BEACON – The not-for-profit “I Am Beacon” organization was founded in 2012 by its executive director, Reuben Simmons, Jr., and it is continuing its mission of empowering residents of the City of Beacon to make a positive impact on the community.
Among its annual community events, Simmons conducts a ‘Turkey on Every Table’ program for Thanksgiving. It targeted 100 families.
“Last year with the government shutdown and the SNAP program not being funded, our online registrations skyrocketed. By the time we closed the sign-up, we had 398 families signed up in need of a turkey and a bag of fixin’s, which is far beyond what we were planning for, budgeting for and fundraising for,” he said.
As a result, the organization partnered with other local groups to provide the dinners.
Simmons said his organization continues to be powered by volunteers, donors and community partners.
He said according to a 2025 survey, 41 percent of participants reported feeling more connected and empowered to voice local needs, while one in three gained opportunities to volunteer and give back.
Comments