For more than 85 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 2024 Annual Report. Click here to view and download the full PDF.
Consider donating to The Lighthouse of Houston and help us continue to impact thousands of individuals who are blind or low vision throughout the Greater Houston and Gulf Coast areas.
A Message from the President and Board Chair
We are proud to say The Lighthouse of Houston has been serving people with vision loss of all ages and levels for 85 years. We offer health services, programs, activities, and events that are accessible and affordable for everyone, no matter their age, income, or background.
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. We impacted the lives of thousands of people through our tireless efforts 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 continue to focus on building capability with our 4 strategic priorities that aim to improve and enhance 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.
We are proud to say that 58% of our workforce is blind or has low vision. Most work on contracts related to our Premium Business services, such as call/contact center, document management, or kitting/packaging business services. This past year, our focus on building a people-centric culture has enabled team members to increase their skillsets and grow personally and professionally.
We strengthened our community outreach efforts, offering events and workshops designed to educate the public about vision loss and promote inclusivity. Our volunteer program has also seen a significant increase in participation, with over 185 volunteers joining our cause.
We are committed to our mission and will continue to innovate and adapt to meet the evolving needs of those we serve. Together, with the support of our donors, volunteers, community partners, staff team members, and board of directors, we can and will make a real difference.
Jenna Dhayer, President and Kim Colburn, 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 2024, we had 77 employees, 58% were blind or low vision, and we served 14,695 clients.
- Low Vision Clinic
- Behavioral Health
- Group Support
- Adult Day Program
- Adult Activities/Events
- Youth Camp
- Youth Activities/Events
- Technology Education & Training
- Information & Referral
- Community Events
- Residential & Assisted Living
- Volunteers
- 425
- 739
- 774
- 6,632
- 500
- 61
- 326
- 444
- 3,486
- 52
- 1,062
- 194
A Year in Review
Low Vision Clinic
Our specialized Low Vision Clinic provides comprehensive, individualized support for individuals of all stages of vision loss. We deliver low vision exams, personalized care and therapy, one-on-one assistance with vision rehabilitation exercises and adaptive aids, and the latest in adaptive technology.
“We just want more people to know we exist and we want to help. We have all these amazing resources and support. It means so much to me to be able to help spread the word and inform people about what we do.” – Dr. Kia B. Eldred McGee, OD, FAAO
Behavioral Health
Mental health is often impacted when a person loses their vision, so we offer two complimentary support groups, Behavioral Health and Diabetes Education. The purpose of these support groups is to create a safe space for people to connect and provide a community of resources. Our licensed staff specialize in the treatment of various mental health concerns associated with vision loss, including depression, anxiety, stress, anger issues, family issues, relationship issues, and many others.
“One of the first services I received was mental health counseling from Melinda Benjumea. To know I wasn’t alone, that I didn’t miss. Once I started last year and found out other people are going through different stages of vision loss, different causes, but we all had common ground, then we all felt safe. We all felt open to share, cry, laugh. It meant a lot to me.” – Marcela San Miguel, Lighthouse of Houston Client
Diabetes Support Group
Our diabetes support group focuses on various health topics related to diabetes. Learn about educational resources and make new connections with people who will understand the challenges of managing diabetes and will provide companionship and emotional support in a caring environment.
Technology Education and Training
Empowerment through technology and skills training is an important aspect of our mission. Our comprehensive programs evaluate and matches individuals with assistive technology devices, software, and programs tailored to their unique needs and objectives. We also provide employment training programs and classes that focus on preparing people for the workforce and enhancing job skills to increase employability.
The Lighthouse of Houston created a complementary and public Computer Lab in 2024. It provides accessible computer access for blind and low vision individuals to practice essential computer skills, such as typing, email, internet browsing and purchasing, document creating, and more.
“This may sound obvious, but without assistive tech, it would be extremely difficult, if not impossible for us to do our jobs. I learned about assistive tech very early in childhood because my educators recognized that that was the only pathway to gainful employment for me because my vision was so bad. The tech at that time was very old school, like Apple computer with a voice synthesizer, but as I grew up, so did the tech, and it’s always been an essential part of my life.” – Jennifer Parrish, Manager of Business Services
Adult and Youth Programs
Our youth and adult programs, activities and events are designed to enable and empower individuals who are blind or low vision to realize their full potential by enhancing social skills, self-esteem, confidence, independence, personal and family well-being. We provide programmatic, social and recreational activities and spaces to belong and connect, such as our Adult Day Program, Youth Day Camps, Family Events, Parent’s Night Out, Choir, Bingo Nights, Art Classes, Wine Tastings, and so much more. Sighted family members, friends and caregivers are encouraged to participate in activities and events.
