Lighthouse

06/18/2026

Introducing The Light Cast. 🎙️ A podcast about purpose in action.

Hosted by our CEO Ryan Hertz and Dr. Rita Fields, Lighthouse's Chief Talent & Strategy Officer, the show features candid conversations with nonprofit leaders and changemakers. Each episode explores what drives people to invest in the common good and how listeners can get involved in strengthening their communities.

This is our pilot episode. Ryan and Rita sat down to share what has driven them to do the work they do. It is a conversation about calling, purpose, and the "why" behind the mission.

We want to hear from you. Please listen, share your thoughts, and let us know if you would like to hear more.

▶️ Check out the pilot episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNGIaacj-Tc

Welcome to the pilot episode of The Light Cast, a podcast dedicated...

06/16/2026

"We actually do have the potential to take tools like AI and utilize them to increase quality of life." - Ryan Hertz, Lighthouse CEO

Our CEO Ryan Hertz recently joined a panel discussion titled "Shared Purpose Over Silos: Bold New Models Supporting People Where They Live, Learn, and Grow" at the 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference.

During the discussion, he addressed fears about AI and its potential impact on the people Lighthouse serves. Click the video player below to hear his insights.

You can see the full panel discussion hosted by Delta Dental of Michigan here: https://loom.ly/5Od4Qiw

06/12/2026

Lighthouse is seeking volunteer drivers for our Home Delivery Program on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Volunteers use their own vehicles to deliver food to individuals and families who can't access our pantry services. It's a meaningful way to make a direct impact, helping neighbors facing transportation, health, or mobility challenges have access to nutritious food.

Interested in learning more? Contact Sara at [email protected] for details about volunteer opportunities, scheduling, and the delivery process.

06/11/2026

We're looking for businesses, churches, community groups, and friendly neighbors to host a Pasta & Pasta Sauce food drive!

Collect boxes of pasta and jars of sauce, and drop them off at our Pontiac headquarters (46156 Woodward Ave.) Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Help keep our pantry shelves stocked and provide simple, comforting meals for families across Oakland County.

Because when it comes to helping our neighbors, the pasta-bilities are endless!

06/09/2026

One bloom, one home. 🌸🧡 That was our theme for NeighborWorks Week. At the teens building, kids planted flowers on window ledges, learning that beautification can happen inside and out. The project spanned two of our properties, bringing small acts of care to more of our community.

NeighborWorks Week is about resident-led solutions, affordable housing, and stronger communities. This year's focus: Creating Homes, Building America.

06/08/2026

Last week, members of our LIGHT Board (Lived Insight Guiding Homelessness Transformation) presented at the Solutions Start With Us Conference, hosted by the Wayne Metro Community Action Agency.

Amarri Johnson and Inisiah Coleman led a powerful session on "The Implications of Adultism on Youth", challenging participants to examine their own biases and reflect on how we speak about and to young people.

Lighthouse staff member, Angela Gill, and LIGHT Board Member Eternity Kelly also presented on the importance of employing Youth Advisory Board members. They shared the value of investing in young people as contributors, leaders, and decision-makers.

We are grateful for the opportunity to elevate youth leadership alongside so many passionate advocates working to build stronger communities!

06/03/2026

If you were ever curious what 881 boxes of cereal look like, now you know!

This month, students from Webber Elementary School hosted a Cereal Drive for our food pantries. We are grateful for our ongoing partnership and appreciate the compassion and care shown by the next generation of supporters!

06/03/2026

"When you look at what fails people... there's a reason we all end up landing on housing." - Ryan Hertz, Lighthouse CEO

Our CEO Ryan Hertz recently joined a panel discussion titled "Shared Purpose Over Silos: Bold New Models Supporting People Where They Live, Learn, and Grow" at the 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference.

During the discussion, he shared why Lighthouse believes housing is such a critical element of poverty alleviation here in our community and nationwide. Click below to hear more.

📺 Watch the full panel discussion hosted by Delta Dental of Michigan here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hceecBSCF7w

06/02/2026

A big thank you to the team from Riveron for spending time in our pantry! 🧡

This was their first time volunteering with Lighthouse, and they jumped right in, contributing nearly 25 hours of service. We are so glad they chose to spend their time with us.

Want to bring your team in? Volunteer shifts are open. Sign up at lighthousemi.org/volunteer.

05/30/2026

"There is no such thing as self-sufficiency. It's an illusion. We are all completely interdependently reliant on one another," said our CEO Ryan Hertz.

He took part in a 'Shared Purpose Over Silos' panel at the 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference to discuss why we must change the narrative around housing, human value, and community care. Co-panelists included: Sean de Four of MiSide, Aubrey Macfarlane of Volunteers of America Michigan, and moderator Margaret Trimer of Delta Dental.

📺 Watch the full panel discussion here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hceecBSCF7w