601 SW 8th Ave, Miami FL 33130 · 305.856.2288

History 

Over 70 years of service, Take a walk back in time

Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired started in a little house on the corner of SW 6th Street and SW 8th Avenue in Little Havana, Florida. Over the years, we have expanded into a state-of-the-art 34,000 square foot facility to provide rehabilitation, vocational and social services for persons who are blind or visually impaired. Follow our timeline that starts in the 1930’s.

1930’s

Dolly Gamble, an energetic young blind woman, called to order the first Board meeting of the Florida Association of Workers for the Blind (Miami Lighthouse) in July 1931. Dolly was supported by blindness icon, Helen Keller, and the Lions Club of Miami and Miami Rotary Club. On that day, South Florida’s oldest private social service agency for the blind was born.

1940’s

Miami Lighthouse established a store and sheltered workshops that included chair caning, rug weaving, brush making, sewing and basketry. To assist with the war effort, clients sorted metals and other military supplies.

1950’S

Miami Lighthouse donated $500,000 to the University of Miami School of Medicine and helped found world renowned Bascom Palmer Eye Institute.

1960’s

Miami Lighthouse participated in American Foundation for the Blind study and received recommendations for program changes.

1970’s

Miami Lighthouse pulled back from sheltered workshop and developed rehabilitation program.

Agency became nationally accredited by National Accreditation Council for the Blind and Visually Handicapped and adopted the name Miami Lighthouse for the Blind.

1980’s

A second floor was added to the main building, the budget and staff increased to serve more clients. 

Vocational Training was added to the curriculum.

1990’s

A public capital campaign provided for major renovations of existing facilities to include expansion to 34,000 square feet, a wing for Computer and Vocational Training and an upscale garden for client training and enjoyment.

2000’s

In 2002 Roxanne Mayros accepted the position of President & CEO to replace Vernon Metcalf who retired after 26 years of service.

Virginia A. Jacko, an experienced executive who was losing her sight to retinitis pigmentosa, came to the Miami Lighthouse as a client in 2001. Having completed her training and rehabilitation, and after serving on the Board of Directors as Treasurer, Virginia Jacko began as pro bono President & CEO in February 2005, donating her services for four months and following a national search was selected as President and CEO in June.

In 2006 a low vision optometrist was hired to direct the agency’s low vision program. This physician works closely with the agency’s low vision optometrist and other low vision rehabilitation staff. The same year Miami Lighthouse started a music production program, the first of its kind, to provide professional training to blind and visually impaired young performers, composers and sound engineers. With the assistance of legendary producer Henry Stone, a recent client, two CD’s were produced: Instrumental Magic and Vocal Magic. This was the year of the Diamond Jubilee; a gala at the Biltmore Hotel celebrated seventy-five years of history, turning a new page to a bright future. More than 400 guests enjoyed a heartfelt performance by José Feliciano. During 2006 among the agency’s new programs ceramics was introduced, and all clients began enjoying a hot lunch.

The Miami Lighthouse secured funding in 2006 for the new third floor facilities, thanks to an incentive matching gift of more than one million dollars from philanthropist Gloria Martin. The Gloria Martin Third Floor Wing opened in May, 2007, and houses the Henry and Inez Stone Music and Sound Studio, the Austin and Marta Weeks Little Lighthouse, and the Rotary Club of Miami Centennial Project Fitness Center.

In July, 2007, the Miami Lighthouse acquired the assets of the Heiken Children’s Vision Program including its Mobile Vision Care Van, which is a fully equipped optometric office on wheels that travels to schools in low income areas. By acquiring the Heiken Program, Miami Lighthouse broadens its organizational mission to include eye wellness in addition to low vision and vision rehabilitation.

For more information and news on the Lighthouse please read or listen to Lantern, our agency newsletter.

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