An Intentional Summer

Did you know most youth don’t find their way to the Lighthouse until they’re nearly 25?

It’s true. Even though youth age out of foster care or orphanages at 18, we rarely see them right away. Why?

Because asking for help is terrifying.

When youth turn 18, they often receive a small government stipend. For the first time, they feel free. Independent. Everyone around them says they’re adults now, so they try to make it on their own.

But while the spirit is willing, the skills just aren’t there.

That’s why so many youth come to us years later—exhausted, anxious, drowning in debt, raising children they weren’t prepared for. By then, they’re not just hurting, they're also carrying shame, isolation, and distrust.

So we’re doing something different this summer.

This year, we’ve deepened partnerships with organizations that work with youth before they age out, like Atbalsta centrs TILTS, which supports foster families, and Apite, a residential facility for teens with special needs. Together, we agree: youth need more support, and they need it earlier.

That’s why we’re planning three summer outreach events. These will be fun, low-pressure gatherings where we can build trust and plant seeds for deeper relationships.

Summer events

  • June: Karting + Community

    Indoor go-karting is a favorite activity here in Latvia—and a local spot has offered us a discount! After we race, we’ll host games and snacks, and share what Lighthouse is all about.

  • July: Garden Picnic + Team Games

    We’ll rent a private garden space just outside the city and run a one-day “camp” experience with silly team games and grilled food. A chance to laugh, play, and deepen the connections we started in June.

  • August: Beach Day + Big Invitation

    We’ll swim, build sandcastles, and enjoy summer at its best. Then we’ll offer an intentional ask: Do you want to be part of the Lighthouse?

Let's make it happen

Here’s where you come in

We need your help to make these events happen. Our summer fundraising goal is $5,500, and every little bit helps. For example, 

  • $25 covers go-karting for one youth.

  • $75 covers supplies for beach-day games.

  • $80 covers a tent we can use this summer and beyond!

  • $150 covers all the snacks we’ll need for one of the events.

  • $600 covers the rental fee at the private garden for our one-day camp.

These moments matter. They’re how we reach youth before crisis hits—before the debt piles up, before the despair settles in.

Because fun can be the first step toward healing.

And belonging can start with a go-kart, a hot dog, or a sandcastle.