As a Mechanical Contractor we have gotten the opportunity to work with a lot of amazing clients and customers over the past 26 years. Not only do we enjoy working for our customers we also enjoy telling their stories, which is why we have created the Customer Profile section of our blog so our readers can get to know what fantastic businesses make up the Spokane Community. To kick things off I'll be turning the focus over to an incredible organization located in North Spokane: Lighthouse for the Blind NW.
A few months ago Kristin and I had the pleasure of meeting with Lighthouse for the Blind's Facilities Director, Marv Smilden. Marv was kind enough to give us a tour of the facility and explained to us a little more about what Lighthouse stands for and does for the Spokane Community.
The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is a private,
not-for-profit social enterprise providing employment, support, and
training opportunities for people who are blind, Deaf-Blind, and blind
with other disabilities. The Lighthouse has provided employment and
support to blind people in our community since 1918.
Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. opened their first satellite operation in Spokane in 2008. Before they could begin the hiring process, Marv helped to ensure all the equipment brought into the facility was blind friendly. In order to ensure this, Marv had to modify most of the equipment. This meant adding braille, lights, hand breaks, and safety shields. Lighthouse hired their first blind employee in June of 2008 and has since added 57 employees, 87% being visually impaired.
The Spokane Facility currently manufactures Quartet/SKILCRAFT co-branded
wallboards, hanging file folders, spring-back binders, paper trimmers,
and dry-erase easels. They also just secured a Military contract and will begin manufacturing tri-fold shovels.The facility also tries to ensure it's environmental friendly as well. Any product that does not meet their standards of quality is donated to local teachers and schools or is recycled.
Being a non-profit organization, Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc., relies on community members to sustain and grow employment opportunities for the visually impaired in Eastern Washington. If you'd like to find out how you can help this wonderful organization please contact Development Director Kirk Laughlin at (206) 436-2253 or via e-mail at klaughlin@seattlelh.org.
