The Lighthouse is a faith-and community-based, trauma-informed care service provider organized in 2004. We help pave the way for improved quality of life through dignified, tangible programs and supportive services that provide security and foster self-reliance.
Our Board of Directors supports a healthy environment that fosters community wellness while nourishing essential relationships, teaches cultural competence, and empathy-building skills between the participants, volunteers and providers.
Lighthouse Community Center believes that it is essential that all aspects of systems be reflective of the diversity of the communities that they serve and that LCC strives to become and remain culturally and linguistically competent. A culturally and linguistically competent system incorporates skills, attitudes, and policies to ensure that it is effectively addressing the needs of individuals and families with diverse values, beliefs, and sexual orientations, in addition to backgrounds that vary by race, ethnicity, religion, and language.
At LCC, we believe embracing different perspectives, experiences, identities, and cultures is what makes us strong. Diversity enhances our ability to better serve, connect and respect our participants. Diversity allows us to cultivate a safe and positive work environment where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to the workplace. Diversity also gives us the opportunity to make a positive and lasting impact in our communities. There is more work to be done in creating a culture of equity, positivity, acceptance, and respect; and we welcome your involvement with our journey.
Lighthouse Community Center is committed to advancing an anti-racist agenda. We affirm the importance of advocacy and recognize that racial injustice has caused trauma and harm to disenfranchised communities. We acknowledge that combating racism and inequity is an ongoing commitment. The impact of economic, clinical, and environmental disparities, including diverse linguistic needs, may hinder the opportunity to access and receive quality and equitable health care and services. Thus, we remain devoted to addressing discrimination, stigma, and other social and moral determinants of health, leading by example and educating our affiliates and communities. Together, we stand united in support of racial justice and the intersection of behavior health, primary health, and the well-being care of humanity.
Terrick Moyer, MC, Director of Operations and Executive Committee member, wove the therapeutic wraparound services into all the fabric of all the programs at The Lighthouse. He is a provider of adults transitioning from foster care with Intellectual Disabilities, and he leads the Lighthouse Reentry program aiding returning citizens, dedicating himself full-time to their support and empowerment.
Martha Brown, a Lynchburg native, co-founded The Lighthouse with Finny Mathew in 2008. With 27 years of corporate experience, including real estate, she champions community-driven leadership. Her initiatives transformed The Lighthouse into a trauma-informed organization prioritizing access to Healthcare and Affordable Housing.
Founder of the Lighthouse, Finny is a first-generation Asia-American who migrated from Kerala, India, to Brooklyn, New York in 1975, at the age of ten. Later, in 2000, his family relocated to Virginia. For over 30 years, they have dedicated themselves to serving their community, focusing on enhancing the lives of families and individuals through a faith-based social services approach in the USA and worldwide.
Our building has history!
1866
The original structure was built by Maurice Moore in 1866, a local tobacconist responsible for the highly praised “Killikinnick” brand of tobacco. It took him 3 years to build his personal residence.
1869
Maurice Moore moved with his family into the house in 1869.
1870
Soon after, the ravine at 13th St was filled in and the footbridge was removed to become a road which is now known as Church St. This was the ONLY access to Diamond Hill back in 1870. This mansion was dubbed “Moore’s Folly” (and eventually “The Folly”) because of its construction on such an improbable site. Chambers writes, “What appeared from the front to be the first floor was in actuality the third; so steep was the slope that the two full additional floors above a basement were above grade in the rear.”
1887
Moore died in 1887. His wife Sarah Snead and their children lived in the house for another 40 years.
1927
The house was sold in 1927. It was purchased by the “Virginia Art Goods Studio” to be used as a factory for ladies’ handbags. The company retained the original look of the house for 5 more years.
1932 — THE FIRE
In 1932, the “Percy House” (in lot to the right of the Folly) caught fire and burned to the ground causing extensive damage to the residence. The cupola and all porches were removed from the house and it sat dormant for many years following the fire.
The 1940's
Goodyear Tire purchased the property (and the adjacent Percy property) in the 1940’s and promptly expanded the “L” shaped house to be more symmetrical (as seen today).
The 1950’S - 1970’s
The history of the now merged 1308 & 1310 properties is not quite clear from the early 50’s until 1977. The house was then purchased and remodeled the interior to be used as office and studio space.
2004
We know that LYN-CAG and a financial company used the building up until its recent owner bought the building in 2004.
TODAY
The building, now known affectionately as “The Lighthouse” serves as a beacon to thousands of vulnerable people.
BUILD.LIVE. BE LOVED.
Lighthouse Beloved Community CLT is community controlled affordable housing in Lynchburg, VA
GROW. HEAL. MOVE FORWARD.
A different kind of clinic offering medication management, in-person and telehealth services.
The Lighthouse Collective offers a variety of other services through our strategic partnerships. Click below.
