Several Lighthouse staff members in a March 2022 ZOOM team meeting. Click here for a larger version.
View the full-color Lighthouse Brochure or the large print text-only version.
The mission of the Lighthouse is to educate, empower, and employ people who are visually impaired and blind. Lighthouse works with people of all ages, from babies to seniors, who experience vision impairment, blindness and low vision, and live in Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties*. We are the only Division of Blind Services’ Community Rehabilitation Program in the counties we serve. Lighthouse is accredited by the Association of Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired.
The need for services in Pasco was first recognized in February 1983, when the Division of Blind Services conducted a town hall meeting at the West Campus of Pasco Hernando Community College. The meeting drew an overwhelming response. More than 150 people voiced strong support for the establishment of a training center for the blind. By May 1983, the B.L.I.N.D. Club of New Port Richey provided $500, and the First United Methodist Church of New Port Richey donated a house on Virginia Avenue. The Suncoast Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired held its first classes in October 1983. Eventually the name was changed to the Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind.
The Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that provides free vision rehabilitation and adjustment to blindness services to people of all ages who have experienced vision impairment. Lighthouse has served tens of thousands of people who are visually impaired since its incorporation.
The Lighthouse serves Pasco, Hernando and Citrus from two permanent locations in New Port Richey and Brooksville. Services are also provided in the community (in cities such as Zephyrhills, Dade City, and Lecanto) and in our clients’ homes.
A client testimonial helps tell the Lighthouse story:
In the Lighthouse turned 39 years old years old. Thank you for allowing us to serve you, and thank you for increasing the quality of life for people who are visually impaired and blind. We look forward to serving you for many years to come.
Lighthouse’s Employer Identification Number/Federal Identification Number/Tax Number is 59-2311666.
Lighthouse maintains a GuideStar Platinum designation for transparency. View our GuideStar Report for our Form 990s, financial statements, and other public documents, or email the Lighthouse with your request for information.
A COPY OF THE LIGHTHOUSE’S OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE FLORIDA DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 OR BY VISITING Check-a-Charity ON THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES WEBSITE. LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED AND BLIND, INC. IS REGISTERED UNDER CH662. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
