Logo Vibrant Works Empowering People with Vison Loss

Formerly San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind and Vision Impaired


Vibrant Works Hosts Mission City Golf Classic

Vibrant Works hosted the Mission City Golf Classic on Sept. 19 at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa, and it was a soaring success! The tournament brought together community supporters, business leaders, and partners in support of our mission to empower people with vision loss.


The day began with a thrilling skydive by President and CEO Cindy Watson, followed by our signature helicopter golf ball drop. Golfers then enjoyed a full day of competition, camaraderie, and mission-driven fun.


This year’s success was made possible through the generous support of our sponsors:


DOCUmation • Essendant • Gordon Hartman Family Foundation • Capital Leather • Valero • GMS Industrial Supply • ADKF • Frost Bank • Hancock Whitney • SWBC • UnitedHealthcare • Total Office Solutions • Marsh McLennan Agency • Rosenblatt Law Firm • Segra • Belleville Boot Co. • Bottom Line Military Sales • eProcurement Services • Kenyon • Pearle Vision • S.P. Richards • The PE Miles Group


We also extend our gratitude to the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa for hosting this year’s event.


“Community support is what makes this tournament so meaningful,” Vibrant Works President and CEO Cindy Watson said. “Together, we are creating life-changing opportunities for individuals with vision loss.”


Thank you to every golfer, sponsor and volunteer who made this year’s Mission City Golf Classic unforgettable.

Vibrant Works President and CEO Cindy Watson skydiving with a parachute during the Mission City Golf Classic.
Vibrant Works President and CEO Cindy Watson smiles for a photo with Bruce and Judy Hooper.
Golf balls fall from a helicopter onto the green during the Helicopter Golf Ball Drop.
 

Vibrant Works Celebrates Falls Prevention Awareness Week with Open House

Vibrant Works celebrated Falls Prevention Awareness Week, Sept. 22–27, with an open house at its Center for Independence, in partnership with the National Council on Aging (NCOA). The event offered older adults with vision loss practical tools and strategies to prevent falls and stay safe.


Falls are a leading cause of injury for adults 65 and older, but research shows that simple lifestyle adjustments and evidence-based programs can significantly reduce the risk.


Attendees participated in safety demonstrations, smartphone training, falls risk assessments, orientation and mobility activities, and explored a Low Vision pop-up store.


Juanita Huerta, 69, who has vision loss, began attending Vibrant Works’ Falls Prevention Workshops in February and shared how the program has impacted her life.


“I fell and cracked my hip,” Huerta said. “Since starting the program, I’ve learned how to prevent falls and how to get up safely from the floor or bed. I’ve learned to take my time and move differently, and it’s made a big difference.”


Vibrant Works remains committed to providing hands-on education and practical strategies to help older adults with vision loss prevent falls, maintain independence, and live safely.


To learn more or to register for a Falls Prevention Workshop, click here.

Juanita Huerta completes a falls risk assessment at Vibrant Works Center for Independence.
 

Vibrant Works CEO Elected to Lead NAEPB   

Vibrant Works proudly announces that President and CEO Cindy Watson has been elected President of the National Association for the Employment of People Who Are Blind (NAEPB). Watson succeeds Jeff Mittman, President and CEO of Bosma Enterprises, who was recently appointed to the U.S. AbilityOne Commission by President Donald J. Trump. 


Watson previously served as Executive Vice President of NAEPB, where she worked closely with Mittman and other national leaders to advance employment opportunities for individuals who are blind. 

Headshot of Vibrant Works President and CEO Cindy Watson smiling and holding her white cane.
 

Meet the Board: Margaret Velasquez

What inspired you to join the Vibrant Works board?


What inspired me most are the people I’ve been fortunate to meet throughout my career—mentors, colleagues, and community leaders, who lead with integrity and purpose. Their actions and values left a lasting impression on me. I believe these aren’t traits you can teach, they’re lived every day, through quiet commitment and a genuine desire to serve. 


Over the years, I’ve been lucky to work with people and organizations who truly care about their communities. It’s something I also tried to pass on to my kids, taking them with me to volunteer at church, local events, and community projects. I think those shared moments helped build the foundation for the compassionate, driven people they’ve become. 


When I learned more about Vibrant Works, it just felt like the right place to be. The mission, the people, the impact, it all resonated with me. Being a part of this board was a way for me to continue giving back, to lend my time and voice to something that matters, and to help make a real difference in people’s lives. 


What do you love the most about Vibrant Works?


What I love most about Vibrant Works is how they lead with heart and purpose. There’s no disconnect between their mission and their actions. I felt their genuine care and commitment to every service they provided to those who are blind or vision impaired. It’s what makes being a part of this organization so meaningful.  


When did you join the Vibrant Works board?


I joined the Vibrant Works board in January 2024, serving initially on the Mission Advancement Committee. Today, I am honored to be the Program Committee Chair and also serve on both the Governance Committee and the Mission Advancement Committee. 


What is a fun fact about you?


Most people don’t know that I married my best friend and high school sweetheart. We’ve been together for 33 years and have two wonderful children. What makes our story even more special is that we’ve raised two incredible children who both chose to pursue careers in medicine. Our son, who is 31, is currently a student doctor, graduating in 2027. Our daughter, at 27, is already a doctor and surgeon in training.  


People often ask how we managed to raise two children who both chose careers in medicine, and my answer is always the same. We never told them what they should be, we simply supported them unconditionally and gave them the freedom to explore their own passions and who they wanted to become. 


Looking back, the signs were there early. I remember coming home from work to find them in the kitchen, carefully sewing the chicken I had planned to cook for dinner, or dissecting grapes. I actually have pictures of those moments, and I can’t wait to show them to their kids one day. One could say they were literally playing with their food!  


Those little moments, although simple, made me realize that the most meaningful thing I could have given them wasn’t a set path, but the space to follow their hearts, make their own choices, and grow into who they are now. 


And of course, we now joke that they’re our future medical plan, but honestly, watching them practice empathy and compassion in their work, always helping others is something that fills me with pride and joy every single day. 


What is your occupation?



I’m an Investment Client Services Manager. I manage client relationships, focusing on reaching out to new clients and supporting existing ones in the San Antonio area. My role allows me to connect with people and make a positive impact through financial services.


Thank you, Margaret, for your leadership and support on the Vibrant Works Board.

Headshot of Vibrant Works Board member Margaret Velasquez smiling.
 
Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn  Web