A Letter from LHOB
Dear Lighthouse Family,
It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost a year and a half since our lives were turned upside down as a result of the pandemic!
What a time of trial it has been. Like you, here at the Lighthouse, we’re so ready to put all this difficulty behind us. And by offering both in-person and hybrid programs and events, that’s exactly what we’re doing.
As in previous years, the Lighthouse was a chosen charity for the wonderful Starlight Musicals series hosted by the City of Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation Department. More than 1,500 music lovers brought their beach chairs, food and drink and happy spirits to relax to the upbeat tunes of Mikey’s HotSwing Latin Band and to support Lighthouse of Broward. We’re grateful to all of our volunteers who attended to sell raffle tickets for great prizes, including tickets to Lady A and a Miami Hurricanes game compliments of Audacy, designer sunglasses thanks to ABB Optical, gift cards from Funky Buddha, Louis Bossi and Kelly’s Landing, and more. A great time was had by all!
Our in-person Back-to-School Event was extremely unique this year with STEAM activities provided by the Museum of Discovery and Science, stuffing and dressing bears at a special Universal Mobile Bears station, and very cool (and refreshing!) snow cone deliciousness. Of course, in addition to these fun activities, all of our kids who are blind and visually impaired received fully-loaded backpacks so they’re ideally prepared for the school year. I would like to include a thank you to the event sponsors: FPL, Century Metals and Supplies, Inc. Boardroom Communications PR, East Side Vision Center, RE/MAX & St. Gregory Church.
We also had a very successful Summer Camp, a hybrid event offered virtually and in-person at the Lighthouse building and Sensory Garden. Each child received a Camp Activity Box customized to their age, reading ability, and sight level. One exciting highlight was a special clinic hosted by the Florida Panthers at BB&T Center. Our kids had a blast touring the facility, learning how to play and hitting goals into the net. Overall, they had a great time and learned a lot!
In other news, we’re happy to report that we’re working on a new Lighthouse of Broward website. The goal is to offer maximum accessibility for people who are blind and visually impaired, to provide excellent content for both our clients and community at large, and to create additional awareness of the Lighthouse and the exceptional resources we offer. Stay tuned for updates as this process moves further along.
On a personal note, I’m thrilled to welcome a new little person into our family! Baby Meredith was born on April 21st, and we couldn’t be more delighted. Thanks to all of you for your well wishes during this joyous time.
On behalf of Ellyn and all the Lighthouse staff, I wish you happiness and good health. I look forward to seeing you here at the Lighthouse very soon!
Sincerely,
Samantha Kelly, CVRT, COMS, TVI
VP of Programs
Upcoming Important Information & Dates
September 6 (Monday): Labor Day. The Lighthouse will be closed.
October 15 (Friday): White Cane Day BBQ hosted by the Dania Beach Lions Club. 12pm-3pm at 501 SW 4th Ave Dania Beach, FL 33004. Join us for lunch, games, and raffles. This event is open for current and past LHOB clients. Clients are welcome to invite (1) adult guest. RSVP by October 4th to Shaneeka at ssupal@lhob.org or 954-463-4217 ext. 151. Space is limited.
Broward County Parks has implemented the use of Aira How does AIRA work? 1. Download the free “Aira” app at aira.io/app, or call 1-800-835-1934, or email support@aira.io. You don’t need a credit card, only a phone number. 2. Engage the app and connect with a trained Aira agent on demand. 3. Receive up to 30 minutes’ real-time assistance exploring Broward Parks geofenced areas including walking or nature trails, rental halls, campgrounds, offices, pavilions, or restrooms. An AIRA agent will assist you to social distance through crowds, read posted signs, and access amenities.
LHOB Remote Support & Activities
Covid-19 support for Past and Present LHOB Clients
This support group is to help participants manage anxiety related to the 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.
Job Networking Group
A group for Job Readiness Graduates to share job leads and experiences, refresh their skills, and connect with resources in the community. Meets the 2nd Wednesday of every month virtually from 1:00 to 2:00 PM with Sunny Musgrave. Contact Smusgrave@lhob.org or 954-463-4217 ext. 135 for questions and RSVPs.
Dates: Aug 11th, Sep 8th, Oct 13th