For more than 80 years, The Lighthouse of Houston has been supporting individuals who are blind or low vison through our health services, assistive technology resources, community and support programs, vocational skills training, and internal employment opportunities. We serve over 14,000 individuals annually through our programs, services, activities and events. We foster communities of belonging with accessible resources that enable personal and family well-being, learning, development and employment. Of those we employ, 58% are blind or low vision. Through our Premium Business Services, we offer businesses solutions that matter to help reduce overhead costs, improve efficiencies, increase customer service satisfaction and achieve diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility goals. We create jobs for people who are blind or low vision through Premium Business Service sales development.
Our Mission: To enable and empower people who are blind or low vision to realize their full potential.
Our Vision: A life without limits for people who are blind or low vision.
The Lighthouse of Houston was officially founded in 1939, and services for the blind in Houston can be traced back to 1925. The first organized effort to serve Houston’s visually impaired population was started by the Dandelions, the Women’s Auxiliary of the Lions Club. The Dandelions established a sewing club for people with blindness and worked to establish sales outlets for the articles they made. In the l930’s the City of Houston became involved, taking over a program for blind people established by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Although the city lacked adequate funds, it did provide a place for the program to meet. For the next few years, the program moved from one city-owned location to another.
Nellie Mae Wimberly, a legally blind teacher, moved to Houston in 1934 to begin a home education program for people with blindness in Houston. Her classes included braille, sewing, weaving and independent living skills. After unsuccessful efforts to secure funding from the City of Houston or the Community Chest, she sought the help of her good friend and neighbor James G. Donovan. Mr. Donovan, a prominent Heights attorney, solicited his friends and local Lions Clubs on behalf of Miss Wimberly and secured enough funds to pay for her home teaching supplies. In 1939, Nellie Mae Wimberly and James Donovan discussed the need for a more stable program, one that would help people with blindness become more productive and independent. On November 14, 1939, Miss Wimberly, Mr. Donovan and Mr. E.M. Biggers signed a charter to form the Harris County Association for the Blind.
The original charter specified nine board directors: Allen C. Bartlett, E.M. Biggers, Mrs. Lucy Boyett, George Cottingham, James Donovan, Thomas Elliott, David Hudson, Raymond Lee and Mrs. John Ligon. Miss Wimberly served without pay as the organization’s first executive director, and Mr. Donovan was president of the Board of Directors.
Lighthouse of Houston Leadership is dedicated to the mission and advancement of resources to all people impacted by vision loss. Our staff team includes a variety of talented professionals including individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Our team is passionately dedicated to the mission of The Lighthouse and can provide expert guidance as well as first-hand experiences to clients. We are driven by those we serve.
A financial contribution to the Lighthouse of Houston will make an immediate impact on those we serve through our programs and services. To make a meaningful impact, donate today!
Volunteerism is the best way to find yourself and to give back to others. The Lighthouse of Houston is a great place to volunteer your time. There are many wonderful volunteer roles that will surely fit what you are looking for in giving back through volunteering.
FEATURED ARTICLE
Our Health Services include a Low Vision Clinic, Behavioral Health Services and Support Groups.
We provide technology evaluation and training, job skills, pre-employment and employment training to individuals who are blind or low vision.