UPDATE
FROM OUR CEO
"Smiling on My Way Out"
A goodbye message from our beloved
CEO, Mike Gilliam
So many of you have come by to say you will miss me, it won’t be the same, reminisce and share a tear - so, so sweet of you. But that’s not the way we’re parting. Think of you shaving my hair off with Rey Feo on TV, our Karaoke Party where Gene Simmons got his butt kicked by the Partridge Family, our Toilet Paper Party during COVID, cracking raw Easter eggs on my head, all of the Holiday Costume Contests - and yes, the Southside Floozy who welcomed you to work as she paraded up and down Roosevelt. I’m laughing as I’m writing this.

And like my idol Tim Duncan, all I ever wanted was to be part of a championship team and you let me play on yours “Best Place To Work In San Antonio,” Best Place To Work In Texa," “Best Place To Work In the US For People Over 50,” “Top 50 Non-Profits In The Nation,” “Most Ethical Company In San Antonio,” and many times, I even got to represent you on stage and pick up the trophy. A lifetime dream come true!

And you bet, together we saved the Lighthouse---a 70-year-old institution that was fading fast. Think of the tens of thousands of people suffering with their vision who we made their lives better by giving them back their independence----and the next hundred thousand we will serve over the next 20 years. Brings a smile to my face every time I think about it. How special is a job where you can serve our warfighters and the harder you work, the more lives you can make better for those who are severely visually impaired!

You, especially those of you who are blind, taught me how to live my life----truly understanding how fortunate I am, and not to take anything for granted. Your attitudes inspired me, “How could someone who has lost their vision be so upbeat and positive?” Thank goodness, you wore off on me---and made me a much more caring person because you were. I wouldn’t trade the last 16 years with you for anything. We are Family and always will be.

So, in the future, when I think of you and the Lighthouse, I know a smile will cross my face. I hope it does the same for you - and maybe even cause you to laugh. I’m leaving - SMILE BIG!!!
COMMUNITY INVOLVMENT
IT Department Gives Out Computers to
Computers for the Blind
In early May, the Lighthouse IT Department decided to send 30 desktop computers that were currently not in use to the organization; Computers for the Blind.

We are super excited for these computers to be put to good use. The computers that are donated to the organization will be refurbished and used by the blind and visually impaired community for accessibility purposes. We are so excited to see how these computers will help the blind community here in San Antonio and are honored to help Computers for the Blind.
For more information on Computers for the Blind, visit their website here:
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
Rehabilitation Highlights
The programs and services at the Lighthouse have truly blossomed and flourished over the past year. With the pandemic, the Lighthouse transitioned from in-person training and services to virtual. This allowed us to reach many more consumers and truly access the blind and vision-impaired in a new way.

Our services were able to reach consumers out of state and even out of the country. We are so proud to offer resources to those with vision loss all around the world, and this year it is our goal to reach even more people! Thank you to everyone who continues to tell friends and family about the Lighthouse and the services we offer.

If you or anyone you know may be experiencing vision loss, please fill out our referral link below.

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP REWARDS
The Lighthouse awarded over $60,000 in scholarships to college student applicants who are experiencing some form of vision loss. The Lighthouse takes pride in supporting blind and vision-impaired students to complete their higher education, and we are so excited to see what they do in the future! Here are a couple of stories from our awarded students:
Jameson Dunn
Congratulations to one of the Freeman Scholarship Recipients, Jameson Dunn, who will graduate from Texas State University in May 2021 with a degree in Communications!!
He plans on seeking full-time employment in a freelance video editing position in the Austin and San Antonio area and has been an Emma Freeman Scholarship recipient for three years.

Congrats Jameson!
Emily Eagle
Congratulations to Emily Eagle, who will graduate in May 2021 from The University of Notre Dame with a degree in Political Science and Theology!! Emily will begin Law School at UT Austin in the fall of 2021 and has been an Emma Freeman Scholarship recipient for the past 4 years.
Congrats Emily!
BASE SUPPLY CENTERS
Naval Air Station Conducts Open House Event for Fort Worth First Responders
The Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth Fire Station, conducted an Open House event, in conjunction with EMS Week (May 16 – 22, 2021) and EMS Recognition Day (May 21, 2021).

The base patrons could meet and mingle with the Fort Worth first responders serving the installation proudly every day, take a tour of the station and see the vehicles.

The event served burgers and hotdogs and hosted a remembrance ceremony recognizing the first responders that have lost their lives due to the COVID 19 pandemic. The Fort Worth BSC employees attended and had their photos taken with “AXE” the Fire Department mascot. Dean and his team attended and we’re able to get a photo with the local team.

The National EMS Week was established by President Ford in 1974. The intent of this week is to draw attention to the contributions and sacrifices made by these first responders. This week is aimed at saying “thanks” to EMS personnel as well as raise awareness of the critical role that EMS plays in the local community.