Writing Chapter 3 of Lighthouse Central Florida’s History: Mission Fulfillment through Expanded Employment Services

Stimulus dollars provided to Lighthouse Central Florida have opened a new era for individuals with sight impairment.  Lighthouse was the only Community Resource Provider in the Division of Blind Services (DBS) network to receive awards in all four areas of Stimulus funding.  These awards are providing vital funding for access technology, job training, job development and placement, and public awareness.
 
In less than three months, over seventy individuals have been referred to Lighthouse for job specific training programs and job placement services by DBS.  Fourteen individuals have completed their job training within the first few months and more are awaiting the beginning of their instructional sessions in the next few weeks.  Thirty groups have been provided with presentations on services and  opportunities.  Technology equipment for upgrading all student labs has been delivered.   Services will be provided to a minimum of eighty-five individuals for job specific training and seventy-four individuals will secure employment as a result of the stimulus award to Lighthouse.
 
Most importantly, these funds have provided a one-time opportunity to change the face of employment opportunities for individuals with sight impairment seeking jobs.  The award to Lighthouse was singular in terms of DBS support.  The good news is that these initiatives are proving to be successful even in their beginning stages.  The challenge is that Stimulus funding ends as of August 31, 2011. 
 
Please refer any interested persons (potential students, employers, and volunteers) to Lighthouse.   The expansion of financial support to continue these programs beyond the August 31, 2011 expiration date is essential.  The long-term success of these initiatives will take the full cooperation of clients, the philanthropy network, consumer groups, and a single-minded constituency of individuals with sight impairment.   This is the time to pull out all the stops in making these programs a stellar success. 
 
Success in the coming months will provide the pathway to securing funding from local, state, and national sources for many years to come.  Let us bury the past in which disparity in employment for persons with sight impairment was a fact of life and together create a future in which each person seeking employment is judged on merit, skills, and ambition.  

 “Until the great mass of the people shall be filled with the sense of responsibility for each other’s welfare, social justice can never be achieved.”    ~Helen Keller

By supporting Lighthouse Central Florida, you help blind and sight impaired babies, children, adults, and seniors develop the skills they need to live independent and productive lives.



Wishing you clear vision Always!

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