Celebrity Myxer was exclusively invited to AT&T and AUDIENCE Network’s premiere for the new documentary Beacons of Hope – Stories of Strength from Chicago. It features 5 extraordinary people and their efforts to improve the quality of life in Chicago’s 19 neighborhoods most impacted by gun violence and high unemployment rates. AT&T’s contributed by stimulating the economy, employing people living in in those undeserved areas (recently hiring their 500th employee), invest more than $3 million dollars into the #BelieveChicago program and giving these people a voice to tell their stories via films.
All the ‘beacons’ in the documentary share a common trait… they all share a selfless love of thy neighbor, love of they community and giving back.
About The Beacons of Hope
Deanna Hallagan is a director of youth programs at Marillac St. Vincent Family Services, located in East Garfield Park. Over the past 27 years, Deanna has worked with thousands of underprivileged kids, granting them a safe environment for after school and summertime activities.
Latoya Winters grew up in the close-knit community at Marillac St. Vincent Family Services, a social services agency that has helped families for over a hundred years. She went on to work alongside Deanna Hallagan, one of her mentors at Marillac, as a beloved youth specialist and residential counselor. Having received her master’s degree from DePaul University, Latoya now works as a mental health clinician in St. Anthony Hospital’s Community Wellness Program.
Military veteran Mario Vega is a coach and mentor for New Life Centers, an organization that provides after-school programs for youths, and the Chicago Youth Boxing Club, a non-profit in Little Village that trains inner-city kids in boxing and life skills. He uses time in the boxing gym to teach discipline and leadership, as well as give youths a space to exercise, de-stress and be open about their difficult experiences.
Deborah Leverette, reverend at the Greater House of Prayer Church in Pullman, provides career counseling, academic advising and other public aid services desperately need to get people on their feet. The church’s treasured performing arts program brings together youth and adults alike, putting on uplifting performances, inspiring the public and spreading hope.
For 38 years, Michael Pfleger has proudly served as pastor at Saint Sabina, a Catholic church in Chicago’s Auburn Gresham neighborhood. Father Pfleger has helped to develop multiple social services centers and has long been a passionately vocal advocate for change in Chicago.
Check the trailer and our exclusive coverage of Beacons of Hope – Stories of Strength from Chicago above. The poetic film debuts on Audience Network March 15th 8 pm ET/7 pm CT. Be sure to watch it and give your feedback in the comments below!
