Dear Lighthouse of Broward Family and Friends,
It’s incredible how fast this year is flying by! One of the reasons it feels like time is moving so quickly is because there is always something exciting happening here at the Lighthouse. I’m thrilled to share some of our latest news and updates with all of you.
We are proud to announce that the Lighthouse of Broward received an official proclamation from the City of Sunrise in recognition of National Braille Month, observed each year in January. We are so grateful to the City of Sunrise for recognizing the importance of Braille education and for supporting our mission to empower the individuals and families we serve throughout the community.
On February 13th, we hosted our Annual Resource Fair, welcoming over 100 attendees and 18 vendors. Guests gained valuable information about resources available in Broward County for people who are visually impaired. The following day, our Annual STEAM Fair brought together more than 75 families, including students from Lighthouse of Palm Beaches. This hands-on event gave students the chance to explore science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics in fun and interactive ways.
We also recently hosted a Debt Strategy Workshop, where 27 clients participated in an interactive Q&A session focused on practical debt management and overall financial strategies. This workshop was presented by the Lighthouse and facilitated by the Van Horn Law Center.
Our team has been active in the broader community as well. In February, we participated in several local events, including the Senior Health Expo in Pompano Beach and the Parkland Senior & Lifestyle Expo. These opportunities help expand our community presence and reinforce the Lighthouse of Broward’s role as a key service provider for individuals who are blind or visually impaired in Broward County.
Construction Update: We’re excited to share continued progress on the first floor of our new Lighthouse of Broward facility! This renovation will significantly expand our capacity and accessibility, helping us ultimately double the number of individuals we serve throughout Broward County. While construction is underway, all client services continue seamlessly on the second floor, and we’re proud to report steady growth—serving approximately 10% more individuals each year despite temporary space limitations. We deeply appreciate your continued patience and support as we build a stronger, more impactful future for our community.
Finally, please join me in welcoming Nanette Seidenberg, our new Orientation & Mobility Instructor! Nanette is a certified Orientation Mobility Specialist and holds a master’s degree in Rehabilitation of the Blind from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. We are so excited to have her join our team and bring her expertise to our clients.
There’s so much happening at the Lighthouse, and none of it would be possible without your support and friendship. Thank you for being part of our journey and for helping us empower the lives of so many individuals and families in our community.
With gratitude and excitement,
Ellyn Drotzer, MSW, LCSW
President and CEO
Important Notice: Facility Renovations in the Coming Months
Our facility will be undergoing renovations in the coming months. To stay informed about any temporary changes to service locations, social activities, and potential building closures, please contact us directly or visit our website for real-time updates.
Call the front desk at 954-463-4217 (Dial 0) or visit www.lhob.org for the latest information.
Thank you for your understanding and support!
Important Building Closure Dates & Updates
· LHOB Closed for Employee Retreat on May 8th, 2026.
· LHOB Closed for Memorial day on May 25th, 2026.
· LHOB Closed for Juneteenth on June 19th, 2026.
LHOB Social Groups and Activities: For all events you must RSVP in advance as space is limited. If you are not signed up and come on that day, we are unfortunately unable to accommodate.
Zumba Class: Every Friday from 12:30p.m. – 1:30p.m. (NO Zumba on April 17th , May 8th or June 19th). Join us for a fun and energetic Zumba class that combines dance and fitness! This class features high-energy music and dynamic dance moves that provide an excellent cardio workout while improving coordination and rhythm. While most of the movements can be adapted for a seated position, there will also be some standing routines to elevate your heart rate and boost your mood. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a beginner, this class is designed for everyone to enjoy! Please RSVP at 954-463-4217 ext. 110. Space is limited.
Arts & Crafts: Every other Thursday (April 9th and so on; excluding June 18th) from 1:00p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Join us for adapted arts and crafts projects including painting with tactile lines, clay work, sewing, and floral arrangements. Activities vary each week. Please RSVP at 954-463-4217 ext. 110. Space is limited.
Cooking Class- Every other Thursday from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm (April 2nd and so on). Join us for some fun, hands-on culinary creativity! Discover delicious, oven-free recipes, including anything from healthy snacks, to no-bake desserts. Please RSVP at 954-463-4217 ext. 110 and provide front desk with any food allergies. Space is limited.
Fitness Class- Join us for fitness every Monday from 11 am to 12 pm. This dynamic class includes strength, balance, and endurance training. Come grab a mat (or a chair for adaptations) and start feeling your best! Beginners are welcome! Please RSVP at 954-463-4217 ext. 110. Space is limited.
Book Club: Will meet on April 22nd, May 29th, and June 26th from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. For more information, please contact the front desk at 954-463-4217 ext. 110. Space is limited, you must RSVP.
April: Lethal Prey by John Sandford (db128112).
May: Love Lucy by Lucille Arnaz Ball (db 112934).
June: To Die For by David Baldacci (db 125480).
Trivia Group: Join us the first Friday of each month (April 3rd, May 1st, and June 5th) 10:00am-12:00pm. 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 at 954-463-4217 ext. 110. Space is limited.
BINGO: April 10th, May 15th, May 22nd, and June 12th, join us from 10 am to 12 pm for Bingo with Brailed cards and large print cards. There are prizes for the winners. Please RSVP at 954-463-4217 ext. 110. Space is limited.
