Many of these journeys began with a single opportunity. And behind that opportunity stand Betty and Charlie Laliberte. The former Elmhurst residents moved to Beacon Hill senior living community in Lombard two years ago.
For them, creating those opportunities has become a way of life.
Married for 54 years, the couple are the founders of ChildrenUP, a nonprofit that helps promising young people in Uganda continue their education beyond primary school. Over the past 15 years, their quiet but determined work has helped students pursue careers that once felt impossible.
What began with one student has grown into a program supporting more than 100 scholars and continues to expand, thanks to a circle of generous donors.
From Elmhurst Classrooms to the World
Long before their work in Uganda, Betty and Charlie spent decades shaping young lives closer to home. Both retired from York High School in Elmhurst, where Betty served as a librarian and Charlie taught art.
Retirement, however, didn’t slow them down.
“For us, retirement is not at all retiring,” Betty said. “It’s having the gift of time to follow your passions.”
Soon after leaving their York, High School careers, the Lalibertes accepted positions at the Istanbul International School in Turkey. Betty again worked as a librarian while Charlie stepped back into the art classroom.
“It was the most wonderful three years,” Betty recalled.
They embraced the culture, the people, and the rhythm of life abroad. The school calendar offered a unique perk: every six weeks, teachers received a full week off. The Lalibertes spent that time traveling, exploring places like the Greek Islands and Rome while immersing themselves in cultures far from home.
What they did not know at the time was that one future trip would permanently change their lives.
A Journey That Became a Mission
One of their fellow teachers in Istanbul, moved on to Uganda. Curious about the country and eager to visit their colleague, Charlie and his daughter decided to make the trip.
At the time, northern Uganda was emerging from years of violent conflict and insurrection. In towns such as Gulu, families were only beginning to rebuild their lives.+
By the time Charlie and his daughter arrived, the region was slowly returning to normal. But the scars of the past were still visible. And the challenges for young people remained enormous.
Meeting Nancy
During that visit, Charlie met a student named Nancy.
She had been orphaned by AIDS and raised by her grandmother. To make ends meet, they broke quarry stones with sledgehammers to sell to road crews. Despite these circumstances, Nancy was an exceptional student and had earned a scholarship to continue her education, a remarkable achievement. What she lacked were the funds for room, board, and the basic expenses required to attend school.
“We wanted to help support her,” Charlie said. “And one thing led to another as we looked for others to help. Nancy was largely the inspiration.”
That decision marked the beginning of what would become ChildrenUP.
Nancy went on to complete college and graduate school, studying forestry. Today she works in health and safety for an agricultural enterprise and helps other students pursue their own education.
Bridging the Gap Through Education
In Uganda, primary school ends after seventh grade. Students who wish to continue move into secondary boarding schools for four years, followed by optional advanced years that prepare them for university or vocational training.
For many families, the cost makes continuing education impossible.
ChildrenUP Helps Bridge That Gap
With the help of local educators, ChildrenUP identifies students who score high on national exams at the end of seventh grade and show strong academic promise. The organization has two levels of mentors for every student. “If a child needs help, there’s always someone there to advise them and oversee their progress,” said Charlie. Mentors provide for students’ needs and concerns, assist with payment of expenses, and foster communication.The program supports the students through the six years following primary school and, in some cases, beyond.
Students who enter the secondary school program may be anywhere from 14 to 19 years old, depending on when they were able to attend school earlier in life.
One guiding principle remains constant. The program supports equal numbers of girls and boys.
Where They Are Now
Today, Betty and Charlie live at Beacon Hill senior living community in Lombard.
From there, they continue the work they began years ago connected to Uganda, engaged with supporters, and deeply involved in causes that matter to them. Neighbors have learned about ChildrenUP through conversations and shared stories, often choosing to support the program themselves.
For the Lalibertes, Beacon Hill represents not a pause, but a continuation, a place where the values that shaped their lives still have room to grow.
“I’m constantly touched by the kindness and generosity of Beacon Hill residents,” said Executive Director Elijah Heyboer. “Betty and Charlie truly exemplify the very best of this community, a spirit of giving that extends far beyond these walls.”
Stories like theirs emerge naturally here. They’re created in dining-room conversations, formed through shared experiences, and strengthened by a community of people who bring decades of purpose with them into each new chapter.
A Life Still Opening Doors
For Betty and Charlie, ChildrenUP is simply another way of doing what they’ve always done: teaching, encouraging, and opening doors.
While the impact stretches halfway around the world, its roots are deeply human… curiosity, compassion, and a belief in what people can become when they’re given a chance.
And for those who visit Beacon Hill, it’s often the people who leave the strongest impression. People like Betty and Charlie. People whose stories are still unfolding. People who remind you that good people don’t stop showing up for the world, they simply find new ways to do it.
For those who are beginning to explore what the next chapter might look like, we’re currently offering a special anniversary incentive as part of that experience. You can learn more about visiting, available residences, and the Golden Ticket savings here.
