Dear LightHouse Community,

This year ahead marks a new chapter for the LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired San Francisco. On the heels of a successful, yet challenging year where the number of people served increased by 48% and direct services by 36% in 2025, we must remain resilient and resourceful in 2026.

Budget

On January 17, the Board of Directors passed a new budget resolution focused on stabilizing and strengthening the organization. The resolution approves the current FY26 budget, which includes an $8.8 million deficit, with a requirement to reduce the deficit to $6 million in FY27 and $4 million in FY28. As we work toward meeting our FY27 financial target by fall 2026, we intend to pursue collaborative solutions to grow revenue, including fundraising, while also carefully considering potential cost reductions, all of this in partnership with management, our union, and the community.

Leadership and Strategic Plan Updates

We will shortly restart our search for a permanent CEO, with the goal to hire them by this summer. This way, they can be involved in the FY27 budget planning process. We will also be revisiting our Strategic Plan, adjusting it as necessary to reflect our current and future reality.

In other changes, after ten years of service, Jennison Asuncion has informed the Board and management of his decision to step away from the Board effective April 30.  Jennison explained that given the numerous commitments he has on his plate, including: being Vice-Chair of a foundation he helped start, running an annual digital accessibility conference, in addition to his day job, he can no longer give the LightHouse the adequate and dedicated attention it deserves during this consequential period. The board is incredibly grateful for his time and leadership.

Thank You for Your Support

As we navigate this period, we thank you for staying engaged, supporting fundraising efforts and events, and advancing the initiatives already underway.

Your dedication is what makes LightHouse strong, and it will be essential as we work together toward long‑term sustainability. We invite you to support our team and mission: https://lighthouse-sf.org/get-involved/support-lighthouse/.