Dear Dedicated Donors, Partners, and Friends,
We faced a year of both challenges and progress. The Lighthouse had a strong first half of the fiscal year. Supply chain challenges negatively impacted some of our manufacturing business in the second half of the year; however, AbilityOne Base Supply Centers had its strongest revenues since before the pandemic. We expanded our opportunities in Contract Management Support by adding another site in Virginia.
We implemented the new Enterprise Resource Planning system, essentially replacing one that was in use for over 24 years. We continue to adjust to the new system, refine many processes, and move towards greater efficiency.
George Abbott, President and CEO
New equipment, capabilities, and training were implemented at the Summerville, South Carolina facility to better position it for future growth. In January, the first wallboard was produced at this location.
We requested significant funding from King County, through the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy, to help us expand Low Vision Services. During fiscal year 2024 we were notified that we would receive the funding, which will allow the Lighthouse to expand on-site, clinical services, as well as provide in-home low vision services to those living in King County. Although funds were not received as expected during the fiscal year, extensive plans were being developed throughout the year for when they would be received in the early half of fiscal year 2025.
We continued to serve a growing number of individuals seeking low vision services. Our webinars on access technology reached hundreds of new attendees from across the country and around the world.
The DeafBlind Retreat this year was a wonderful success. Emphasis was on leadership and career development, networking, and recreation. I had the pleasure of attending and staying overnight. The sense of community, empowerment, and pure joy were palpable.
We completed our second career development training with a cohort of Lighthouse employees interested in upward and outward mobility. Training focused on resume writing, building LinkedIn profiles, interviewing, and a variety of workshops.
The Lighthouse mission statement was revised to better reflect that we are not only committed to a variety of meaningful job opportunities, but that we also provide services leading to greater independence and career advancement for individuals who are blind, DeafBlind, and blind with other disabilities.
At the Lighthouse, skills are gained, confidence is instilled, and lives are transformed. Together we are making meaningful impact possible.
George Abbott
President and CEO
The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.
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.
