Our Mission
We empower people who are blind, DeafBlind, and blind with other disabilities through sustainable employment and transformative services for independence and career advancement.
“I feel empowered to provide for me and my family.”
Nick Nathan
CNC Machinist I Aerospace
Learn more about Nick’s story.
“I encourage my team to learn skills and be more independent.”
Carla Abbott
Production Supervisor Defense
Learn more about Carla’s story.
“I’m eternally grateful for the ability to work.”
Melinda Slovernick
Administrative Assistant
Learn more about Melinda’s story.
Nick Nathan
Having grown up with a father who was blind, Nick Nathan never doubted that people who are blind could work. However, before joining the Lighthouse, Nick faced several challenges. “Before I started at the Lighthouse, I didn’t really know what I was doing in life,” he admits. “I got to the point in my life where I wondered what I was going to do. And so, working here means a lot to me, because they were able to give me an answer to that question.”
“The Lighthouse has stood by me and not only watched me grow my machining skills, but also helped me grow as a human being,” he shares.
Nick has been a part of the Lighthouse for seven years. He began his journey in the deburring department and quickly progressed from there. Nick is now a CNC Machinist I Aerospace.
Carla Abbott
“I was born with juvenile macular degeneration and, congenital aniridia, which means there is no iris,” shares Carla Abbott, Production Supervisor at the Lighthouse. “During the course of years, my vision has become worse. I’ve slowly learned to adapt with the vision that I have, and I just keep brushing up my skills and learning how to adapt with the changes of my vision every day,” she continues.
Carla began working at the Lighthouse in April 2005, initially taking on the role of a production worker. “A former employee told me about the Lighthouse and encouraged me to come check it out,” she recalled. Over the years, she has progressed in her role to become a Production Lead and eventually a Production Supervisor.
“Working at the Lighthouse has impacted my life greatly,” Carla shares. “I feel like I’m a member of society that contributes to our community. And that I can be a person just like everybody else.”
Melinda Slovernick
Meet Melinda Slovernick, Administrative Assistant for the AbilityOne Base Supply Centers. Her story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the profound impact of organizations that believe in the potential of every individual, regardless of their circumstances.
“In 2002, I was in a horrific car accident that took my eyesight. It took me a long time to adjust to it. At that time, I was a single mom,” Melinda shares.
Despite her accounting background, finding employment was difficult following her accident. Many employers were unwilling to provide training and accommodations. “After going blind, I could not find anybody to employ me. And nobody was willing to see if I could even do the job,” Melinda shares. “It was very, very difficult.”
Melinda’s favorite part of her job is the satisfaction of knowing that her contributions help everything run smoothly. “I love my job,” she says. “I can now say after working for AbilityOne Base Supply Centers that this is the best job that I’ve ever had, sighted or not. I just love being a part of our team.”