Beacon Street began in 1988, founded on the aspirations of five energized and ministry-oriented friends who were eager to celebrate the arts in worship, education, and outreach. Together they brought skills in music, puppetry, juggling, mime, drama, storytelling, and clowning. The five were Jean Hulseman, Bob Kloos, Maria Livers, Kim Manning, and Steve Rico.

They came with experience in parish and school settings, and had gladly attended and successfully hosted national performing arts ministry workshops on several occasions. It seemed reasonable to establish something locally that could serve as a resource in the Greater Cleveland area. Shortly after Beacon Street was founded, we applied for and received a 501c3 tax-exempt status.

In just the first year or two, it became apparent that this would be more than a group of volunteers could manage. Requests were numerous and diverse, enough to warrant three or more full or part-time positions. After ten years, Beacon Street was contracting over 200 programs annually under the watchful eyes of a board of directors and office manager.

Client requests guided our program options. As a result we developed stories, songs, and activities to engage Confirmation candidates, high school classmates, adults preparing for parish ministry, and families with children approaching First Communion to name just a few of the groups we continue to serve. More recently Beacon Street has been asked to facilitate retreat and in-service days for nonprofit and corporate staffs, strategic planning, parish missions, bullying programs in schools, and workshops to teach our skills to others.

Currently, Beacon Street has only one full time performer/presenter and an office manager. Bob Kloos is a co-founder with a variety of skills and a good theological base. Since 1988, Bob has been on site for more than 2500 contracted programs, presenting to more than 20,000 people annually. Pam Kestner is the voice on the phone who will answer questions and guide potential clients to determine how Beacon Street can meet their needs.