FY 2024 Impact Report

Fueled by the amazing generosity of our friends, partners, and community, the Lighthouse is strong and uniquely positioned to create employment and opportunities for independence for individuals who are blind and DeafBlind! Fiscal year 2024 brought challenges, but we met them head-on. Our strength is in our people and the connections driving our mission: sustainable opportunities and transformative services for the blind and DeafBlind. Thank you for being part of our community!

Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report – PDF | Large Print
Fiscal Year 2024 Financials — PDF

FY 2024 Impact Report

Pictured on cover: Orientation and Mobility Specialist Jennifer Geffre provides sighted guide to a Lighthouse employee at a Link Light Rail Station in Seattle

In this Report:

  • President and CEO George Abbott

    We faced a year of both challenges and progress. The Lighthouse had a strong first half of the fiscal year.

  • A group photo of the Human Resources team standing outside of the Seattle facility and smiling on a spring day in Seattle

    The essential programs and services that the Lighthouse offers are made possible by the generosity of our donors and community and corporate partners.

  • Photo of Dr. Anna Shagas conducting an eye exam with a Lighthouse employee

    Low Vision Services are life-enhancing resources for Lighthouse employees and community members with low vision.

  • Read about the stories of our Employees of the Year for FY 2024, IT Systems Director Antonio Rozier and Setup Specialist Gregory Wilson.

  • Two DeafBlind Retreat Participants communicating with Protactile ASL

    We are dedicated to empowering blind and DeafBlind individuals to achieve their fullest potential through specialized programs and services.

  • Photo of Computer and Assistive Technology Instructor Gaylen Floy working with Jacob, a Lighthouse employee, on using his tablet in a computer lab in Seattle

    A look at the expenses from our Employee and Community Services in FY 2024, and the hours of direct services we provided to our employees.

  • Production Worker Justin Credle

    We offer diverse career opportunities, prioritize advancement, and ensure representation at every level of the organization.

  • A group of volunteers from Starbucks smile in the Fragrant Garden at the Lighthouse in Seattle

    We work with local and national foundations, corporations, and service organizations to ensure our programs are available to those who depend on them.

  • Orientation and Mobility Specialist Jennifer Geffre demonstrates using a tactile map to Lighthouse employee William Belina

    A look at the revenues from Fiscal Year 2024 at The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.

  • A Lighthouse employee who is DeafBlind communicates using Protactile ASL with an interpreter on the shop floor in Seattle

    A catalog of resources for information and education on our programs, ways to give, and blindness in general.

  • Exterior photo of the Lighthouse facility in Seattle

    Providing jobs for people who are blind in traditionally difficult blind employment locations.

  • Portrait of Cheryl, a dark skinned woman with dark hair, holding a white cane and smiling.

    When I was in my twenties, I thought I knew what I needed to do to get a job. I needed to network, I needed to have a resume, and I needed to apply for jobs. As a blind woman who is African American, I learned that even though I did find some interesting [...]

  • A man stands outside, wearing a backpack. He's holding a white cane in one hand and a smart device in the other.

    Join The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. Webinar Team as we explore several new tools that leverage the power of artificial intelligence. We’ll describe and demonstrate the new Be My Eyes app for Windows, the recent interactive updates to JAWS Picture Smart with generative AI, the new AI-powered maps feature for OKO on iOS, and [...]

  • Portrait of Michael, a light-skinned middle-aged man with brown hair, smiling and wearing a blue button up shirt in a photo studio

    Michael Witwer is a legally blind tax professional currently working as the Vice President, Tax of Oshkosh Corporation in Oshkosh, WI.

  • Portrait of Lachelle, a dark-skinned woman earring a colourful print blouse and purple blazer, smiling and standing outside in front of trees

    Lachelle Smith, MS, CVRT, LVT is the Program Director and Associate Professor of the Personnel Preparation Program in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) at Salus University.

  • Portrait of Amy, a light-skinned woman with blonde hair, smiling and wearing a business suit in front of a light blue background

    As founder and CEO of HumanPoint since 2007, Amy McKenna has established herself as a leader in organizational development and executive coaching.

  • Portrait of Isaac, a dark-skinned man with a goatee, smiling and wearing a necktie in front of a beige wall

    Isaac is a Relationship Manager for Bank of America in Seattle where he responsible for the account management of existing and prospective clients.

  • Portrait of Gary, a grey-haired light-skinned man smiling

    Gary Mackenstadt is a blind retiree, who worked for 32 years as an investigator, mediator and also in supervision with the Office of Civil Rights, US Department of Education.

  • Portrait of Matthew, a light-skinned man wearing a blazer and smiling in front of a blue background

    Matthew has over 20 years of experience working with mainstream and assistive technology, including leadership roles in accessibility and technical services, information technology, training, team management, and product and program management.

  • Portrait of John, a light-skinned man wearing a blazer and glasses smiling

    John G. Craddock is a Senior Vice President and Market Executive for the Greater Seattle and Eastern Washington Business Banking team for Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

  • Portrait of Harry Egler, a light-skinned man with a goatee, smiling

    Harold Egler is a retired marketing executive with 40 years of experience working primarily with retail heritage companies (Pendleton Woolen Mills, Filson, Eddie Bauer and Lands’ End), media (Getty Images), and Non-Profit management (InterConnection).