The Lighthouse of Houston

What The Lighthouse of Houston does

The Lighthouse of Houston is a Texas nonprofit corporation, legally organized as Lighthouse for the Blind of Houston, founded in 1939 (with predecessor services dating to 1925) and headquartered in the River Oaks area of Houston. It provides integrated programs and services for individuals who are blind or low vision across all ages, spanning four core service areas: Health Services (a Low Vision Clinic staffed by three optometrists, behavioral health counseling, Orientation and Mobility training and Activities of Daily Living support), Technology and Employment Training (assistive technology evaluation, JAWS screen reader and Microsoft Office training, pre-employment and vocational programs), Youth and Adult Programs (Adult Day Program, Youth Day Camps, art classes, Lighthouse Choir, family events), and Independent Apartment Living through two HUD 202/Section 8 subsidized housing facilities in Southwest Houston. The organization reports serving 14,000-25,000 individuals annually and employing 101-250 people, with approximately 52-58% of its workforce being blind or low vision.

Revenue is generated through a diversified mix of channels: donations and philanthropic fundraising, government contracts and grants (HUD, Texas Workforce Commission, HHS Commission, AbilityOne Program, National Industries for the Blind), fees for programs such as Youth Day Camp ($30/day) and Adult Day Program ($33/day, with Medicaid and VA coverage), HUD-subsidized housing rents, and Premium Business Services. The Premium Business Services line sells call and contact center operations, document management, and kitting and packaging services to government, nonprofit, and commercial customers, fulfilling a dual mission of creating employment for people with visual impairments while generating revenue. Distribution is primarily direct service delivery through the main facility and two Lighthouse Living Centers, with employees spanning Texas, Michigan, Florida, Arizona, and California. The organization holds HIPAA, Privacy Act, FOIA, and WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance certifications.

The go-to-market combines a community-led model (direct service delivery for individuals who are blind or low vision through facility-based services, community events, and outreach) with a sales-led model for Premium Business Services targeting government agencies, commercial businesses, and nonprofits. Core partnerships with AbilityOne, National Industries for the Blind, University of Houston College of Optometry, and Texas Workforce Commission anchor vocational and employment pipelines. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors with executive leadership including President Jenna Dhayer (29+ years nonprofit experience), Vice Presidents Shelly Zander and Terry Vaughn, and CFO Denise Garcia.

Name

The Lighthouse of Houston

Legal name

Lighthouse for the Blind of Houston

Website

https://houstonlighthouse.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1939

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

The Lighthouse of Houston is a Texas nonprofit founded in 1939 that provides health services, assistive technology training, youth and adult programs, and subsidized housing for individuals who are blind or low vision, while generating revenue through donations, government contracts, and commercial business services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Blind and Low Vision Services

NAICS

Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Health Services (8000)

akta.pro primary industry

Assistive Technology (AT) Access & AAC Access Support (OT-Led) (EDAKAFAG)

Keywords

• Blind and low vision services
• Assistive technology training
• Low vision clinic
• Vocational rehabilitation programs
• Disability employment services

Headquarters

HQ city

Houston

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Fundraising: Charitable donations from individuals, foundations, and community partners who support the mission of enabling people who are blind or low vision to realize their full potential.
2. Premium Business Services: Revenue-generating business services offered to external organizations including call and contact center services, document management, kitting and packaging, and fulfillment services. These services create employment opportunities for people who are blind or low vision.
3. Program Fees: Fees charged for certain programs and services such as Youth Day Camp ($30/day), Adult Day Program ($33/day), and various classes and activities. Some programs offer financial assistance and some are complimentary.
4. Government Contracts and Grants: Funding from government partnerships at local, state, and federal levels to serve people who are blind or low vision. Includes HUD subsidized housing (Section 8) for Lighthouse Living Centers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The Lighthouse of Houston is a nonprofit organization delivering programs and services for individuals who are blind or low vision. Offerings span health services (Low Vision Clinic, behavioral health counseling, Orientation and Mobility training), technology and employment training (JAWS screen reader, Microsoft Office, vocational prep), youth and adult programs (Adult Day Program, Youth Day Camps, choir, art classes), and HUD-subsidized independent apartment living. It also operates Premium Business Services — call center, document management, and kitting/packaging — that generate revenue while employing people who are blind or low vision.

