About Us

High-Quality, Compassionate, and Evidence-Based Care

Beacon Specialized Living provides compassionate care to individuals with intellectual and mental health disabilities. By successfully supporting the self-directed goals of those we serve and applying industry best practices we are improving their quality of care while elevating their life satisfaction and optimizing their independent living skills. Beacon is the leading community partner in the markets we serve.

High Quality, Gentle, Compassionate Care

Beacon Specialized Living provides compassionate care to individuals with intellectual and mental health disabilities. By successfully supporting the self-directed goals of those we serve and applying industry best practices we are improving their quality of care while elevating their life satisfaction and optimizing their independent living skills. Beacon is the leading community partner in the markets we serve.

What Goes Into Our Compassionate Care?

We believe that everyone — regardless of their abilities — deserves to be a full member of their community.

Teacher showing a student how to perform a task on the computer.

Compassionate Care

Learn More About Our Services

We are committed to quality, and dedicated to serving and caring for people with intellectual and mental health disabilities. We offer services and support for those individuals who need them most.

Find Beacon Services Near You

We offer our services across 8 states with multiple homes and living arrangements available to fit your needs.

Measuring Success

Our Person Centered
Approach to Care

Embracing best practices and evidence-based methods, we are committed to providing respectful, compassionate care tailored to each individual’s needs and not their diagnosis, and helping every individual reach their highest level of independence.

Man and woman putting groceries into a shopping cart.

Breaking the Crisis Cycle

Beacon fills the most critical — and most overlooked — gap in the behavioral health continuum.

Most individuals with complex IDD and behavioral health needs follow a costly cycle: a triggering event sends them to acute care, they stabilize, get discharged — and 21% are readmitted within 90 days. Traditional providers weren’t built to absorb this population.

Beacon fills that gap. Purpose-built for the highest-acuity discharges other providers can’t support, Beacon reduces readmission risk, relieves inpatient capacity, and delivers measurable cost savings to payers and families.

Chart showing the treatment outcomes from Beacon.
Sources: Treatment Advocacy Center (2016); Psychiatric Services / APA (2012); Chwastiak et al. (2017); McAllister et al. (2025); Simko et al. (2022); NAMI (2024)

What Success Looks Like

By addressing critical social determinants of health with compassionate and attentive clinical and medical care, Beacon significantly improves health outcomes and nearly eliminates hospitalization.

Statistics showing how Beacon improves lives.
Based on an independent evaluation performed by NextStep Solutions, the Company's EMR provider, from a random sample of 120 patients.

Redefining “Care Team”

The ONE BEACON Clinical Advantage

Navigating high acuity behaviors, chronic illness, and mental health disabilities requires effective “care team” coordination, communication and collaboration.

Our care teams consist of direct support professionals, licensed clinicians, social workers, behavioral therapists and nurses that work together to manage the “whole person.” We coordinate directly with primary and specialty care providers to ensure seamless community care.

Quality and safety is accomplished by having an integrated and single-source health management enterprise to monitor treatment plans, track goals and gaps, trend impact and ensure accountability, quality and continuity of care.

Beacon is the first national provider to partner with the National Association of Direct Service Professionals (NADSP). Beacon transforms “jobs” into “careers” and we require and invest in the national certification of all staff, ensuring each person served is supported by a credentialed professional, not just a caregiver.

We’re the first in the industry to provide a dedicated lifeline for frontline staff. StarTeam is our internal call center exclusively dedicated to support in-home staff with on-the-spot clinical questions, policies, training, systems support or help managing an escalated situation. Expert guidance is just a click away.

Man filling out medical forms at a desk.
Two women standing side by side in a living room.

Beacon Mental Health Services Change Lives

A Letter From Our CEO

For more than 60 years, Beacon Specialized Living has been guided by one simple purpose: helping people live their best lives.

That means supporting people with complex behavioral health needs and intellectual and developmental disabilities to live with greater independence, build meaningful relationships, experience new opportunities, and be active members of their communities.

