the families of the incarcerated by utilizing specialized program plans for each family we serve. We believe that we can reduce crime, create safer communities and change family legacies one life at a time by sharing the love and truth of Jesus Christ.
Beacon of Light unites community members, churches, organizations and other programs in assisting and meeting the individual needs of these families. We want to discover what needs are to be met in each of these communities and train volunteers to meet them personally where we can. Where we cannot, we act as a liaison for and utilize other resources and organizations in that area.
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Beacon of Lights serves citizens of Albany, Essex, Fulton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren and Washington counties in the state of New York. Whether your loved one is incarcerated in jail, state or Federal prison we will work with you to help heal and support your family during this difficult time.
Beacon of Light is a ministry program of Ministry Alliance, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. If you would like to know more about our ministry or support the work we are doing please contact us.
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Beacon of Light programs are dependent on prayer and financial support. Our ministry is 100% funded by private donations from people like you. Should you wish to donate of your time or finances, please click the button below.
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"Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path."
Psalm 119:105
THE HARD TRUTH...
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There are 49,473 inmates under custody in New York State as of January 1, 2018. 1
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It is estimated that there are more than 105,000 children with a parent serving time in prison or jail in New York State alone. That is approximately 1 in 19 children. 2
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Total number of inmates counted in local county jails we serve was 1,787 as of February 2017:
Albany 605
Essex 57
Fulton 101
Montgomery 90
Rensselaer 290
Saratoga 168
Schenectady 276
Schoharie 0 (34 boarded out) Warren 113
Washington 87
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1 New York State Commission of Correction
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2 New York State Office of Children and Family Services and the United States Census Bureau
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Nationally, there are more than 120,000 incarcerated mothers and 1.1
million incarcerated fathers who are parents of minor children (ages 0-17).
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Caregivers of children with parents in prison bear numerous burdens, including stigma and shame associated with having a family member in prison, increased financial strain,physical and emotional stress, and lack of external resources.