YOU Can Make a Difference!
Your gift is of vital importance to help our clients become self-sufficient and live meaningful lives.
Please give as generously as you can. Any amount helps!
For Lighthouse Friends age 70-1/2 or older, did you know when you donate money from your IRA as a Qualified Charitable Distribution it could satisfy your required minimum distribution for the year without adding to your taxable income? Please consider making your charitable contribution and make the most out of your generous donation. Consult your Plan Administrator or financial advisor to take advantage of this opportunity.
Dear Friend of Lighthouse,
Imagine for a moment that your ability to perform everyday activities was taken away because you had sudden vision loss. You could no longer drive, cook, use your computer or look a loved one in the eye. The idea of experiencing vision loss is frightening. How would you care for yourself, live safely in your own home and enjoy life again?
Each day children are born with visual impairments and millions of active adults are diagnosed with a degenerative eye disease after being able to see their entire lives. Thanks to you, there is a place to turn to for care and training. Lighthouse of Pinellas provides free life-changing services to help individuals with vision loss and their families find ways to connect and thrive.
Please consider contributing today to support us in our 2019
“YOU Can Make a Difference” Annual Campaign.
Your donations support classes that teach adults adaptive ways to perform daily activities, use technology and skills to re-enter the work force. Contributions fund our Youth Programs to focus on developmental milestones, social skills, academics and job skills so children grow up to lead successful, independent lives.
Recently, a member of our Teen Transition Program shared her own client experience at our annual luncheon. Marisa is 17 years old and a Lighthouse of Pinellas client since birth. Her words say more than we could express.
from the Lighthouse and were
introduced to many resources for
the blind and visually impaired.”
– Marisa’s Mother, Leslie
“The Lighthouse has been a huge support for me as there are a lot of challenges that come with having vision loss. The instructors taught me efficient and adaptive techniques to make it easier to do things like cooking and cleaning”, Marisa told a group of nearly 300 last month.
“I enjoy being able to socialize with others who have similar struggles to me”, she said about the time she spends with her Lighthouse client peers. “I have had so many wonderful opportunities to visit college campuses, museums, restaurants and shops. These experiences, while fun, allowed me the opportunity to put the skills the instructors taught me into practice. I have learned many useful skills and techniques that keep me safe when I am out in the community”, she said. With Marisa’s permission, the poem she wrote and presented that day is enclosed in this letter.
As a donor to the “YOU Can Make a Difference Campaign”, you make this possible for Marisa and the visually impaired individuals of all ages living in Pinellas County.
Your gift is of vital importance to help our clients become self-sufficient and live meaningful lives. Please give as generously as you can. Any amount helps!
Sincerely,
Kimberly Church
President and CEO
Michael Porter
Board Chairman
Services we can provide thanks to your generosity:
- YOUTH PROGRAMS
Early Intervention – 0 to 5 years
Children’s Program – 6 to 13 years
Teen Transition – 14-22
- ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY TRAINING
Computer and Adaptive Equipment Training
iPhone and iPad Accessibility Training
- ADULT PROGRAMS
Independent Living Skills
Orientation and Mobility
Coping with Vision Loss support Group
- JOB READINESS/JOB PLACEMENT SERVICES
Computer and Adaptive Equipment Training
Job Placement/Job Coaching
Orientation and Mobility
Lighthouse of Pinellas, Inc. is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization. Federal tax ID#23-7042938. Our registration #CH1744, is registered with the state under the solicitation of contributions act. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free (800) 435-7352 within the state or online www.800helpfla.com. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by state.