Formerly San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind and Vision Impaired

Vibrant Works President and CEO Cindy Watson, Board of Directors and team members, came together to celebrate the 2025–2026 Emma Freeman Scholarship recipients during a special reception last week.

Established in 1970, the Emma Freeman College Scholarship Fund was created to support students with vision loss in pursuing higher education. This year, Vibrant Works awarded $17,200 in scholarships to 13 outstanding students, bringing the program's total to 418 scholarships and nearly $750,000 awarded since its inception. 

Congratulations to this year’s recipients: Jesus Anchondo, Kiyoe Cook Kroeger, Shawn Digby, Timothy Edwards, Arianna Espinoza, Chase Gilson, Anthony Guzman, Justin Hester, Victoria Navarro, Avery Neale, Ghania Oussaci, Ailina Rossetti, and Tre’Vaughn Smith.

“We couldn’t be more proud of each of you,” President and CEO Cindy Watson said. “Be resilient. Know that with hard work comes much success. Keep up the hard work, and lean on mentors and friends who have paved the way before you.”

The event also featured inspiring remarks from Board Chair Tom Stringfellow, Necola Glaze, student compliance coordinator for Alamo Colleges District, and a video message from former recipient Atreyu Dunson, encouraging students to stay focused and keep moving forward.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating this remarkable group of students. 

Vibrant Works has been hosting a series of customer appreciation events across its Base Supply Centers (BSCs) to thank the customers and partners who help power our mission.

As part of the AbilityOne Program, our BSCs provide essential products and services to military and government customers while creating meaningful employment opportunities for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. We have grown into a national network of 13 BSCs located on federal installations across Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.

Recent events at Randolph, Lackland and Cannon BSCs featured good food, great company, and a chance to connect with those we serve. These gatherings offer meaningful opportunities to show appreciation and strengthen relationships within the military community.

We look forward to hosting more appreciation events in the coming weeks and continuing to celebrate the partnerships that make our mission possible. Thank you to everyone who has joined us so far, and to our BSC teams, for their continued dedication.

Get ready to swing into action! The Mission City Golf Classic: A Charity Tournament FORE Empowerment will take place Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, at the beautiful Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa.

Enjoy a premier golf tournament, hands-on Mission Mini Challenges that highlight the capabilities of people with vision loss, and the excitement of a helicopter golf ball drop. Breakfast and lunch will be provided to keep you fueled for the day.

All proceeds support Vibrant Works’ mission to empower people with vision loss to live independently, build meaningful careers, and thrive.

What inspired you to join the Vibrant Works board?

When I toured the facility for the first time and spoke with some of the employees, I was instantly impressed by their work ethic. Their sense of joy and pride in their work made me want to be a part of Vibrant Works’ mission. 

What do you love the most about Vibrant Works?

I love how Vibrant Works creates opportunities for individuals who are visually impaired to have enriched lives through employment and services it provides. The organization genuinely cares about its employees and supports any initiatives that foster career development.

When did you join the Vibrant Works board?

I applied for Board membership in 2022 and began my first year on the Board in January 2023.

What is a fun fact about you?

I was an aspiring singer and actress at one time. I’ve been in a few independent films, commercials, and corporate videos. I even recorded a vocal demo in Nashville in 2005.

What is your occupation?



I am an Assurance Partner. In this role, I manage and oversee an assurance practice that provides audit services to non-profit organizations.

Thank you, Natalie Khun, for your leadership and support on the Vibrant Works board.

Don’t miss the live audio described performance of “Hairspray” on Sunday, Aug. 17, at 2 p.m. at San Pedro Playhouse.

Audio description offers real time narration of the onstage action including costumes, dance moves, and facial expressions, allowing people with vision loss to fully experience the magic of theater.

Guests can access audio description by visiting the table to the left in the lobby to check out a receiver and over the ear headphone (ID required).

Tickets range from $20 to $50, with discounts available for children, students, older adults, military, and first responders. Save $10 with promo code AUDIOH10.