Little Lighthouse Foundation: volunteerism, innovation, and social impact in South Florida

With over 2,000 active volunteers and 70 institutional partners, this Miami-based organization is transforming the lives of vulnerable children and families through education, wellness, and emotional support programs.

Founded in 2010, the Little Lighthouse Foundation (LLF) has become a reference point in South Florida for connecting volunteers, businesses, and institutions to direct-impact social initiatives. By developing programs based on the real needs of underserved children and families, the organization combines innovation, community engagement, and sustainable growth strategies to expand its local and international reach. 

In an interview with Experience Club US, Jonathan Babicka, CEO of LLF, shares the foundation’s story, strategies, and vision for the future.

Experience Club US: How did the Little Lighthouse Foundation begin?

Jonathan Babicka: The Little Lighthouse Foundation was created to fill a gap in South Florida: the lack of a structured volunteer network dedicated to supporting vulnerable children. Inspired by initiatives he had seen in New York, Rob Sena founded LLF alongside Aaron Resnick and Charlie Venturi. The first event, the Hearts & Stars Gala, marked the beginning of this journey. We started with just one monthly program — Adopt-a-Meal at the Ronald McDonald House — and have since grown exponentially, now operating over 20 proprietary programs.

How does LLF identify and respond to community needs?

Our mission is to be a connector of good. LLF maintains an ongoing dialogue with its partner institutions — public schools, shelters, and hospitals — to understand the real demands of the families they serve. Based on these conversations, they prioritize projects that deliver direct and sustainable impact. One example is the Serenity Mental Health Garden, created at a Title I public school with the participation of 100 volunteers and 500 students, focusing on the emotional well-being of children facing trauma.

Each new program is born from a combination of active listening and proactive action. Sometimes a project stems from a volunteer’s idea; other times, it’s based on needs identified by our partners. Recurring programs like Story Hour at Chapman Partnership, Craft Night at Lotus House, and Adopt-a-Meal at the Ronald McDonald House foster strong emotional and educational connections between children and volunteers.

What impact do the programs have on the children served?

While many of the children LLF serves are in temporary living situations, the foundation focuses on creating transformational experiences during their time together. Due to privacy concerns, it’s difficult to track each child’s long-term journey, but what we do create are moments of care, self-esteem, and hope. Initiatives like backpack distributions and holiday celebrations directly impact thousands of children each year.

And for the volunteers?

The transformation goes both ways. Many volunteers tell us they gain as much as they give. Our motto is ‘doing good feels good,’ and we see that come to life in every program. We create experiences where volunteers feel part of something bigger and witness the immediate impact of their involvement.

How is LLF using technology to grow and innovate?

The foundation is investing heavily in technological innovation to expand its operations. They have implemented the Blue Meringue CRM system to enhance communication, adopted the POINT app for volunteer management, and are expanding the educational Kindest Club program with the support of artificial intelligence. Additionally, the Hearts & Stars podcast increases LLF’s global visibility by connecting the foundation to a broader audience.

What are the next steps?

Expanding educational initiatives and deepening qualitative impact are the foundation’s top priorities. We want to cultivate the next generation of community leaders. Plans also include broadening international reach by replicating LLF’s operating model in other regions and strengthening strategic partnerships with businesses and institutions.

How can companies and individuals get involved with LLF?

Corporate volunteering is a golden opportunity. We organize customized volunteer experiences for companies — and today, we have more than 110 partners, including Visa, American Airlines, and Hasbro. It’s as simple as visiting our website, clicking ‘Volunteer,’ and selecting from the available programs. We are ready to welcome everyone who wants to make a difference.