Product overview

The Lighthouse of Houston is a nonprofit organization providing programs and services for people who are blind or low vision. Their offerings span four core service areas: Health Services (including a Low Vision Clinic staffed by optometrists, Behavioral Health Services with counseling and support groups, and Orientation and Mobility training); Technology & Employment Training (technology evaluation, Microsoft Office training with JAWS screen reader, and vocational employment programs); Youth and Adult Programs (Adult Day Program, Youth Day Camps, art classes, tandem biking, choir, and family events); and Independent Apartment Living (Lighthouse Living Centers I and II providing subsidized housing). Additionally, they offer Premium Business Services including Call & Contact Center Services, Document Management Services, and Kitting & Packaging Services—these generate employment for people who are blind or low vision while providing commercial services to government, nonprofit, and business clients. The organization serves over 14,000-25,000 individuals annually with approximately 52-58% of employees being blind or low vision.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Health Services Comprehensive health services for people who are blind or low vision, including a Low Vision Clinic staffed by optometrists, Behavioral Health Services (one-on-one counseling by a Licensed Professional Counselor and support groups), and Orientation and Mobility (O&M) and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) training.
• Low Vision Clinic Eye care clinic staffed by three optometrists providing low vision assessments, prescriptions, prism glasses, vision therapy exercises, and educational resources for individuals with visual impairments.
• Behavioral Health Services Personalized one-on-one counseling provided by a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and complimentary support groups for individuals who are blind or low vision.
• Technology & Employment Training Technology evaluation, job skills development, pre-employment and vocational employment training. Includes Microsoft Office training delivered with JAWS screen reader and adaptive techniques to prepare people who are blind or low vision for the workforce.
• Adult Day Program Licensed program for individuals who are blind, low vision, or have other disabilities providing onsite health assessments, personalized care plans, and daily activities including exercise, games, arts and crafts, cooking, swimming, and field trips. Priced at $33 per day with self-pay, Medicaid, and Veterans Association (VA) options.
• Youth Day Camp Licensed day camp for children ages 5-12 who are blind or low vision and their siblings, featuring STEAM activities, games, swimming, arts and crafts during spring and summer breaks. Priced at $30 per day with financial assistance available.
• Lighthouse Living Centers (Independent Apartment Living) Independent living facilities in Southwest Houston (Lighthouse Living Center I at 10600 Hazen Road and Lighthouse Living Center II at 8650 Wednesbury Lane) offering one and two-bedroom units for low income disabled individuals through HUD 202 and Section 8 subsidized housing programs.
• Call & Contact Center Services 24/7 inbound customer service outsourcing for commercial, nonprofit, and government clients, including inbound calls, help desk support, switchboard operations, appointment setting, dispatching, and order/claims entry. HIPAA compliant.
• Document Management Services Document scanning, tracking, disposition, and audio transcription services including digital mailroom solutions. HIPAA compliant, Privacy Act compliant, and FOIA compliant document handling for commercial, nonprofit, and government clients.
• Kitting & Packaging Services Comprehensive kitting, assembly, folding, labeling, and fulfillment services with over 30 years of experience. Includes kit sustainment, replenishment, and fulfillment for one-time or ongoing projects for government and commercial clients.

