My Nonprofit Reviews

For the past five years the SABusiness Journal has reported that the San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind (SALB) is one of the largest manufacturing operations in San Antonio. The SALB recently began construction for an additional 55,000 SF Multi-purpose facility that will house the first ever of its kind in the state of Texas – Blind Children’s Education Program serving birth to 14 as well as a complete resource for their parents. It will also have a Low Vision Clinic in conjunction with the University of Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry serving low income families with vision loss. Not to mention the 80 additional jobs for blind individuals. The new building is around the corner from their existing 55,000 SF facility on Roosevelt Ave.

In addition to writing utensils and other office supplies, the lighthouse manufactures products for the military that range from the Army Combat Shirt to Cargo Parachutes, aircraft insulation blankets and floorboards to chinstraps. It operates 13 Military retail stores and has an on-line catalogue of 40,000+ line items (anyone can order from the site and will receive their purchase the work next day with no shipping charges.)

But, the "military" side is just one facet. There is a commercial side to the manufacturing that includes, for example, a new exercise suit that is being developed & manufactured exclusively at the SALB. News hit the local airwaves just last quarter.
http://www.ksat.com/news/SA-inventor-creates-new-workout-suit/-/478452/17047496/-/o70dvsz/-/index.htmlT

Some other interesting tidbits of late:
-Rehab people served this year: 6000 (raising the quality of life for those who are loosing or have lost their sight. - training on everything from assistive technology, computers to cooking.)
-Commercial office supplies sales up 63% (to $675K)
-State Division of Blind Services 2012 “Outstanding Employer"
-Once again Express News & Business Journal’s “Best Place to Work in SA”
-Non-Profit Times “Top 50” Non-Profits in Nation
-Awarded new 5-Month, $700K Boeing "Stratotanker Floorboard" contract
-Began production on new SRG Exercise Suit


And, of course, there is always the Lighthouse on "YOUTUBE": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bn9qobZFtl4

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