
🌟 The Lighthouse Project
By James A. Norkawich – America’s Composer
Shining Light Through Faith, Family, Country, and Music
The Lighthouse Project was born out of a simple yet powerful truth: music has the power to heal, to inspire, and to bring people together. In a time when division and uncertainty often dominate the headlines, I felt called to create a space where the arts could once again be a source of unity, faith, and hope.
Much like a lighthouse guiding sailors safely to shore, this initiative serves as a beacon — reminding us of our shared humanity, our deep roots in family and community, and the unshakable foundation of faith.
The Mission
At its core, The Lighthouse Project is a Christian-based movement designed to:
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Promote music as a healing force for individuals and communities.
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Support artists and musicians who share the values of faith, family, and country.
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Create opportunities for outreach to youth, veterans, and families in need through concerts, workshops, and storytelling.
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Encourage positivity and resilience by offering a platform for voices that uplift and inspire.
This project is not just about performance — it’s about purpose. Every note, every lyric, and every conversation is dedicated to restoring light where there is darkness.
The Team
I’m grateful to be joined by an extraordinary group of artists and voices who believe in this mission. One of the most significant partners in this journey is Jackie DiMaggio — “America’s Sweetheart.” Her gift, her story, and her heart for people perfectly align with the goals of The Lighthouse Project. Together, we are building something that goes beyond music — something that touches lives.
In addition, The Lighthouse Project welcomes voices from all walks of life — musicians, speakers, educators, and leaders — including those from health, fitness, and community wellness. Because true healing and inspiration involve the whole person: body, mind, and spirit.
Why Now?
For decades, I’ve dedicated my life to creating, performing, and teaching music. I’ve seen firsthand the way a song can move someone to tears, the way a lyric can bring back memories, and the way a performance can restore hope.
But I also see a generation of young people, families, and communities that need a light. They need to be reminded of the strength found in faith, the bonds of family, and the pride of country.
That is why I started The Lighthouse Project. Not as another stage or spotlight, but as a movement — a chance to take everything I’ve learned and experienced and use it to bless others.
The Future of The Lighthouse Project
The road ahead is filled with opportunities. We are working toward:
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Hosting concerts and events that blend storytelling, music, and testimony.
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Creating a podcast and media presence to share inspiring conversations with artists, leaders, and everyday heroes.
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Partnering with schools, churches, and organizations to provide outreach programs for youth and families.
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Developing collaborations with nationally and internationally recognized artists who share our mission.
This is only the beginning.
Join Us
The Lighthouse Project is more than my dream — it’s an invitation to be part of something bigger. Whether through music, mentorship, or simple encouragement, we all have the power to shine light in someone else’s life.
Together, we can remind the world of what truly matters: God, family, country, and the music that connects us all.
If you would like to learn more, collaborate, or support The Lighthouse Project, please reach out. Your involvement could make all the difference in helping us bring this vision to life.
✨ “A lighthouse doesn’t compete with the darkness. It simply shines.”
James A. Norkawich
Founder, The Lighthouse Project
www.jamesanorkawich.com





🌟 The Story of The Lighthouse Project 🌟
In 2023, an idea was born — one that was simple at its heart, yet powerful enough to spark a movement. That idea became The Lighthouse Project.
It began with a realization: our children, our schools, and our communities are facing challenges like never before. From the struggles of inner-city neighborhoods where resources are scarce, to the pressures in suburban communities where young people feel isolated and unseen, one truth remained the same — our people are searching for direction, belonging, and purpose.
And just like a lighthouse stands tall against the storm, guiding ships safely to shore, this project was envisioned as a beacon — a light to guide people through turbulent waters.
The Birth of a Vision
In late 2023, James A. Norkawich — pianist, composer, producer, teacher, and lifelong advocate for the arts — felt a calling. He believed that music, dance, and drama are not just forms of entertainment, but tools of transformation.
What if we could use the arts to bring people together — whether youth in inner cities, students in suburban schools, our seniors, or our veterans?
What if rehearsals, productions, and workshops became more than activities, but a way to bridge divides, teach discipline, spark creativity, and heal wounds?
This was the spark that lit The Lighthouse Project.
Building the Foundation
The Lighthouse Project was never just about performance. It was about purpose.
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In schools, it offers students an outlet to discover their voices, to build confidence, and to experience firsthand the values of teamwork, responsibility, and self-expression.
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In the community, it creates events that bring families and neighbors together, fostering unity across generations, backgrounds, and beliefs.
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For seniors, it provides connection, joy, and dignity through intergenerational programs — concerts, storytelling, sing-alongs, and collaborative arts that remind them their voices still matter, their wisdom is still valued, and their light still shines.
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For youth, it becomes a lifeline — whether in an underserved neighborhood where opportunities are few, or in a suburban setting where pressures to succeed can feel overwhelming.
But soon, another realization came: the arts don’t just heal children — they heal adults too.
Serving Our Veterans
As the project grew, James saw a pressing need to honor and care for our veterans. Too many of those who served our country carry invisible wounds — mental health struggles, PTSD, isolation, and a longing for connection.
The Lighthouse Project expanded its mission to include programs designed for veterans, using music therapy, live performances, and community workshops to bring hope and healing.
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Music became a bridge between veterans and their communities, helping them share their stories through song, rhythm, and performance.
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Drama and storytelling opened the door for expression, allowing vets to process experiences that words alone could not capture.
