Big Brothers Big Sisters of Marquette and Alger Counties bigs and littles enjoy spending time together throughout Marquette. The mentoring program provides a safe space for young people to explore, learn and grow. In the photo at left, Aiden ,left, gets cooking instructions from Big Brother Bruce. In the photo at right, Klohe poses for an outdoor selfie with her Big Sister Kate. (Photos courtesy of Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Marquette and Alger Counties)

By DREYMA BERONJA

Journal Staff Writer

MARQUETTE – For two decades, the Beacon House has provided patients and families with a home away from home. The new Steve Mariucci Family Beacon House recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of its new location on South Seventh Street in Marquette.

The facility opened on Jan. 3, 2021, and has since served 2,160 people. as they receive medical care at UP Health System-Marquette and the Upper Peninsula Medical Center. That adds up to 8,800 overnight stays.

“We are just so excited that we have been open for over a year,” said Mary Tavernini-Dowling, CEO of the Hospitality House of the U.P.

The Beacon House is a donation-based operation with guests paying what they can afford. Dowling said that every dollar is critical to Beacon House operations.

She expressed gratitude for all donations, big or small. She said local kids have even collected returnable cans and bottles to give to the cause.

“In that one short little year, we have met so many incredible people,” Dowling said.

Outside of lodging, the Beacon House provides guests with anything they may need to make them comfortable during their stay, including a wig salon for cancer patients.

“I walk through this building and every corner I turn there is someone you can help,” Dowling said. “The guests that I speak with always say that ‘you have thought of everything.'”

The average stay at the Beacon House is three nights, with the longest being 337 nights. While there are no TVs in guest sleeping rooms, there are several “warm and inviting” TV rooms. Guests can also use the kitchen and dining room to prepare meals.

For the new year and one-year anniversary, the facility got a vehicle to help transport guests to and from the hospital during their stay.

The non-profit Mariucci Beacon House plans to host a fundraiser in the coming months. For more information on the Beacon House or ways to donate, visit upbeaconhouse.org.

Dreyma Beronja can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 248. Her email address is dberonj@miningjournal.net.