How to Help

The Lighthouse of Broward County, Inc. provides services at no charge to people who are blind or visually impaired in Broward County, Florida. To be able to continue to provide these services to all visually impaired and blind children and adults who need our help, the Lighthouse needs the help of individuals, community groups, foundations and corporations. Gifts of all sizes combine to make it possible for the Lighthouse to operate. Remember your gift is tax deductible and you and/or your organization will be recognized in our newsletter. You can be assured that your gifts are helping blind children and adults achieve a more independent, satisfying life.

Volunteer

Volunteers perform a wide variety of duties. You can help with clerical work, assist teachers in classes, or lead client activities and assist with outreach programs.

Please call the Lighthouse at 954-463-4217 to learn more about available volunteer opportunities.

Reflections from a Young Volunteer

Working at the Lighthouse of Blind over the past year has been one of the most amazing and influential experiences of my life. Walking into the situation, I was hesitant because I didn’t know if – being visually impaired myself – I could do anything to help blind children. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to guide them, physically or emotionally, because I couldn’t guide myself through the hazy world in front of me. On my first day I was scared out of my mind. A little boy felt his way over to me and introduced himself as “Cookie Monster.” I later learned his name was RJ, and that he had been a part of the Lighthouse family for four years. Although RJ is completely blind, his smile and laugh showed that there was something wonderful going on inside of his head. After leaving “Cookie Monster” I was a little less terrified since I had made my first friend.

The leader of the program, Brett, explained we would be teaching the children independent living skills. She said we would be counselors, and that I would be their role model. A shiver went up my spine. How was I supposed to be a role model, and teach them that being blind shouldn’t hold them back – when I’ve felt held back my whole life?

After two hours of sleep, and six tossing, turning, and thinking of how I was supposed to help RJ, I arrived at the Lighthouse. A little girl named Amanda ran into me. She felt my shirt and my hair, and the first words she said to me were “You’re pretty.” The slight grin on her face turned into an ear-to-ear smile when I replied, “Not as pretty as you!” How is it that a little girl, who couldn’t see a thing – could see the beauty in me that I still can’t see after seventeen years? As I walked Amanda to the class, I saw she had bruises on her legs, because she refused to use a cane since, according to her, she didn’t need one. I looked down at my own legs, noticing a few bruises as well – Amanda and I had something in common.

One of our most memorable field trips was going to a place called Wanado City, where kids could dress up to be whatever they wanted. I saw some of the most spectacular things that day – I saw Amanda go rock-climbing, I saw Rochelle, who is completely blind, and half deaf, play piano, I saw smiles the size of the moon, and felt more happiness than I had ever felt before.

The following day, I couldn’t wait to go to the Lighthouse. We went on a picnic in the park. After lunch, RJ and his crush Anna asked if I would push them on the swings. I remember RJ exclaiming, “We’re on top of the world!” I went numb. I could no longer feel the pain of the hot sand beneath my toes, and the sweat on my forehead melted away. I could no longer see RJ’s chubby cheeks, or Anna’s long blonde hair. All I could see was the three of us on top of the world, flying over Japan, New York, Israel, and South Carolina – as RJ described it. As Anna screamed, entangled in laughter, “Michelle do you see it?” I realized that, for the first time, I could. I could see everything I had ever dreamed of seeing and so much more. From that moment on, there is nothing I can’t see. Because of those extraordinary children, I decided that being visually impaired would never hold me down again.

I never had to guide them, for they knew where they were going. I never had to show them the beauty in front of them, for they had been able to see it all along. I never had to inspire them, for they already knew how to live. They, however, guided me to an emotional state of mind I had never been in before, and physically allowed me to do things I had never thought possible. They not only showed me that every part of the world is beautiful, even the parts we can’t see, but that I was beautiful too. They were my role models, my inspiration, to not only live life, but also to love it.

That summer, I learned to push myself a little harder, to trust myself a little more and to believe in myself. Being visually impaired will never again stop me from succeeding. That summer, I learned to open my eyes.

Donate [Donate Online Here]

There are several ways to make a gift including:

• An outright gift of cash of securities
• A gift in memory or honor of loved
• A bequest through your will
• A planned gift, such as a gift annuity

Gifts of $500 or more are noted on the donor wall in our lobby and supporters at this level and above are invited to the annual Lighthouse Donor Recognition event. To make a gift to the Lighthouse of Broward, call our development department at 954-463-4217. Your call will be confidential and without obligation. The Lighthouse and Network For Good are partners in online giving. Your gift information will be completely secure and confidential.

If you would like to mail a donation send your check to:

Lighthouse of Broward
650 N. Andrews Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311

Please be sure to use our legal name when making a bequest or planned gift: THE LIGHTHOUSE OF BROWARD COUNTY, INC.

If you would like to make a donation online: [Donate Online Here]

The Lighthouse of Broward County, Inc. is an official charity, 501 (c) 3, registered and recognized by the IRS. Contact the Lighthouse of Broward County, Development Office (954) 463-4217 for a copy.

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. THE LIGHTHOUSE OF BROWARD COUNTY, CHARITABLE REGISTRATION NUMBER SC-00197, RECEIVES 100% OF CONTRIBUTIONS.