The Way We Were
Very few of us can remember what things were like in 1952, and fewer still can say they were there when it all began. The world wasn’t a welcoming place for people born with disabilities back then. Families with a special needs child had nowhere to turn if they wanted education for their son or daughter. And adults with disabilities were rarely given a chance to work so they could support themselves. Sometimes, the “good ol’ days” just weren’t all that good for everyone.
1952
1955
In 1955, eight local mothers with children having developmental disabilities opened a small school specifically for children with mental retardation. They named it Beacon Foundation.1970s
1993
A New Century
2008: Our New Facility
Over the next few years, Beacon Group almost doubled in size. The union of two long-standing and effective programs was a huge success by any standard. The plan – and dream – was to one day operate as one facility under one roof. The tremendous growth of our organization made the need for a new, expanded facility more than just an idea for sometime in the future. We were “bursting at the seams” and needed a central location to use as Beacon headquarters! After years of planning and construction the new building at 308 W. Glenn in Tucson was ready. From 9,000 sq. ft to over 64,000 sq. ft. with room for a wider variety of employment services.
2017
In honor of Beacon Group’s former President and CEO, Steve King, and his wife Kathy, the headquarter building at 308 W. Glenn was renamed the Steve and Kathy King Community Center. Steve led the organization for over 35 years.
Tucson Office:
308 W. Glenn St., Tucson, AZ 85705
Directions
Phone: (520) 622-4874
Fax: (520) 620-6620
Phoenix Office:
1951 W Camelback Rd Suite 400, Phoenix, AZ 85015
Directions
Phone: (602) 685-9703
Fax: (602) 244-2435
