Voices For Children Of Okeechobee And The Treasure Coast Inc Here’s What’s New at
THE BEACON
Voices for Children OTC Family Resource Center and Enrichment Program ROBOTICS IS GROWING!Our young engineers are taking robotics to the next level at THE BEACON. As our program continues to grow, kids are getting deeper into coding with Python, learning to write and troubleshoot code while figuring out how to make their robots do what they want them to do — which, as anyone who has worked with a robot knows, doesn’t always happen on the first try! And that’s where some of the best learning happens. Kids are learning to work through challenges, test ideas, troubleshoot problems and try again. They’re not just building robots; they’re developing the persistence, problem-solving skills and confidence that come with figuring something out for themselves. From coding to construction to the inevitable “well…that didn’t work” moments, our young engineers are learning that challenges aren’t roadblocks — they’re part of the process. And they’re getting pretty good at the process. Want to support the growth of our robotics program? Donate today and help us keep building opportunities for our kids.
 Some people volunteer their time. Others somehow manage to bring an entire community together. Lisa of Coastal Layers Studio has been our beloved volunteer coordinator for the monthly Village Neighbor Market, and we are incredibly grateful for everything she does to make it happen. The Village Neighbor Market was created to give our neighbors — especially our local small businesses, makers and creators — a place to share what they do, connect with the community and support one another. It is a monthly reminder that the people building businesses, creating beautiful things and sharing their talents are right here in our own backyard. Lisa puts so much heart — and a whole lot of hard work — into bringing everyone together each month. From coordinating our vendors to helping create an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome, she has become an important part of what makes the market special. Lisa, thank you for believing in the idea, believing in our local creators and, most importantly, believing in community. We are so lucky to have you in the Beacon family. Learning to Earn, Manage, & PlanWhat happens when students get the opportunity to experience what it’s really like to earn a paycheck?At Beacon, our students don’t just learn about careers—they get to step into them. During their session, students are employed in a career of their choice, earn a paycheck in Beacon Bucks, and begin learning the financial skills that will help prepare them for life beyond the program. Students get hands-on experience with important real-world concepts, including paycheck withholdings, taxes, budgeting, and managing a bank account. They also have the opportunity to learn how to balance a checkbook and make thoughtful decisions about how they earn and spend their money. Through our partnership with a local financial credit union, students can also explore topics such as saving, investing, credit, and loans. These experiences help turn financial concepts into something students can see, practice, and understand. It’s more than learning about money—it’s learning how to manage it. By giving students the opportunity to earn, save, budget, and make financial decisions in a hands-on environment, Beacon is helping them build confidence and develop skills they can carry with them into adulthood. These are the lessons that help prepare our students for the real world—one paycheck, one decision, and one financial goal at a time. Pour for a Purpose: A Wonderful Evening of
French Wines & Friendship
Pour for a Purpose was a wonderful evening filled with great wine, great conversation, and even better company!
A special thank-you goes to Total Wine, who helped make the evening such a success. June, our sommelier, was incredibly knowledgeable, welcoming, and kind. She guided us through a wonderful tour of French wines, sharing her expertise and making the experience both educational and enjoyable.
It was the perfect combination of learning, tasting, and spending time together—all while supporting a great purpose. We are already looking forward to our next gathering!
Coming Up Next: Bubbles & Besties!
Mark your calendars for October 12th at 6:00 PM for our next Pour for a Purpose event, Bubbles & Besties at The Beacon!
🥂 Bring your favorite bubbly, bring your besties, and get ready for another fun evening together.
BYOB — and stay tuned for more details!
We can’t wait to raise a glass with you again!A month full of creativity, learning, community, and a little bit of fun.Whether you’re here to build something, learn something new, enjoy a night out, or simply connect with your neighbors — there’s something happening at THE BEACON this October. WEEKLY PROGRAMMING
TUESDAYS
12:00 PM — STEAM Block
Hands-on science, technology, engineering, art, and math activities.
3:30–5:00 PM — VEX Robotics
Build it. Code it. Drive it. Teams work together while developing real-world problem-solving and robotics skills.
WEDNESDAYS
1:00 PM —3:00PM – STEAM Block
More hands-on exploration, creativity, and building.
4:00 PM — Graphic Design
Explore design, creativity, and digital skills using Canva and other creative tools.
THURSDAYS
THE SPOT — TEEN NIGHT
A safe space for teens to hang out, connect, explore, and just be themselves. Come socialize, meet new people, play music, try different activities, or simply spend time with others in a welcoming environment.
No pressure. No expectations. Just a place to belong.
For teens ages 13–17.OCTOBER COMMUNITY EVENTS
OCTOBER 4 | VILLAGE NEIGHBOR MARKET
Come support the small businesses, makers, creators, and entrepreneurs who make our community special. Shop local, meet your neighbors, and help us continue building a stronger community together. OCTOBER 9 | FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT — 6:30 PM
Bring the family, get comfortable, and enjoy a movie night at THE BEACON.
FREE TO ATTEND
Food available for purchase. OCTOBER 11 | QUARTER AUCTION — 2:00 PM
Come have some fun while supporting the children of our community!
Bring your quarters and your competitive spirit. Auction paddles are $2 each.
Food and drinks available for purchase.
50/50 • FUN • PRIZES • CHRISTMAS SHOPPING OCTOBER 12 | BUBBLES & BESTIES
Soap & Scrub Making Class
$45 per person | BYOB
Grab your bestie and join us for a fun, hands-on evening creating your own soaps and scrubs. Come ready to create, laugh, and leave with something you made yourself. OCTOBER 18 | BOWL FOR A VOICE
Totally rad. Totally tubular. Totally for a great cause.
Dust off the neon, tease that hair, and roll back to the ’80s for a night of bowling, laughs, and supporting the kids in our community!
Jensen Beach Bowl
$49 per person
$200 for a team of 5
Grab your crew, rock your best ’80s look, and come
Bowl for a Voice!
Big hair. Big fun. Big strikes.
All proceeds support Voices for Children OTC and the children we serve. OCTOBER 23 | DR. ZOE’S TRUNK OR TREAT — 5:00–7:00 PM
Head over to Vero Bookstore for an evening of Halloween fun, costumes, treats, and community. OCTOBER 30 | DOWNTOWN FRIDAY
Live music, prizes, and a night out in downtown Vero Beach.
Come enjoy the music, visit local businesses, and celebrate our community. COME SEE WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE BEACON
There is always something being built, created, learned, or celebrated here.
THE BEACON
1436 Old Dixie Hwy, Suite F
Vero Beach, FL 32960
772-410-3153
for more information, please feel free to call  MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Breakfast with SantaDecember 5 | Elks Lodge – St. Lucie We’re getting ready to bring a little extra holiday magic to local children, and we’d love to have you be part of it. If you’re interested in spreading some holiday cheer and volunteering with us, we would love to have you join the fun. Every child should have the opportunity to experience a little holiday magic this year. Want to help make it happen?
Contact us at director.voicesforchildrenotc@gmail.com to volunteer. Let’s make December 5 a morning to remember. |
