Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches announced today they are separating from Gulfstream Goodwill Industries (GGI) after 13 years. Lighthouse, served the blind and visually impaired community from 1946 to 2006 in the original Dixie Highway location in downtown West Palm Beach. In 2007, the agency partnered with GGI and in 2008 moved to its current location on Tiffany Drive in Mangonia Park.
“We are appreciative of the support and guidance GGI provided over the years, however, it’s time that the organization do as we encourage each of our clients to do and that’s to develop our capabilities to the fullest and return to being a fully independent organization once again,” said Donté Mickens, Chairman of the Lighthouse Board of Directors.
The transition plans for the separation include:
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Relocating to a new facility adjacent to the JFK North Medical Center just off I-95 in West Palm Beach. The current office will close permanently on Thursday, December 24. We expect the new office to open sometime in January, 2021.
- Mary Allen, the longtime Director of Vision Services will remain at the helm of the organization as the Interim Executive Director. All staff will retain their current employment.
- Lighthouse is unveiling a new corporate logo and tagline that incorporates the 75th Anniversary celebration in 2021!
- This Illuminations newsletter, the website, stationary, signage and social media all reflect the new logo as well.
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The marquee event of the 75th celebration is the “Eye Ball” set for April 15, 2021. Sponsorships are now available visit our website for details.
“These changes are an exciting new chapter in our 75 year legacy”, said Mickens. “These changes however, will not deter from our mission, as Lighthouse will always remain focused on providing essential services for those with visual impairments. We expect no disruptions during the transition to the over 2,000 clients in the five county area we serve.”
Visit our new website address www.lhpb.org or visit our Facebook page for updates and reopening dates.