At Beacon, we believe great care begins by seeing each person as an individual. No one should be defined by a diagnosis. Every person we support has their own personality, interests, goals, challenges, and dreams. Our responsibility is to understand what matters to them and provide the personalized care and support that helps them become the best version of themselves.

As Beacon has grown, we have worked hard to preserve what matters most about community-based care. We have brought together strong local providers with deep roots in their communities and surrounded them with the clinical expertise, technology, training, quality resources, and operational support of a national organization. We call that National Strength with Local Care.

Because no matter how large Beacon becomes, care will always be local. It happens in a home, around a dinner table, at a doctor’s appointment, at work or a day program, and out in the community. Most importantly, it happens through relationships between people.

Those relationships are grounded in our ICARE Values: Integrity, Compassion, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. They guide how we care for the individuals we support, how we partner with families and communities, and how we treat one another.

Whether you are considering Beacon for yourself or someone you love, exploring a career with us, looking to partner with our organization, or simply wanting to learn more about who we are, I welcome you to Beacon.

We are proud of how far we have come and excited about where we are going. But through all the growth and change, our purpose remains the same: helping people live healthier, more independent, and more fulfilling lives.

In good health,
Darren W. Hodgdon

Darren Hodgdon, CEO

Darren W. Hodgdon
CEO

All reviews
Google
Google
Trustindex
Trustindex
GoodTrustindex star 1Trustindex star 2Trustindex star 3Trustindex star 4Trustindex star 54.2109 reviews
4.2Trustindex star 1Trustindex star 2Trustindex star 3Trustindex star 4Trustindex star 5
Good109 reviews
GoodGoogle star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 54.2105 reviews
4.2Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Good105 reviews
GoodTrustindex star 1Trustindex star 2Trustindex star 3Trustindex star 4Trustindex star 53.84 reviews
3.8Trustindex star 1Trustindex star 2Trustindex star 3Trustindex star 4Trustindex star 5
Good4 reviews
Posted on Trustindex Trustindex
Lasheika Harmon profile picture
Lasheika Harmon
22 December 2025
Trustindex star 1Trustindex star 2Trustindex star 3Trustindex star 4Trustindex star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Trustindex.
Good company Beacon Specialized Living truly makes their employees feel appreciated. They consistently show support for their staff and recognize the hard work we do every day. Beacon also gives back by offering excellent benefits, including great insurance coverage that provides peace of mind for employees and their families. Their 401(k) plan is one of the best I’ve seen—better than any other company I’ve worked for—and it really shows that Beacon cares about our long-term future. Overall, Beacon creates a supportive, rewarding work environment where employees feel valued and respected.
Posted on Google Google
Rebecca Watu profile picture
Rebecca Watu
8 June 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Since I've been part of Beacon, it has transformed me, my individuals, my coworkers and my workplace. It has made an impact to help us build and functionalize our home by providing us new techniques, getting support and the best care to our individuals. I am so honored being part of Beacon and I would highly recommend Beacon Specialized Living to others. Thank you Beacon.
Posted on Google Google
Carrie Hess profile picture
Carrie Hess
6 June 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Beacon specialize living is a great company. It continues to improve its training.
Posted on Google Google
Catalaya Johnson profile picture
Catalaya Johnson
6 June 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Beacon Specialized Living offers a warm and supportive environment for individuals with diverse needs. Their dedicated staff is not only professional but also genuinely caring.
Posted on Google Google
La'Rae Jenelle Ragsdale profile picture
La'Rae Jenelle Ragsdale
14 April 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Its a great place to send your loved one. The staff genuinely cares about the residents. Highly recommended.
Posted on Google Google
Christy Taborski profile picture
Christy Taborski
14 April 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The home managers in the WI East Region have been troopers throughout the transition from TCG to Beacon. While learning to navigate new systems, they have not faltered their care of their residents. The residents still remain the most important part of their job.
Posted on Google Google
Doris Pratcher profile picture
Doris Pratcher
14 April 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Beacon welcome me like family and they want to see you succeed in being the best you can be
