Melissa Vine, JD, MA, LMHC

Executive Director

director@thebeacondm.org

Melissa Vine, JD, MA, LMHC is a licensed mental health counselor, speaker, and domestic violence survivor with a background in business ownership, crisis therapy, and victim advocacy. She received a bachelor’s in Communication Studies in 2002, a master’s in Professional Counseling in 2016, and a doctor of law (JD) from Drake University Law School in 2024. Melissa was the 2022 Nexstar Media/WHO-13 Remarkable Woman of the Year, in the 2021 class of the Des Moines Business Record's Forty Under 40, 2018 recipient of One to Watch, and the 2014 recipient of Service Business of the Year. She has spoken for the Business Record's Fearless launch, Iowa Board of Regents Campus Safety & Security Summit, Iowa Healthcare Financial Management Women's Conference, the FDIC, and the Iowa Finance Authority. Melissa has four teenage sons and enjoys theater, reading, and travel.

A Residence of Hope and Healing

Founded in 1980, The Beacon operates as a client-centered community living environment that supports adult women in central Iowa who have experienced trauma and systemic inequity. These social determinants of health often serve as the precursor for substance use and subsequent involvement with the criminal justice system. The Beacon's aim is to provide a supportive environment conducive to breaking this cycle in order for these women to live more satisfying, productive lives.

In February 2024, we added a second building: The Beacon Village! This former motel has been converted to 32 efficiency units for women who want to gain more autonomy while also living in a recovery environment.

Our Mission

Our mission at The Beacon is to create an environment that empowers women in crisis to achieve positive long-term change.

Website: https://thebeacondm.org