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Group workshops in dance, drumming, and collaborative art built camaraderie, reminding them they are never alone.
The Role of Faith
At the heart of The Lighthouse Project is faith — the belief that God gives us gifts not to keep hidden, but to share.
Faith is the foundation:
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It calls us to lift up the brokenhearted, whether they are children, seniors, or veterans.
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It reminds us that music and art are not just human creations, but divine gifts meant to inspire, heal, and bring light to the world.
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It fuels the mission, ensuring that everything The Lighthouse Project does is guided by love, service, and hope.
The arts are the vessel — but faith is the compass. Together, they lead people toward healing and transformation.
Why It Matters
Too often, our young people are pulled into negative paths — crime, drugs, despair, or isolation. Too often, our veterans come home only to fight new battles in silence. Too often, our seniors are forgotten, their wisdom overlooked, their spirits left dim.
But The Lighthouse Project insists on another way forward.
By giving children, families, seniors, and veterans a place to channel their energy and creativity, we give them tools to grow, heal, and rediscover joy. Whether it’s a teen picking up an instrument for the first time, a senior sharing stories through song, or a veteran finding peace in a piano melody, the arts become medicine for the soul.
A Call to Action
The Lighthouse Project is not just an idea anymore — it’s a movement. It’s about bringing the arts back to the center of our communities. It’s about standing together, believing in the power of creativity and faith to heal divisions, and committing to the idea that every child, every senior, every veteran deserves to shine.
As we look to the future, we see The Lighthouse Project expanding into schools, churches, theaters, VA centers, senior living homes, and community hubs across the country. We see students, families, veterans, and seniors standing side by side, proving that unity and healing are possible when art and faith light the way.
✨ The Lighthouse Project is more than a program. It’s a promise.
A promise that no child will be left without hope.
A promise that no senior will be left without dignity.
A promise that no veteran will be left to struggle in silence.
A promise that through the arts — and through faith — we can change lives, one note, one step, one story at a time.
Spotlight on Leadership: Jackie Nunez & Michael Campbell
At The Lighthouse Project, we believe that true change begins with people—leaders who bring vision, passion, and experience to the table. Today, we are proud to shine a light on two of our key team members, Jackie Nunez and Michael Campbell, whose dedication and unique gifts are helping shape the mission of this initiative.
Jackie Nunez – Director of Communications & Community Engagement
Jackie is the voice and bridge of The Lighthouse Project. With her background in communications and her natural gift for connecting with people, Jackie ensures that our mission is heard loud and clear in the community and beyond. She works tirelessly to share stories of impact, coordinate outreach, and keep our message rooted in authenticity. Jackie believes in the power of the arts to bring people together and uses her role to strengthen our ties with schools, families, and organizations. Her energy and commitment remind us that every conversation has the power to inspire change.
Michael Campbell – Director of Veterans & Faith Outreach
Michael, a retired U.S. Marine, brings unmatched strength and compassion to our team. Having served his country with honor, he now serves his community by focusing on the well-being of veterans and their families. At The Lighthouse Project, Michael is building programs that use music, storytelling, and the arts as tools for healing and connection. Guided by his deep faith, he works to ensure that veterans, seniors, and those in need of support have a place where their voices are heard and their spirits renewed.
Together, Jackie and Michael embody the heart of The Lighthouse Project: faith, service, and the belief that the arts can light the way toward healing, unity, and hope. Their leadership stands as a testament to what happens when passion and purpose come together for a greater cause.
Christopher Robert – Director of Global Engagement (Media & Arts), The Lighthouse Project 🎙️✨
Christopher Robert was born in Mississauga, a vibrant suburb about 50 miles west of Toronto, Canada. The youngest of seven children, he grew up in a lively household with three brothers and three sisters, raised by a hardworking Hungarian mother and a devoted Dutch father who labored tirelessly to provide for the family.
Chris attended Whiteoaks Public School and later LPSS High School, both just a short walk from his childhood home. His early years were filled with curiosity and creativity, which later led him to pursue studies in photography and computer programming in his twenties. But everything changed in early 1993, when his beloved mother passed away from cancer—a loss that deeply shaped his life journey.
At age 18, Chris experienced one of the most transformative moments of his life when he became a Christian. His faith became the foundation for everything that followed, reshaping his values, his purpose, and the way he saw the world.
Over the years, Chris developed a passion for vocal performance, training as a tenor and eventually joining the vocal group Gentlemen Of Song (GOS) in 2013. Alongside his fellow singers and a pastor, he shared uplifting and inspirational music across many venues, touching audiences with messages of hope. His gifts also extended to illusion and children’s entertainment, where he combined faith and creativity as a Christian magician to bring joy and light into the lives of others.
In 2021, Chris launched the ONSTAGE Podcast on YouTube, a program dedicated to resilience, creativity, and the power of storytelling. With nearly 400 episodes and over 150,000 combined views, his podcast has become a platform where artists, thinkers, and creators can share their journeys with a worldwide audience.
Today, Chris serves as the Director of Global Engagement (Media & Arts) for The Lighthouse Project 🎙️✨. In this role, he draws upon his lifelong passion for communication, creativity, and faith to help expand the project’s reach on a global scale. By uniting media, the arts, and the power of storytelling, he ensures that messages of hope, healing, and inspiration are shared across communities and cultures worldwide.
Chris continues to live out his calling: to entertain, to inspire, and to remind others that no matter the struggle, there is always hope and a future worth believing in.
God bless!