Posted on Google Google
ERIN hollis profile picture
ERIN hollis
9 December 2024
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
It is enjoyable helping individuals that need a little extra help
Posted on Google Google
Nicole Krewson profile picture
Nicole Krewson
2 December 2024
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Beacon Specialized Living helps others help others and is a great place for people just starting out in the field.
Posted on Google Google
nadia perez profile picture
nadia perez
26 November 2024
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
very good workplace
Posted on Google Google
Patricia Hartsock profile picture
Patricia Hartsock
26 November 2024
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Beacon Specialized Living has been a great company to work with. I enjoy working with a diverse group of people who are compassionate and committed.
Posted on Google Google
Tierza KELLOGG profile picture
Tierza KELLOGG
25 November 2024
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I have grown a lot at his company.
Posted on Google Google
Jamie Bugno profile picture
Jamie Bugno
25 November 2024
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The program beacon keystone provides at artworks is an incredible opportunity for the individuals we serve. The space allows for individuals to be embraced in their creativity and self expression in a safe place.
Posted on Google Google
John Sakson profile picture
John Sakson
28 January 2024
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I was overwhelmed by how caring they are when concerning the residential properties they care for. Excellent.
Posted on Google Google
Mackenzie Marie profile picture
Mackenzie Marie
9 November 2023
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We all work together to create an atmosphere of involvement, inclusion & encouragement. Over the years I have witnessed our homes, & clients become family who genuinely care for one another. I have also witnessed clients grow and thrive and with our help, improve on their lives. I love to see all the creative idea's being considered and utilized. We as a company invest in our client's health and provide for them a healthy, forward thinking menu system to help improve on their health overall. We have seen much success since beginning the MY25 menu system over 3 years ago.
Posted on Google Google
JJ G profile picture
JJ G
11 May 2022
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I just started my career with Beacon as a case manager in the lake shore area and I am so impressed with how smoothly all of my training has gone. Everyone is friendly, welcoming, and ready to answer any questions I might have. I am so excited to see where this new opportunity will take me!
Posted on Google Google
Mandy Betancourt profile picture
Mandy Betancourt
23 September 2021
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I have worked for Beacon for a little over 3 years. I really enjoy working with our residents they always make me smile. This company just like all companies have their ups and downs. But I really have enjoyed being here.
Posted on Google Google
Perla Leon profile picture
Perla Leon
23 September 2021
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I have worked with Beacon for a couple years combined now. I worked in a group home setting and in a home with fewer residents. Both experiences have been great! I am very happy with my job and look forward to more time at this company.
Posted on Google Google
Olivia Adewusi profile picture
Olivia Adewusi
18 September 2021
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Our company was acquired by Beacon almost 2 years ago. In that time, I was pleased with the expedient approach the company has used to ensure that staff and clients have had access to necessary vaccinations (COVID and flu) with easily accessible clinics. They have made our health a major priority.
Posted on Google Google
Heidi Mangan profile picture
Heidi Mangan
17 September 2021
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I work with an outstanding group of people at Beacon! We work collaboratively to brainstorm new ideas, evaluate current programs and systems, and problem solve challenges. Our focus is on helping each client learn and grow to live his or her best life. I have had opportunities to help start several new programs to support some individuals with challenging needs, seeing them living successfully in these settings makes me proud to be a part of the team that made that possible. My job is full of challenges, but the rewards of watching both clients and staff grow and develop new skills makes it all worth it.
caretaker with his arm around an individual and they are both giving a thumbs up

Referrals

We have homes with services and support for those individuals who need them most.
Refer a Resident
three employees smiling

Careers

Our accelerated training program provides an individualized and rapid path to a career in intellectual and developmental disabilities care.
Start Your Career