“The Lighthouse of Houston has been incredibly helpful with helping our family find resources and access to different things that we wouldn’t have previously known about. Events where Avery has been able to connect with other children her age.
She’s been doing the Creating with Blind Abandon program, we’ve been here for the Easter events, we’ve done the Parent’s Night Out, the summer programs, and it really helps her understand that there is so much more out there for her.” – Amanda McClain
Residential and Assisted Living
Our Deaf Blind residential care program included 6 clients who are deaf and blind with multiple disabilities (DBMD). This program was licensed through the Health & Human Services Commission (HHSC) Deaf Blind Multiple Disabilities Medicaid Waiver program. We provided 24-7 compassionate care for these 6 clients, as well as 4 blind clients who participate in our Adult Day Program during the day. By February of 2024, all of our wonderful clients were placed in new residential communities and the program was discontinued.
Lighthouse Living Centers 1 and 2 are located in Southwest Houston and offer independent living for low income, disabled individuals. Multi-Family housing HUD 202, Section 8 subsidized rent is determined by the individual or family’s income level including allowable expenses. Each center offers one and two-bedroom units. We have 108 residents living in 79 units.
Partnerships and Volunteerism
The Lighthouse of Houston prides itself in building connections with our partners and volunteers. 
These connections allow us to expand our reach, enhance our services, and create a community of support and friendship that changes lives.
Click here to learn more about our different types of partnerships.
Featured Partners
RightHear
The Lighthouse of Houston was the first facility in Houston to install RightHear. The partnership with RightHear represents The Lighthouse of Houston’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology for greater independence. This innovative accessibility solution provides audio descriptions of indoor environments, helping individuals with visual impairments navigate spaces more confidently and independently.
“It is an extremely proud moment for us to help deliver accessibility to The Lighthouse of Houston’s community. As a social impact company with a focus on accessibility and inclusivity, we are highly motived to continue moving forward and making the world a better place for everyone. Our mission is to make the whole more accessible, one building at a time, and thanks to partners like The Lighthouse of Houston, our mission continues to move forward.” – Idan Meir, Co-Founder and CEO of RightHear
Creating with Blind Abandon
Creating with Blind Abandon offers adaptive art workshops where blind and low vision individuals explore various artistic mediums, from sculpting to painting, using specially designed tools and techniques. Participants discover new forms of self-expression, build confidence, and challenge societal misconceptions about disability. Each artwork becomes a powerful narrative of resilience, skill, and unlimited potential.
Achilles International
Using tandem bikes, running guides, and more, blind and low vision athletes are able to train on the Heights trail together every month. These programs demonstrate that with the right support and adaptation, physical activity knows no limits. Participants gain not just physical strength, but also a powerful sense of achievement and belonging. The Houston chapter of Achilles International transforms the lives of people with disabilities through athletic programs and social connection.
Event Highlights
NWP Charity Golf Tournament
Over $262,000 was raised for The Lighthouse of Houston at the 5th Annual NWP Golf Tournament! This incredible donation will enable us to keep providing crucial services to the blind and low vision community.
The Lighthouse Choir
The Lighthouse of Houston Choir had the opportunity to sing at a holiday event at Houston Methodist.
42nd Annual Beeping Easter Egg Hunt
We hosted our 42nd Annual Beeping Easter Egg Hunt in 2024. This event makes hunting for eggs accessible and fun for kiddos who are blind or have low vision.
Premium Business Services
The Lighthouse of Houston’s Premium Business Services are designed to make your business more successful and efficient. We provide solutions that matter to businesses that want to reduce their overhead and increase their customer service. We are dedicated to continuing to hire and train the best, most qualified staff team of people who are blind or low vision to provide your company with the highest quality of service.
Services Include:
- Kitting and Packaging
- Document Management
- Call and Contact Centers
