The Lighthouse Center - About The Lighthouse Center

All too often, as our population centers shift, so do the landscapes and compositions of our communities. Once vibrant areas are gradually reduced to overcrowded, un-restricted commercial strips, eventually becoming abandoned storefronts. As communities expand to include those in lower income brackets, these neighborhoods tend to become as broken vessels, gradually leaking sound commercial investments, stable resources and healthy families.

Organized and incorporated as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation, The Lighthouse Center for Community Healing is designed to positively intervene and influence change, particularly in Houston area communities at a pivotal point of crisis. Since 1998, The Lighthouse Center has provided free access to Christian-based guidance counseling and financial seminars in convenient community venues (i.e. churches, schools, homes) throughout the Greater Houston area.

Currently, The Lighthouse Center has initiated an exciting new undertaking: The Lightouse Center Resource Project. The purpose of The Lighthouse Resource Center Project is to establish permanent resource centers within urban malls. Such locations will allow for immediate access to low to moderate income youth, families and individuals. These satellite centers will expand Lighthouse services to include the presentation of free information on health, family and finances through various forms of media. As a result, The Lighthouse Center will act as a provider of life changing information that will effectively combat the digital divide, community apathy and impoverished lifestyles through life-skills education.

The Resource Center initiative will provide free information to all clients by way of print material, internet access, educational seminars, video presentations, Christian-based guidance counseling and referrals. The majority of services are free of charge (with the exception of select seminars which may charge a minimal cost depending upon level of sponsorship). Participation in one program is not contingent upon participation in another (i.e. clients are not required to go through guidance counseling in order to use the computer lab). Our programs assist clients in addressing the root causes of social dilemma and identify purpose. By extending services to include multimedia, we will help to close the digital divide, allow individuals to move into purpose through education, and empower them to successfully advance within their life's vision.

The first Lighthouse Resource Center, which is slated to open in Sharpstown Mall in the Fall of 2000, is being constructed as a model for future Centers to be located in urban malls citywide. Being located in Sharpstown Mall will allow for immediate access to targeted population segments. The inclusion of 15-computer stations will allow a large number of low/moderate income individuals (who do not have PC's at home) to freely experience the internet. The Media Room will provide space for free educational video screenings and daily seminars. The referral resource will act as a clearinghouse for area service agencies and will assist needy families in getting proper assistance while avoiding service duplication.

About Our Founder

Craig D. Hayes is a young man on a mission. Destined to become one of our city's most profound leaders of social and economic change, Craig Hayes has witnessed the gradual, systematic decay of minority neighborhoods first hand.

Growing up in the Missouri City/Fondren Southwest area of Houston, Mr. Hayes has seen once admired, economically vibrant communities turn into disparaged storefronts. As a former Fondren Southwest banker, he is well aware of the fraudulent and dishonest business practices that seemingly prey on the low to moderate income family. While counseling clients from his office, issues revolving around individual self-esteem, strained family relations, personal health, credit and personal finance continued to surface as sources of conflict. At the root of each conflict, however, lay a need for transformation through information and inspiration.

Realizing that true economic and social change must begin with a change of heart, Craig Hayes founded The Lighthouse Center for Community Healing - a non-profit corporation. As a licensed minister of The Gospel, Mr. Hayes provides individuals with life changing information through seminars, and counseling. He is also the author of "First Aid for Credit: The Kit to Better Credit Health" and "The Banker's Guide To Credit Repair: Making Cents of Your Credit". Dedicated to community service, Craig Hayes continues to press towards excellence in ministry to God, family and community.