The Be A Light Project, Inc.

The Be A Light Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to improving brain health in rural Iowa by breaking stigma, expanding access to resources, and strengthening community support. Through lived-experience outreach, education, and community programs, we meet people where they are in small towns—creating spaces where individuals, families, and adolescents feel seen, supported, and empowered to take a proactive approach to their emotional and mental well-being.

The Be A Light Project, Inc. is dedicated to advancing brain health in rural communities by expanding access to resources, providing education, and building connections that bring hope to families often overlooked in small towns.

We exist to create spaces where families and adolescents feel seen, supported, and empowered to take a proactive approach to caring for their brain health.

We use a unique, lived-experience model to bring community engagement directly to rural towns. Because we understand the culture, the pace of life, and the barriers in small communities, we’re able to meet people where they are with practical tools, compassion, and connection.

Rural communities often face limited mental health resources, long waitlists, stigma, and isolation. We work to fill those gaps by offering community-based education, outreach, and supportive spaces that make mental well-being accessible and talked about.

We partner with public service providers, like-minded organizations, and local leaders to ensure our programs are evidence-based, informative, and rooted in real lived experience.