Our Legacy: Empowering Lives
The Lighthouse for the Blind is more than just an organization; it’s a living testament to resilience. We're on a mission to ensure that blindness isn't a barrier to independence, but a different path to a fulfilling life.
We are the only local nonprofit providing these critical, unduplicated services to the nearly 87,000 blind and visually impaired individuals in Tarrant and surrounding counties.
For many facing vision loss, especially those over 60, the reality is harsh. The fear of ending up in an assisted living facility, cut off from loved ones and facing financial strain, is a genuine concern. We’re here to change that reality.
A Legacy of Hope and Hard Work
Our story began in 1935 when a bold and persistent woman named Willie Faye Lewis, blind since childhood, founded the Lighthouse. During the Great Depression, she organized a small group of blind individuals to cane chairs and produce hand-sewn items, empowering them to earn a living wage during a time of extreme hardship.
Mrs. Lewis was a true visionary. The Lighthouse of Fort Worth was the first to pay blind employees a standard hourly rate, a groundbreaking move that set a new standard for fair wages and employee rights.
Our Promise: Companionship for Life
The Lighthouse has evolved significantly since those early days, but our promise remains the same. While our founders sold mops door-to-door, our blind and visually impaired employees today are trained in advanced manufacturing and technology.
They confidently operate band saws, foam cutters, and sonic welders to produce everything from shipping containers to military products. We even have an Optical Lab where they help make glasses for the sighted!
Your support allows us to continue this vital mission, providing job training, employment, and the tools our clients need to navigate their world independently. Please consider making a donation today to help us continue Willie Faye Lewis's legacy and ensure that every person we serve can live a life of purpose and dignity.