Formerly San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind and Vision Impaired

Israel Bolivar has reached another milestone in his career at Vibrant Works.

After working as a sander in our manufacturing department, Israel was named Vibrant Works' 2025 Employee of the Year and later received the Peter J. Salmon National Employee of the Year Award from National Industries for the Blind.

Now, he is beginning a new role as Independent Living Skills Trainer at our Center for Independence, where he will work with people with vision loss as they build practical skills and greater confidence in their independence.

For Israel, who lost his sight as a child, the opportunity is especially personal.

"My goal was always to work with the blind and visually impaired community and help people become more independent," Israel said. "I've always wanted to share the knowledge and skills I have with others who are learning how to understand and overcome their vision loss."

His own experience gives him a unique perspective as he begins supporting people who may be adjusting to vision loss at different stages of life.

"If I can give them that extra boost of confidence and show them they are able to do it, that's what it means to me," Israel said. "I want to be able to help them."

Congratulations, Israel. Your story continues to inspire all of us at Vibrant Works!

Israel was featured in the San Antonio Express-News this week, where he shared more about his journey and his new role helping people with vision loss build greater independence.

Earlier this month, Alfonso Rivas traveled from El Paso to take part in the Senior Keys to Independence Program (SKIP), a weeklong independent living skills training program for older adults with vision loss hosted at Vibrant Works.

At a crosswalk outside, Alfonso listened for the pedestrian signal, swept his white cane across the textured surface and stepped forward with guidance from Orientation & Mobility Specialist Nettie Grote.

Throughout the week, Vibrant Works trainers provided hands-on instruction in white cane travel, navigating stairs and crosswalks, preparing meals, organizing clothing and using adaptive tools and assistive technology.

"I learned how to use a white cane and cross the street using the sound from the traffic light," Alfonso said. "I learned a lot, and I'm very grateful for this program."

After experiencing progressive vision loss for the past five years, Alfonso said he especially valued learning from trainers who understand many of the challenges firsthand.

"Many of the trainers have vision loss, too," he said. "They have been where we are, so they understand and can teach us a lot."

For Alfonso, the week reinforced an important message he hopes others adjusting to vision loss will hear.

"There is a lot of help available," he said. "I encourage people who are losing their sight to reach out."