Mission Moment: Melissa Chavira
On a typical Tuesday morning, San Antonio Lighthouse Reception Specialist Melissa Chavira is busy answering phone calls and replying to emails. She's completely blind and only a few weeks on the job, but you wouldn’t know it.

Melissa was diagnosed with Juvenile Open Angle Glaucoma at 15 years old and lost her vision in 2017. That’s the same year she received assistive technology training at the San Antonio Lighthouse.

 “When I started training, it gave me a whole new way of thinking and living,” Melissa said. “I had just lost my sight and I was thinking I wouldn’t be able to navigate the world, but once I came to the Lighthouse and trained, I got a positive outlook and a can-do attitude. I’m not going to let any barriers come between me and my goals.”
In addition to working full-time at the San Antonio Lighthouse, Melissa is a full-time student. She’s earning her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Texas A&M San Antonio. Her first master’s degree is in English and her bachelor’s degree is in History.

Melissa’s goal is to work with vision impaired and blind people who are struggling with their mental health. She also hopes to offer couples therapy on the side. 
Melissa Chavira sitting in front of her desk smiling at the camera.
Golf Tournament:
"Fore" the Blind Charity Scramble
Join us for our 14th Annual “Fore” the Blind Charity Scramble at Canyon Spring Golf Club on Nov. 16, 2022. 
 
This one-of-a-kind golf tournament will feature foursomes paired with one of the world’s best blind golfers. 
 
Proceeds from the event will benefit programs at the Lighthouse that increase the independence of individuals who are blind and vision impaired.
 
Last year, the Lighthouse provided more than 23,000 services to roughly 7,000 San Antonians.
 
You can help us empower even more people who are blind and vision impaired by supporting our event. 
San Antonio Lighthouse Board Members Bruce and Judy Hooper stand on a golf course with four golfers holding golf clubs.
Need Help Finding Employment?
We’re looking for THREE people who are blind and visually impaired to join our Ticket to Work program!
 
This program will help you:
 
  • Develop a customized employment plan that works for you
  • Access technology training, braille, computer classes and computer skill training
  • Update your resume and refine our job search
  • Connect and apply for job opportunities
  • Receive job coaching and on-site support
  • Move toward your long-term career goal
  • Determine how work will impact your benefits
  • Become financially self-sufficient
 
*This program is for people ages 18-64 who are currently receiving SSI or SSDI and
want to find employment. Our service area includes the following counties:
Bexar, Guadalupe, Medina, Comal, Bandera, Kendall, Atascosa, Wilson and Kerr.
 
For more information, email [email protected] or call 210-531-1547.
 
Meet the Board: Edward L. Johnson

Why do you serve on the San Antonio Lighthouse Board?

I serve on the San Antonio Lighthouse Board because one of the biggest barriers to equity in education, healthcare, employment and recreation for people with disabilities and/or other disadvantages in life is access to dependable transportation. My sincere belief is there must be a bridge between the advocacy/training and the transportation provider to truly understand the needs and roles of both parties. The San Antonio Lighthouse is the perfect organization to meet my philosophy and community service needs.