A Beacon Of Hope : A Critical Look at the Development of an NGO and a Community

Abstract

Non-governmental organizations play a vital role in society by providing public services to communities in which they operate. Research has analyzed the impact these organizations attain on communities and the amount of services they successfully provide for them. This paper provides an in depth exploration of the creation and development of Beacon Place, an NGO located outside of Chicago. This paper illustrates, through research literature and an internship practicum experience, the ways in which Beacon Place has continuously developed with the efforts of its participants and the community. This paper, furthermore, through interactions and observations, seeks to understand how Beacon Place promotes empowerment to volunteers, participants, and the community.