Lighthouse of Collier, Inc.

I am truly impressed by the work of the Lighthouse of Collier. Their dedication to Individuals with vision loss or blindness is evident in everything they do, from their impactful programs to their dedicated team. They make a real difference in the community, providing valuable resources and support to those in need. I highly recommend this organization to anyone who wants to get involved or support a meaningful cause.

We question exactly what this organization really does. The claim to help hundreds of people but if you look closely at their records the same handful of clients come in on a regular basis, less than 20 per month. Their technology class consists of teaching someone how to use the basic functions of an IPhone, which can be dome by most anyone that already has this phone. They employ several overpaid staff members that really do not do much of anything. Their accountant and human resources person has been on a paid leave of absence for 6 weeks due to whistle blowing and attempting to bring serious financial concerns to the board of directors as well as report improprieties by the executive director.

Lighthouse of Collier, Inc. has received accreditation from the National Accreditation Council for Blind and Low Vision Services (NAC). NAC is the only accrediting body that solely focuses on standards and best practices for blind and low vision services with the consumer in mind. Lighthouse of Collier has demonstrated that it meets or exceeds the standards set by NAC for delivery of blind and low vision services. The determination for accreditation is a rigorous process that involves self-examination by the organization, an on-site peer review to verify processes and procedures by a team of professionals serving in the field and a review of the findings by the NAC Accreditation Committee. NAC congratulates Lighthouse of Collier on its accredited status.

I help this organization whenever I can. From delivering equipment to their clients to filing permits for events. Lots of things in between! I like what this organization does for our community!

Collier County is over 2,000 square miles in size with approximately 300,000 residents.  Until the Lighthouse of Collier was formed, blind or visually impaired residents had drive to a neighboring county for assistance. The Lighthouse of Collier has brought these services home. In addition to their adult programs, the Lighthouse of Collier is focusing on providing services for children. As a volunteer, the children's program activities are some of my favorites; the annual Summer Camp is always a blast!!

The Lighthouse of Collier is an amazing organization! I have been a volunteer for about 6 months now and each and every time I go in, I walk out with a sense of comfort knowing that there is an organization in my community that reaches out to the visually impaired community. They provide them with the education, guidance, tools and support they need to be as independent as possible. I joined the Lighthouse as a volunteer knowing that I wanted to make a difference in the community and learn more about how those with visual impairments function comfortably and confidently, how they cope with their disability and how I personally can make a difference. You see, my son, who is now 24, was diagnosed with RP when he was 13 and since has been able to maintain his independence though through a lot of hard work and dedication. Having the opportunity to meet and work with the Executive Director, Kathleen Peck and her team of volunteers, has provided me with the opportunity to see how the Lighthouse makes a difference to those directly in need of services and their families. The Lighthouse provides the visually impaired and their families, the volunteers, the employees and the directors a sense of community, a sense of family, a sense of involvement and a sense of accomplishment! Hurray for the Lighthouse! They are truly making a difference in our community through education, support,and awareness!