Guitar Class Members ONLY: Every second Wednesday of the month with Mike Ader (April 15th, May 13th, and June 10th) from 10 am to 12pm. Please bring your guitar, nylon or steel string accepted (no electric). Includes use of BARD app on smartphone and keeping track of emails from instructor.
In-Person Problem Solvers Support Group for past clients with Dr. Alan Katell: The second Thursday of the month (April 9th, May 14th, and June 11th) from 11:00am – 12:00pm. This support group offers a space for past clients to connect with others who have similar experiences. Instructors lead discussions on relevant topics and challenges that members with visual impairments may be encountering. This group provides an opportunity for individuals to share their experiences, insights, and strategies, fostering a supportive environment where members can exchange ideas, offer mutual encouragement, and work together to find effective solutions. Please RSVP at 954-463-4217 ext. 110. Space is limited.
Descriptive movies: Join us on select Thursdays for a movie, popcorn, and treats. The movies will be shown in Classroom Two from 10:00am – 12:00pm. Please RSVP at 954-463-4217 ext. 110. Space is limited.
April 2nd – Letters to Juliet (English) – A young woman visiting Verona, Italy, discovers an unanswered love letter from 1957. She helps the writer, an older woman, reunite with her long-lost love, and in the process, the young woman finds her own chance at romance.
April 16th- Matilda (Spanish) - Matilda is about a gifted young girl who loves books and discovers she has telekinetic powers. She overcomes neglectful parents and a cruel school principal, Miss Trunchbull, with the help of her kind teacher, Miss Honey, learning to stand up for herself and others.
May 7th – Mother of the Bride (English) - A loving mother faces the whirlwind of emotions and chaos as her daughter prepares for a big wedding. Between family squabbles, unexpected surprises, and wedding planning mishaps, she learns to let go of perfection and embrace the joy and love of the occasion.
May 21st – Over the Hedge (Spanish)- A group of woodland animals wakes up from hibernation to find a huge suburban neighborhood has sprung up around their forest. Led by a clever raccoon, they explore the humans’ world, sneaking into houses and supermarkets for food. Along the way, they learn about friendship, teamwork, and the challenges of adapting to a changing environment…. all while hilariously outsmarting the humans who try to catch them.
June 4th- Set It Up (English)- Two overworked assistants in New York City, Harper and Charlie, are exhausted by their demanding bosses. To make their own lives easier, they scheme to set their bosses up on a romantic date, but in the process, they start developing feelings for each other.
June 25th – Yes Day (Spanish)- A fun, family-friendly movie where parents who usually say “no” to everything decide to give their kids a “Yes Day,” where the kids get to make the rules. Chaos, laughter, and heartwarming lessons about family and trust ensue.
English Conversation Club: Meets the First Tuesday of the month –from 1:00pm-3:00pm. Please join Dee Nelson for English Conservation Club where participants will make new friends and gain hands on speaking experience with practical, real-world topics. This social group is for clients past and current who want to improve their English Communication Skills. Please RSVP at 954-463-4217 ext. 110. Space is limited.
*Dates, time, and location of social activities are subject to change please visit our website at www.lhob.org/publications or call our activities line at 954-463-4217 ext. 8 for Up-To-Date information on social activities and meetings. *
Support for Past and Present LHOB Clients:
Last Wednesday of the month – from 1:00-2:00. This support group is to help participants who want to connect with other individuals who are visually impaired. Instructors 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.
Join the call: https://www.uberconference.com/room/lhobsupport
Optional dial-in number: 954-451-0380
No PIN needed.
International Access Numbers:
https://www.uberconference.com/international
Special Events for Past and Current LHOB Clients:
Client Appreciation- April 29th 2026 from 10 am to 2 pm at Flamingo Hall. We want to celebrate you! All past and present clients are welcome. Join us for games, raffles, the talent show, and a lunch of fried chicken, macaroni, rolls and potato salad (no substitutions). We ask you only bring a guest if a caregiver is needed, as we want there to be enough spots for clients. Please RSVP at 954-463-4217 ext. 110, space is limited. (Address is 12855 NW Eighth St. Sunrise, FL 33323)
Mother’s Day Tea- May 6th, 2026 from 10 am to 12 pm. Ladies! Join us for a special morning tea time, served with finger foods and sweet treats, as we celebrate the amazing mothers and grandmothers in our lives. We hope you feel appreciated, cherished, and pampered this Mother’s Day! (This is a client only event.) Please RSVP at 954-463-4217 ext. 110. Space is limited.
Global & Lighthouse Accessibility Awareness Day (GLAAD)- May 21st, 2026. Join us from 9 am to 2pm for the GLAAD Showcase and Celebration at Flamingo Hall! (Address is 12855 NW Eighth St. Sunrise, FL 33323) It will feature speakers, vendors, and community partners celebrating accessibility and what can be accomplished when barriers are removed. Please RSVP at 954-463-4217 ext. 110.
Donuts for Dads- June 3rd, 2026 from 10 am to 11 am. Join us for a special Father’s Day celebration, as we take time to appreciate the fathers and grandfathers in our lives. Enjoy donuts, coffee, and time together as we celebrate all that they do and the love they bring. (This is a client only event.) Please RSVP at 954-463-4217 ext. 110. Space is limited.