Formerly San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind and Vision Impaired

Join us for a wild and immersive evening at The Ralston, the San Antonio Zoo’s stunning new event space, as we reimagine Dining in the Dark — our signature fundraising event.

Enjoy an unforgettable evening of fine dining, sensory discovery and wild purpose — all in support of empowerment and independence for individuals with vision loss.

Mark your calendars for Friday, Feb. 13 and prepare to Unleash Your Senses.

We proudly hosted our second annual White Cane Safety Day on Oct. 15, bringing together employees, corporate partners and local leaders to honor the white cane as a universal symbol of independence for people who are blind or visually impaired.

The morning began with a march led by our employees, all proudly wearing purple T-shirts with the word “Limitless” across the front.

Following the march, we were honored to welcome District 3 Councilwoman Phyllis Viagran, who shared her support for the event and the meaning of the white cane.

“It’s not just a tool; it’s a beacon of freedom,” Viagran said.

Our President and CEO Cindy Watson spoke about how White Cane Safety Day reflects the organization’s mission of empowerment and inclusion.

“The white cane enables us to navigate life, be independent and live fulfilled lives,” Watson said.

What inspired you to join the Vibrant Works board?

My mother, who at 89 years old is an incredible inspiration to me, is the reason I joined the Vibrant Works Board. Despite facing significant vision loss due to glaucoma, uveitis, and retinal issues, she maintains an incredibly positive attitude. Her resilience in the face of frequent eye injections, implant trials, and other treatments to manage her eye pressure, light sensitivity, and eye pain have deeply moved me and solidified my commitment to supporting an organization like Vibrant Works that improves the lives of others facing similar challenges.

What do you love the most about Vibrant Works?

What resonates most with me is Vibrant Works' commitment to empowering individuals with vision loss. I love how the organization has a proactive approach to engaging Board members through various events which allows us to connect directly with the mission.

I was especially grateful for the opportunity to learn about and access resources like extra-large magnifying glasses, protective sleep masks, and specialized glasses that could benefit my mom. Touring the military uniform manufacturing facility was fascinating, and I look forward to our upcoming visit to Lackland Base Supply Center to deepen my understanding of the organization's business. Volunteering at the Easter Egg Hunt and Golf Outing and attending Dining in the Dark for the second time were also rewarding experiences.

Furthermore, I deeply admire Cindy's bold leadership, the awesome executive team she has assembled, and her courageous, hands-on approach. I must also add that her skydiving demonstration at the golf outing perfectly exemplifies her dedication and spirit of adventure!

As October comes to a close, Vibrant Works is proud to have joined organizations across the country in celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) and recognizing the many contributions of people with disabilities in the workplace.

This year’s theme, “Celebrating Value and Talent,” highlights the importance of creating inclusive workplaces that embrace the skills of all workers.

At Vibrant Works, we empower people with vision loss through meaningful employment and training opportunities. We employ nearly 200 individuals who are blind or visually impaired, whose talent and dedication strengthen our military, commercial partners, and community every day.