For more than 80 years, The Lighthouse of Houston has been supporting individuals who are blind or low vision through our health services, assistive technology resources, community and support programs, vocational skills training, and internal employment opportunities. Here are some highlights from our 2023 Annual Report. Click here to view and download the full PDF.
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A Message from the President and Board Chair
The Lighthouse of Houston has been serving people with vision loss of all ages and levels for 84 years. We offer services, programs, and employment that are accessible and affordable for everyone, no matter their age, income, or background.
Last year, our Board of Directors adopted a new strategic plan, which includes a new vision and mission statement. Our 4 strategic priorities aim to improve the lives of the people we serve and their families. Those priorities are Community and Empowerment, Technology and Innovation, Partnerships and Philanthropy, and Commitment and People. Our vision is to create a life without limits for people with vision loss, and we are determined to make sure that they have equal opportunities in every situation. Our mission is to enable and empower people who are blind or low vision to achieve their full potential, and we are committed to creating inclusive communities with accessible resources that support personal and family well-being, learning, development, and employment.
We are proud to say that 53% of our workforce is blind or has low vision. Most of them work on contracts related to our Premium Business Services, such as call/contact center, document management, or kitting/packaging business services, but we also hire for other positions as well.
Helen Keller once said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” We are very grateful and thankful to our donors, volunteers, community partners, staff team members and board of directors for their dedication and passion to support our mission. Together, we can make a real difference.
Jenna Dhayer, President and Dave Donat, Board Chair.
Our Vision and Our Mission
Our Vision: A life without limits for people who are blind or low vision.
Our Mission: To enable and empower people who are blind or low vision to realize their full potential.
Programs and Services
In 2023, we had 79 employees, 53% were blind or low vision, and we served 15,781 clients.
- Low Vision Clinic
- Behavioral Health
- Group Support
- Adult & Youth Programs
- Technology Education & Training
- Community Recreation
- Residential & Assisted Living
- Information & Referral
- Volunteers
- 180
- 684
- 527
- 8,210
- 198
- 75
- 4,901
- 845
- 161
A Year in Review
Low Vision Clinic
In 2023 we joined in a new partnership with U of H Optometry to perform residency rotations. We had 9 interns from UH rotate through The Lighthouse Low Vision Services. “Given the number of visually-impaired individuals, a low vision rotation in optometric education is essential for practitioners to become proficient in evaluating the visual functioning of a compromised visual system. This proficiency enables the optometrist to treat, manage, and communicate with visually-impaired patients using low vision rehabilitation, training, assistive technology, and resources specific to these patients.” – Dr. Swati C. Modi, Clinical Associate Professor and Clinic Director, Center for Sight Enhancement at the University of Houston College of Optometry.
Behavioral Health
Group support clients created their own community of support and began exploring the city’s restaurants together. Helen Keller once said “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” Through one on one and group community support, individuals find the confidence to achieve their full potential.
Technology Education and Training
Learning and knowledge are power, and our focus is providing people who are blind or low vision with access to the right technology and trainings that best fit your needs and goals.
We had the pleasure of meeting with Dr. Tian “Tim” Chen, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Houston, to discuss his innovative new project. He’s using 3D printing technology to make art more accessible for those with visual impairments, allowing them to experience art in a new and exciting way. He’s not only making art more accessible, but creating a brand new type of art along the way. We’re so excited to be part of this project and can’t wait to see the positive impact it has!
Adult and Youth Programs
We received our Childcare License from the Health and Human Services Commission and brought back Youth Camp and other Youth Programs and Events. Our license covers children ages 5-12 and a capacity of 68 people.
Residential and Assisted Living
Our Deaf Blind Assisted Living residential care program cared for 6 clients who are deaf and blind with multiple disabilities (DBMD). Lighthouse Living Centers 1 and 2 offer independent living for low income, disabled individuals. We have 108 residents living in 79 units.
Event Highlights
NWP Charity Golf Tournament
We raised over $225,000 for The Lighthouse of Houston at this year’s charity golf event.
The Lighthouse Choir
The Lighthouse of Houston choir lit up the Sugar Land Space Cowboys stadium with an inspiring rendition of the national anthem.
41st Annual Beeping Easter Egg Hunt
The Lighthouse of Houston’s Beeping Easter Egg Hunt makes hunting for eggs accessible and fun for kids who are blind or low vision. The smiles say everything about the meaningful experience families had during the event.
Premium Business Services
The Lighthouse of Houston’s Premium Business Services are designed to make your business more successful and efficient. Our Premium Business Services, formerly known as Contract Services, has provided jobs to 52 people and 79% of the people on those contracts are blind or low vision (41 people).
Partnerships and Volunteerism
Dear Lighthouse of Houston volunteers and partners, WE LOVE YOU! You are a gift, a gem, a blessing, and we can’t thank you enough for choosing to volunteer your time working with people who are blind or low vision.
“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.” – Oscar Wil
