September Highlights: Big Give Success, Elizabeth’s Story + More

Formerly San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind and Vision Impaired

Thank You for Making The Big Give a Success!

Thanks to the generosity of our Vibrant Works community, we raised $16,375 during The Big Give, surpassing our $15,000 goal!

These gifts will help children with vision loss experience Camp Aranzazu, where they can try new adventures, build confidence, gain independence and create lasting memories.

To everyone who donated, shared our campaign, attended an event or helped spread the word, thank you for making this possible.

We are grateful for your support and for helping children with vision loss thrive.

Blue “Thank you!” graphic for The Big Give featuring three photos of people with vision loss and their families enjoying time together. The Vibrant Works and Big Give logos appear along the bottom with the website vibrantworks.org/biggive2026.

Elizabeth’s story: Finding new ways to stay independent

Elizabeth Swayze taught history for 39 years. As macular degeneration affected her vision, she looked for new ways to stay independent.

That search led her to Vibrant Works and the SKIP program, where she recently spent a week in independent living skills training alongside other older adults experiencing vision loss.

Elizabeth practiced cooking, kitchen safety and everyday tasks using adaptive tools and techniques. She also learned about assistive technology that can make daily routines easier.

“The great thing about this program is that it shows you how to adapt,” Elizabeth said. “You are not limited when you have low vision.”

She also valued learning alongside others who were going through similar experiences.

“We’ve learned that we are not out here alone,” she said.

Her takeaway was simple: “You don’t have to be dependent when you lose your eyesight. You can be independent.”

Elizabeth Swayze pours an ingredient into a measuring cup as Beckie Nollendorfs, Independent Living Skills Trainer at Vibrant Works, assists during a hands-on cooking activity.

Become a certified Healthy Steps for Older Adults workshop leader

Vibrant Works is offering a training for individuals interested in becoming certified workshop leaders for Healthy Steps for Older Adults (HSOA).

HSOA is an evidence-based falls prevention program for adults 50 and older. Workshop leaders help participants identify fall risks and learn practical ways to stay safe and independent.

Details:

Oct. 7–8, 2026
9 a.m.–4 p.m.
310 Eads Ave., San Antonio, TX 78210

The training is provided at no cost and includes three online modules and two days of in-person instruction. Participants must agree to lead at least one HSOA workshop each calendar year.

For more information, contact Beverly Broom at 210-531-1435 or bbroom@vibrantworks.org.

Smiling older man in an orange polo shirt holding a white cane against a bright turquoise background.

Meet the Board: AB Mendez

What inspired you to join the Vibrant Works board?

I had a desire to volunteer with a high-quality, community-oriented organization in San Antonio where I could potentially make a positive impact. I was introduced to Vibrant Works by dear friends Margaret Velasquez and Tom Stringfellow. I toured Vibrant Works and was touched and inspired by the work the organization does and the many ways it benefits people who are blind or have vision loss in our community.

What do you love most about Vibrant Works?

What I love most about Vibrant Works is the benefit it delivers to people who are blind or have vision loss, that the organization is always looking for new ways to serve its clients and that it continues working to increase the number of people it can reach with its existing services.

I also love that it brings together sighted people who are passionate about the mission and want to contribute.

And, of course, the people! You have an incredible team at Vibrant Works, and you have also attracted some amazing board members. I hope a little of that rubs off on me.

Graphic featuring Vibrant Works board member AB Mendez beside a quote that reads, “What I love most about Vibrant Works is the people and the impact the organization has on people who are blind or have vision loss.”