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Beacon Newsletter November - December 2021

Letter from LHOB

Dear Lighthouse Family,

We have big news!  We’re very excited to report that we’ve launched the new Lighthouse of Broward website!   Our innovative site, still at www.LHOB.org, is an accessible, visually friendly, modern platform that meets the needs of all of our users, including clients, prospective donors, or anyone wishing to know more about the Lighthouse and our services.

Accessibility for the blind and visually impaired was of course top priority in developing the site.   As such, it is completely accessible using screen readers and magnification software, and also includes a dark mode option for anyone who prefers that theme.  We plan to build upon this new platform by continuously updating and adding helpful information.

Other highlights include:

  • A complete redesign with additional content targeting our various audiences;
  • The inclusion of a low vision simulator to illustrate to sighted individuals how people with differing visual impairments see their environment;
  • An email form for clients to directly communicate with staff through the website;
  • Additional detail about programs and classes;
  • Searchable audible pedestrian signal list with city and intersection;
  • An upcoming events module to keep clients aware of all that’s happening at the Lighthouse.

Many staff members contributed great content, and we worked closely with an outside team to ensure we created an awesome website.  We’re so pleased with the result, and hope you are too!  

In other news, I am pleased to announce that Alejandro Sastre has joined the LHOB team as our new IT Manager.  He will be focused on much of our IT work moving forward, including day-to-day help desk and larger projects as the Lighthouse continues to grow and move towards more modern technology solutions.

We also celebrated White Cane Awareness Day with clients and staff at a fantastic luncheon hosted by the Dania Beach Lions Club.  Everyone had a great time and their fill of excellent barbecue!  We’re so grateful to Jim Silvernail and all the members of the Dania Beach Lions Club for their wonderful, ongoing support.

Plus, we hosted our annual Fall Festival – our kids had a blast!  The event, which attracted approximately 70 Lighthouse children who are blind or visually impaired and their families, featured a carnival theme with a rock climbing wall, petting zoo, inflatable obstacle course, pony rides and more.  The event was made possible by our fabulous sponsors, including American National Bank, Century Metal & Supplies, Sajdera, PA, Law Firm and Toothaker.org.  Thank you to our generous sponsors!

All of us here at the Lighthouse hope to see you soon, and look forward to interacting on www.LHOB.org!

Sincerely,

Eric Barrette, M.S., CATIS
Director of Technology
Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist

Upcoming Important Information & Dates

November 11

(Thursday): Veterans Day. The Lighthouse will be closed.

November 25-26

(Thursday): The Lighthouse will be closed for Thanksgiving Holiday.

November 30th

(Tuesday): GivingTuesday 2021 This GivingTuesday, we are raising funds to support the various populations served at the Lighthouse – babies, kids, teens working adults, and seniors. Visit our website at www.LHOB.org/GivingTuesday2021 to find out more information on our GivingTuesday Campaign and how you can help support our campaign.

December 3rd

(Friday): Adult Client Holiday Party
For current and past clients, please join us for lunch at Galuppi’s. 1103 N Federal Hwy, Pompano Beach, FL 33062 from 11:00am-1:00pm. Lunch will be served consisting of Chicken Breast with Salad, Balsamic Drizzle, Grilled Salmon with Beurre Blanc Sauce, Oven Roasted Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables, and Chocolate Turtle Brownies. The event will be held on the outdoor terrace of the venue. The cost per person is $15.00 RSVP with Mitzie at 954-463-4217 ext 0. There are a limited number of spaces.

December 9th

(Thursday): Virtual Adult Holiday Party for Past and Present clients. The event will take place on zoom from 12:30-1:30. Join us for games, raffle prizes, and fun.  Please call Mitzie at 954-463-4217 ext. 0 for registration information.

December 4th

(Saturday): Tandem Biking with Broward County Parks for more information contact Miguel Solivan at Office: 954-357-8160   954-537-2844 (TTY)

December 20-December 31

The Lighthouse is closed and will reopen on Monday, January 3, 2022.

LHOB Remote Support & Activities

Covid-19 support for Past and Present LHOB Clients:

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. 
Join the call: https://www.uberconference.com/room/lhobsupport 
Optional dial-in number: 954-451-0380 
No PIN needed. 

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: Nov 10th, Dec 15th, Jan 13th

Join Job Networking Zoom Meeting: 
https://lhob-org.zoom.us/j/85006655702?pwd=b1BPN01aUU5EallTRzlUOFhSWVVBQT09