Quantifiable outcome

• Serves over 25,000 individuals annually through programs and services
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Ability One ProgramcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAbilityOne Program partnership to provide services, support, and employment opportunities to people who are blind or low vision. The AbilityOne Program creates jobs for people with disabilities through federal procurement.
• National Industries for the BlindcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with National Industries for the Blind to provide employment opportunities and recognition for employees who are blind or low vision.
• University of Houston College of OptometrycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with University of Houston College of Optometry to provide eye care services and training opportunities for optometry students working with blind and low vision clients.
• Texas Workforce CommissioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Texas Workforce Commission to provide vocational rehabilitation services and employment training for people who are blind or low vision.
• Health and Human Services CommissioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Health and Human Services Commission to provide health services and programs for people who are blind or low vision.
• WorkQuestcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with WorkQuest to provide employment opportunities and services for people who are blind or low vision in Texas.
• Achilles International HoustonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Achilles International Houston to host monthly tandem bike rides and inclusive cycling events for the blind and low vision community.
• Creating With Blind AbandonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Creating With Blind Abandon to offer art classes for individuals who are blind or low vision of all ages.
• Houston Area Visually Impaired Network (HAVIN)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with HAVIN to provide services, support, and resources to the visually impaired community in the Houston area.
• VA Long BeachminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGovernment partner receiving kitting and packaging, and fulfillment services.
• University of HoustonminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUniversity partner receiving kitting and packaging, and fulfillment services.
• Texas Department of Criminal JusticeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGovernment partner receiving document management and fulfillment services.
• Railroad Retirement BoardminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGovernment partner receiving document management and fulfillment services.
• Army National GuardminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMilitary partner receiving kitting and packaging, and fulfillment services.
• Bayou City HempminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCommercial partner receiving kitting and packaging services.
• 8th Wonder BreweryminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLocal business partner receiving kitting and packaging services.
• Works WondersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Works Wonders to provide employment opportunities and services for people with disabilities.
• Texas Workforce SolutionscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Texas Workforce Solutions to provide vocational rehabilitation and employment services.
• San Jacinto College OTminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with San Jacinto College Occupational Therapy program for student training and fieldwork opportunities.
• Lone Star College Kingwood OTminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Lone Star College Kingwood Occupational Therapy program for student training and fieldwork opportunities.
• Paw TherapyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Paw Therapy to provide animal-assisted therapy services for clients.
• Stephen F. Austin CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Stephen F. Austin College for student training and fieldwork opportunities. Executive leadership staff member graduated from this institution.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired: Palo Alto-based nonprofit providing rehabilitation, training, and social services for the blind in the San Francisco Bay Area. Comparable in service orientation though smaller and regionally focused compared to LOH.
• Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired: Ohio-based nonprofit serving blind/low vision individuals with rehabilitation, vocational, and assistive technology services. Comparable in mission and service mix but operates in a different single-metro geography.

Direct peers

• Chicago Lighthouse: Mid-size urban nonprofit serving the blind and low vision community with health, vocational, and social services as well as a federal AbilityOne business services program. Comparable in mission, service mix, and revenue model to The Lighthouse of Houston.
• Bosma Enterprises: Indianapolis-based nonprofit serving people who are blind or visually impaired with rehabilitation, training, and contracted business services. Comparable in operating both human services and AbilityOne-aligned business lines.
• Alphapointe: Kansas City-based nonprofit providing rehabilitation, education, and employment services for people who are blind, including an AbilityOne business services program. Strong direct peer in the multi-service blind/low vision nonprofit category.
• LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired: San Francisco-based nonprofit serving blind and low vision individuals across the Bay Area with adaptive training, employment services, and assistive technology. Comparable peer in mission, geography of key urban service area, and service mix.
• Outlook Nebraska: Nebraska-based nonprofit operating an AbilityOne business services program (contact center, kitting, packaging) on behalf of people who are blind or visually impaired. Direct peer in the commercial employment-of-the-blind line of business.
• Lighthouse Guild: New York-based nonprofit providing vision health services, behavioral health, and workforce development for people with vision loss. Directly comparable in its combination of clinical, vocational, and social services for the blind/low vision community.

Emerging players

• Perkins School for the Blind: Massachusetts-based nonprofit historically focused on K-12 education for the blind but increasingly expanding adult services and workforce programs. Comparable in mission space but with a different primary service mix (education-led).

Broad incumbents

• NIB / National Industries for the Blind: National umbrella nonprofit that partners with 90+ affiliated agencies (including LOH) to provide employment opportunities and federal procurement contracts for people who are blind. Comparable as the larger ecosystem orchestrator that LOH participates in.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/HouLighthouse
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC6T5HFG-Y_YHMpvvAnKE9Qw/about
• Facebookfacebook.com/TheLighthouseofHouston
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-lighthouse-of-houston
• Instagraminstagram.com/thelighthouseofhouston

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Lighthouse of Houston