Your generosity came to life Wednesday as LightHouse alumni gathered downtown for a reunion.

Alice, a former LightHouse kid, greets Tella Henderson with a hug. Alice is a student at Louisiana Tech, working on a pre-law degree.

They shared hugs and smiles and more importantly lofty dreams and stories of success. About 20 students ranging from freshmen in college to those who have finished law school returned to the place that helped them achieve their goals.

"It changed my life," said Michael Jackson, now working for Sen. Mary Landrieu. "There's a light here that people are attracted to. Thank you."

Others shared plans to become police officers, physical therapists and teachers.

Damian Dotie, also a Volunteers of America employee, proudly showed off his 2.5 GPA from BPCC.

"That's the highest GPA I've had - ever," he said. "It's a blessing to be a part of everything here."

Struggling to hold back tears, Kennarius Giles, now working on a graduate degree in nuclear medicine, expressed her gratitude.

"The LightHouse is like a beacon to help me do the things I thought I couldn't do," she said. "It made you want to do something better."

Thank you for making these accomplishments possible through Christmas donations, the Cherish the Children Society and year-end giving.

To continue these stories of success in all of our programs, we have to raise $1.6 million this fiscal year. If you would still like to help in this tax year, you can donate through our website, or by calling 318-221-2669.

We wish you all many blessings in 2011!