Lighthouse of Pinellas Inc.

“The agency's board of directors each receive and review the form 990 return of organization exempt from income tax and approve its submission prior to filing.”

“The board of directors provides each new board member with an application packet that includes information on the conflict of interest policy and the requirement for information to be updated at least annually. In addition, board members are made aware of the agency's policy manual which includes the whistleblower and document retention and destruction policy.”

“During the annual budgeting process, the salary of the president & ceo is reviewed and approved by the board of directors.”

“Salaries of key employees are based on comparable data for comparable organizations.”

“The agency makes its governing documents, conflict of interest policy, gift policy, and financial statements available to the general public upon request or through inspection at their office. In addition, the agency's form 990 is available on the internet at www.guidestar.org.”

“To advance the independence and quality of life for individuals in pinellas county who are blind or visually impaired. For 61 years, the lighthouse of pinellas, inc. Has provided comprehensive rehabilitation services for individuals in pinellas county who are blind or visually impaired. The lighthouse of pinellas has been continuously accredited by the national accreditation council for agencies serving people with blindness or visually impairment since 1994. Training is offered in our spacious centrally located agency as well as throughout the community in client's homes, workplaces, and other relevant locations.”

“(continued from 990, page 1, line 1) our programs are nationally accredited and are provided in the home, at the center, or in the community. Our programs enable people to maximize their independence, health and safety through training geared to each person's individual needs. This is accomplished through a continuum of comprehensive vision rehabilitation programs which are nationally accredited and provided by highly trained and credentialed professional staff.”

“Services that include adjustment to blindness counseling, orientation and mobility training, communication skills training, personal and home management, learning how to use adaptive aids, as well as use of assistive technology are provided. This fiscal year over 190 people received training services in the independent living program.”

“To vision loss counseling as well as limited job placement and supported employment services. This training is provided in the home, at the center, or in the community based upon the needs and goals of each person. This fiscal year 69 people received services that assisted them towards achieving their employment goals.”

“Their peers of the same age and/or to reduce any developmental gaps that may exist to the greatest extent possible. Children and their families may participate in the early intervention program until the child has achieved their highest level of functioning or until the child reaches the age of 6 years. This fiscal year 33 children and over 80 family members were served.”

“Children's program the lighthouse of pinellas children's program for children ages 6 - 13 provides training in all aspects of the expanded core curriculum, including communication skills, self-advocacy skills, assistive technology, orientation and mobility, activities of daily living, exposure to careers and work places in addition to social and recreational opportunities. The various activities and experiences provided throughout the program allow the children to acquire and/or enhance the adaptive techniques and confidence needed to become successful and independent in a sighted world. The new program is offered twice a month on saturdays during the school year. We also offer a three week life skills camp during the summer months. This year, 20 children participated in the children's program. Transition program teenagers 14 years of age through their high school graduation are eligible to participate in this program. Services are offered once a week during the school year and for four weeks during the summer. This program is designed to help each young person learn to become self-sufficient and prepare for college, job placement or vocational training. Once-a-month field trips are also offered to provide an enhanced experience. Other skills such as personal, financial, and home management; how to complete a job application; interview skills and use of access technology are learned throughout the school year. The summer program gives the students the experience of visiting a college campus to learn first-hand what life on a college campus is all about. Students have the opportunity to practice home management skills in a realistic environment which mimics independent living. They learn how to navigate safely on the campus and how to adapt the orientation and mobility training they have received to master new experiences and empower them to achieve success. Students in the summer transition program are also able to participate in a paid work experience to develop job skills and gain valuable employment experience. This fiscal year 18 teens participated in the transition program. Occupational therapy low vision services program in the occupational therapy low vision services program 32 clients received highly specialized training from our occupational therapist who is dually certified as a low vision specialist and a diabetes educator. Occupational therapy services provided included functional vision assessments, training in magnification, lighting, and eccentric viewing, self-management of diabetes, and activities of daily living. 23 of the 32 clients who received occupational therapy services also accessed additional training offered through the independent living program. The alumni program the alumni program provides access to social, education, leisure, and wellness opportunities for adult and senior alumni of the lighthouse. The goals of the program are to help adult and senior alumni maintain their independence and improve their quality of life by providing programs that will mentally and physically stimulate clients to avoid isolation and depression, encourage clients to be active and independent and assist in expanding their social horizons. The program meets on the first thursday of each month from 10:00 - 2:30 and offers classes such as a book club, staying in the know, individual training and troubleshooting sessions on access technology, positive living, music appreciation, and cards and games. Approximately 15 clients attend monthly. Individual assistance individual assistance is provided to people who need one-time support from our professional program staff. Assistance provided are things such as a home visit to replace a broken white cane, or applying touch buttons to adapt a kitchen, washer and dryer or other home appliances for someone who is visually impaired. This fiscal year 25 people received one-time individual assistance services from lighthouse of pinellas professional staff.”

“Rental expenses - indirect 34,352 special event exp adjust -6,322 rental expenses - indirect -34,352 special event exp adjust 6,322”