A Letter From LHOB
Dear Lighthouse Family,
Life at the Lighthouse of Broward is getting back to normal!
We’re particularly thrilled that our Summer Camp will be in person this year. We expect to have approximately 60 youth in attendance to enjoy all kinds of fun. In addition to special outdoor excursions – swimming, ice skating, surfing and more – our kids will enjoy age-appropriate literacy and STEAM activities, all specifically tailored for our blind and visually impaired youth.
It’s so heartwarming to watch our young people thrive at Summer Camp, as they interact with others, actively participate in all types of activities, and grow stronger as the summer progresses. After two years of hosting virtual Summer Camp, it’s great to have our kids back!
In other fantastic news, we’re finding huge success in our Ready to Work employment program. As you may know, we provide free job readiness training to Lighthouse clients and then place them in positions with local companies. In the best case scenario, after an 8- to 10-week paid stint at the company, the employer hires the blind or visually impaired individual for a full- or part-time position. If not, the person walks away with invaluable experience to help them land a position elsewhere.
We’ve been actively securing positions for clients for the last nine months. Since then, 12 people have secured permanent employment as a result. We currently have approximately 20 individuals placed in positions across Broward County. Plus, we still have multiple positions to fill! If you’re a Lighthouse client looking for employment, please let us know. It’s so exciting to see the impact of this program, and you could be a part of it.
The Lighthouse of Broward is helping people who are blind and visually impaired secure employment.
I hope you and yours are happy, well and safe. As always, I wish you the very best.
Best Wishes
Ellyn Drotzer, MSW, LCSW
President & CEO
Upcoming Important Information & Dates
July 4th (Monday):
Fourth of July. The Lighthouse will be closed.
September 5th (Monday):
Labor Day. The Lighthouse will be closed.
We're ecstatic to be able to offer in-person social groups and activities at the Lighthouse of Broward once more. If you have any suggestions for new groups, please contact Mitzie at the front desk at 954-463-4217, ext. 0.
LHOB Social Groups and Activities
Baking with Joel:
will meet Tuesday July 5th and 19th, August 2nd and 16th, September 6th and 20th from 10:00-2:00. RSVP with Mitzie at 954-463-4217 ext. 0. Each session clients will learn techniques to improve their baking skills. There is no cost at this time for this program. There is a limited number of spaces.
In person Trivia Group:
Meets the 1st Friday of each month, from 10 am -12 pm. When raucous laughter is heard in the halls of the Lighthouse, you can be sure it’s coming from the trivia group. Questions on a variety of subjects are read by a volunteer, and anyone who thinks they have the answer is free to call it out. Please RSVP to Mitzie at 954-463-4217 ext 0.
Lighthouse Book Club
will meet 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in Dining Room. Friday, August 26th and September 30th. For more information, please contact Ellen Meyers at 954-922-7360.
Descriptive Movies
Join us for a movie, popcorn, and treats. The movies will be shown in the Boardroom.
The movies will start at 10:00a.m., please RSVP with Mitzie at 954-463-4217 ext 0.
August 12th - Touch the Top of the World.
The story of the first blind man ever to reach the top of Mount Everest.
September 9th- Going Blind.
While millions of people face their days with little or no vision, the world of visually impaired people remains a mystery to most of us. In Going Blind, Joseph Lovett, an award-winning filmmaker with sight robbing glaucoma, takes us on a five year journey, as he struggles to save his remaining sight, and learned about the myths, Challenges, and opportunities facing those with vision loss.
Support for Past and Present LHOB Clients:
Every Wednesday from 1:00-2:00. This support group is to help participants manage anxiety related to isolation that has occurred during this difficult time of social distancing. Counselors will discuss strategies for dealing with stress and anxiety. Members of this group can connect; share their experiences, coping strategies, and their strength and hope.
For more information, contact Elaine Schiffman at 954-463-4217 EXT. 131 or eschiffman@LHOB.org.