Live with Us
We bring light into the darkness of addiction
Be The LIght! Together We Can!
Who We Are & What We're Doing
Hello!
I'm glad you're here. Thank you for popping by!
Let me get right to it. In 2017 I made the choice to stop drinking alcohol and change the quality of my life forever. I've been healing my mind, body and spirit ever since. As a result, I've found my value again. I am taking my power back.
Since recovering my life from the negative effects of alcohol use, the spirit has moved me to find a way to help others.
I am on a mission to advocate for those in need, raise awareness of the magnitude of the mental health issue in our society, and directly help individuals who still struggle. My hope is to show people how we heal from the inside out; teach them where to look find their internal God given strength and light. I shine my light and tell my stories so others can see themselves in me and find hope.
It takes Honesty, Grace, and Imagination! These three things, along with love and understanding, will set you free from the darkness and into an abundant beautiful bright life.
I am committed to helping others now and long after my spirit has left this earth. A Legacy of love and sharing. Could I be so blessed? I believe so. Glory to God!
Sending positive energy into the universe for you!
Thank you for visiting our page and for your continued support.
Thank you,
Angie
Our Founder & Executive Director
Angie Peter
Mission
To inspire the transformational choice of sobriety.
Create a nationwide network of safe and nurturing homes that will empower individuals to discover the strength within and reclaim their lives.
Be The Light Foundation Core Values
Honesty
Grace
Imagination
Why are we doing this?
Our familes, friends, and communities needs us.
We are called by the spirit to shine our light into the darkness of addiction.
Alcohol Use Disorder Statistics According to the CDC
- 1 in 12 men and 1 in 25 women have alcohol use disorder.
As a community we can work together to increase access to mental health services, reduce stigma, and provide support to individuals and families affected by addiction and mental health challenges.
Be the Light! Together We Can!
Our BIG Dream for Des Moines!
The 1301 Project!
Goal - $600,000
Invest in Inspiration!
Since 2021 Be The Light has been giving back to our community by helping pick up trash.
We adopted the John Pat Dorrian trail and are responsible for litter pick up four times a year.
Volunteer to Help!
Be The Light Foundation Top Priorities
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Volunteer
Live with Us
Upcoming events
I‘m sharing my story so others may find hope!
Please subscribe to my YouTube channel!
Let's get social.
Steven Wood
Steven Wood boasts an extensive 22-year background as a seasoned Project Manager across diverse sectors such as finance, communications, marketing, web development, medical quality improvement, and agriculture.
Currently serving as the Planview Architect at Ulta Beauty, Steven excels in identifying pain points within business processes, performing root cause analysis, and gathering the necessary requirements for re-solutioning. Steven designs, develops, documents, communicates, and socializes process improvement solutions within the Project Portfolio Management toolset. His key motivators: delivering value and improving efficiency.
Steven's multifaceted skills align seamlessly with our nonprofit's mission to empower individuals to rediscover their inner strength through lasting sobriety. His strategic acumen, innovative mindset, and commitment to sustainable practices will undoubtedly drive our foundation towards transformative impact.
With Steven Wood on the team, we unite expertise and purpose, paving the way for empowerment and lasting sobriety. Together, his strategic prowess, innovative mindset, and unwavering commitment to sustainable practices infuse transformative vigor into the heart of our foundation's mission.
Former Portfolio Operations Analyst at Cetera Financial Group, Steven excels in establishing and managing project portfolio governance processes. This encompasses leading project management software, conducting project audit reviews, generating financial and status reports, and mentoring project managers in process and tool implementation.
Steven's dedication extends to his role as founder and President of Aquariology, a Des Moines-based not-for-profit aquarium society established in 2016. Under his leadership, the society orchestrates SpringFest and FishtoberFest, biannual community aquatic events promoting local fish breeding and trading, thereby mitigating pressure on wild species. With expertise spanning hundreds of fish species and their natural habitats, he stands as an aquatic steward, recreating optimal conditions for their growth. During the 1990s, Steven operated "Splashbacks," a grant-funded breeding facility that facilitated the breeding and repatriation of endangered species to Africa, collaborating with nations like Malawi and Tanzania.
Steven's academic pursuits include a BSBA with dual majors in Economics and Finance, a minor in Theology, and a Jurisprudence Doctorate specializing in environmental and property law from Creighton University. Though no longer practicing law, he has safeguarded vast landscapes, safeguarding flora and fauna through meticulous environmental impact statements.
Melinda Lawrence
Melinda Lawrence is a dedicated professional with a heart for making a positive impact on her family, friends, and her community. With a career that spans both the banking industry and public education sector, Melinda brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as Treasurer of the Board.
Beginning her journey at the age of 21 in the banking industry, Melinda quickly excelled in her career, working with reputable credit unions such as Affinity Credit Union and Community Choice Credit Union. Melinda's journey also includes invaluable contributions to the Des Moines public school system. As a vital member of the administration team in the Accounting department, her dedication to excellence and cooperation shines through, supporting the organization's vital work.
In 2021, Melinda's commitment to making a difference in people's lives led her to join the Board of Directors for "Be The Light". Her personal experience with friends and family impacted by addiction fuels her passion for the non-profit's mission, and she brings a unique perspective to the organization's efforts.
Throughout her career, Melinda Lawrence has demonstrated not only financial acumen but also a genuine compassion for the well-being of others. As Treasurer of the Board, Melinda Lawrence continues to be an inspiring leader, empowering positive change, and illuminating paths for a brighter future.
Josie Mott
Josie Mott serves as the Secretary of the Board Be The Light Charitable Fund and has supported her Mom, Angie, the Founder of the organization, in their mission to bring light to the lives of those impacted by mental health challenges and addiction since the inception of the organization in 2021.
Josie brings a fresh and invaluable perspective to the boardroom. With no prior experience on a board, she embraces the opportunity to contribute and advocate for the needs and aspirations of the younger generation. Her presence as a voice for the youth fosters inclusivity and helps shape the non-profits' initiatives to resonate with a diverse audience.
Beyond her role as Secretary, Josie has dedicated her time to working at Hy-Vee for the past six years. Josie finds joy in attending music festivals and time spent with her friends. Her interests reflect her vibrant spirit and dedication to making a difference in both her personal and professional life.
Volunteer to Help!
Help us sew bowties for pets!
Volunteer today!
Volunteer Now!
Volunteer to Help!
Help us sew bowties for pets!
Volunteer today!
Volunteer Now!
What’s better than a pet?
A pet with a bowtie!
What’s better than a pet?
A pet with a bowtie!
We repurpose thrifted neckties into bowties for our pets!
Volunteer today and we will send you a kit with the supplies to make 20 bowties! You provide the desire and the sewing machine.
Great activity for 4H clubs, scout troops, and church groups!
You are not alone.
Believe in yourself.
Shine your light...You are MORE THAN able!
Here at BE THE LIGHT FOUNDATION, we know it takes a lot of partners to achieve our goals. We’ve compiled a list of resources who can help you now. If you’re considering a life NOT revolving around alcohol, this is your sign. Start stopping today!
Your future self will thank you for it!
Please click any of the links below to learn about help available for you NOW !
Together We Can!
Invest In Inspiration
Be The Light!
Together We Can!
