LightHouse will be closed on Monday, May 27 for the Memorial Day holiday.
The week's events
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AARP Tax-Aide Program (in-person)
AARP Tax-Aide Program (in-person)
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Apr 1LightHouse is again partnering with AARP’s Tax-Aide Program to provide free tax filing support at 1155 Market Street this tax filing season. AARP will be at LightHouse HQ on Mondays and Thursdays from February 5 – April 11, 2024 and Wednesdays February 21 and 28 & March 13 and 27.
Appointments are required and they can be made for 9:30 am, 11 am, and 12:30 pm. Appointments can be scheduled by leaving a voicemail at 415-694-7648 or completing the AARP Tax-Aide at LightHouse RSVP form.
This is open to anyone who needs support filing their federal and California state tax returns for the tax years 2023, 2022, 2021, and 2020. (note: each year requires a separate appointment and we will only be completing 2023 tax returns in February). There is no requirement based on age, income level, or San Francisco residency.
Please bring with you:
- Your tax paperwork you’ve received in the mail
- A copy of your social security card
- A copy of your photo ID
- If you are eligible for a refund and would like it deposited directly into your account, please bring a voided check. If you do not have a voided check, your refund check will be mailed to you via USPS.
Out of Scope:
If any of these situations apply to you, you may be out of scope for AARP. If you think that you are out of scope, please feel free to call us so that we can confirm.
- If you do not have health insurance, we cannot prepare your tax return. Apologies, but this is due to the California mandate that requires everybody to have health insurance, which results in tax complications.
- If you have tax deductible contributions to an HSA account, we cannot prepare your tax return. This is due to the differences in Federal and California tax law and is complicated.
- If you have rental income, we cannot prepare your tax return.
- If you are in a civil union or married filing separately, we cannot prepare your tax return. This is due to the differences in Federal and California tax law.
- If you’re self-employed, and want to declare your health insurance premiums as an expense, and are receiving premium tax credits (via CoveredCA), we cannot prepare your tax return.
- If you have rental property, we cannot prepare your return.
- If you have a dependent child with unearned income subject to the “Kiddie Tax”, we cannot prepare your return.
- If you are self-employed and, due to the pandemic, you deferred paying your Self-Employment tax, have a PPP loan, or took Covid sick leave, we cannot prepare your return.
- If you own a business with employees and/or inventory, we cannot prepare your return. You would be wise to hire a professional tax preparer.
- If you have hobby income or not for profit activity, we cannot prepare your return.
There are some specific requirements and not all taxes will be able to be completed by AARP volunteers; these will be addressed when the appointments are made.
If you have any questions, please call 415-694-7648 or email info@lighthouse-sf.org
Vision, Peer-led Support Group (online)Vision, Peer-led Support Group (online)
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Apr 1Vision is a peer-led drop-in support group that runs on a 12-week cycle of topics based on Hannah Fairbairn’s 2019 book, “When You Can't Believe Your Eyes: Vision Loss and Personal Recovery”. Every first and third Monday of the month, we meet to discuss different topics and share our experiences, thoughts, and knowledge. We are people with similar experiences who genuinely want to support one another in all aspects of living independently with our changing vision. Each week the topics are independent, so you can join the group at any week. Reading is not required. However, if you would like topic details beyond our discussions, please refer to the book which is available on BARD (DBC11619).
April 1 Chapter 2 delves into the challenges individuals face upon returning home after experiencing sudden or gradual sight loss, particularly focusing on financial, employment, and housing aspects.
April 15: Chapter 3 explores the journey of rebuilding self-trust after experiencing sight loss, touching on the dislocation of identity, challenges in perception, and the importance of personal agency.
RSVP online for Vision Peer-Led Support Group to Sabrina Bolus at Sbolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7607.
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The Blind Telephone Network (dial-in)
The Blind Telephone Network (dial-in)
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Apr 2Announcing the Blind Telephone Network 2024 program
The Blind Telephone network, originally founded by blind veterans, now is pleased to welcome all blind and low vision folks to join in phone calls will be held on Tuesday and Thursday of each week.
Tuesdays programs are what we call chit chat and chew the fat. During these sessions, most topics are acceptable; however, we refrain from discussing politics and religion. Prayer requests are acceptable, but will not be done during the call. This is a time for socializing, and sharing our experiences with blindness, in order to help others develop independence and self-confidence.
On Thursdays, we emphasize education, travel, technology, history, entertainment, and innovative role-models, etc.. These sessions will feature presenters on such topics as: Lewis and Clark expedition, Mt. Rushmore, railroad history and the mob museum in Las Vegas, Nevada.We encourage suggestions for topics or locations from our participants.
All sessions last for one (1) hour and start on time.
The call in number is: 605-475-5620, and the access code is: 3789127#. If you plan to save these numbers in your contacts, I recommend inserting two (2) commas between the main number and the access code.
Those wishing to receive an e-mail reminder for upcoming sessions or links provided by the presenter, should:
Send an e-mail to Doc Eudaly at deteacha@sbcglobal.net. Please put your full name, phone number, and email address in the body of your e-mail.
Calls for 2024 will begin on Tuesday, January 9.
For Thursday, January 11, our initial program will be on the FDR Memorial in Washington, DC. We hope to hear you on these free telephone calls, where you can both learn and contribute
On behalf of the founding members,
Douglas “Doc” Eudaly, PH,D
1-559-999-2625
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Stress Reduction & Meditation (online)
Stress Reduction & Meditation (online)
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Apr 3We offer a series of short, meditation-based practices each Wednesday morning for relaxation and stress reduction. The group is appropriate for beginners and advanced practitioners, and instruction is provided in all aspects of the practice. Instructor Ellen Simpson will be leading. Everyone is welcome as little or often as they like. Dial in, find a comfortable position, breathe deeply, clear your head, and de-stress.
RSVP online for Stress Reduction & Meditation or to Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7607.
Gratitude VIBES (April 2024)Gratitude VIBES (April 2024)
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Apr 3Gratitude-VIBES are Visually Impaired Blind Energizing Sessions. Please join us for an inspiring series of student presentations, individual check-ins, and gratitude-closers.
April 3: Sharing Tips for Decluttering Our Spaces
April 10: Adult Program Coordinator, Maia Scott shares a favorite writing by Pixie LightHouse honoring change and letting go.
April17: It's Music Appreciation Week, where we celebrate the power of music to evoke gratitude. Share your special song and the reasons behind your gratitude as we elevate spirits in our Visually Impaired Blind Energizing Sessions.
April 24: The Tao of Pooh, the book offers a refreshing and lighthearted perspective on life's journey. The Tao of Pooh is about “how to stay happy and calm in all circumstances.” Benjamin Hoff uses the characters and stories from Winnie-the-Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner to explain this concept. This week, we will discuss Pooh.
RSVP online to Gratitude VIBES or to Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7607.
Goalball with BORP (in-person)Goalball with BORP (in-person)
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Apr 3Bay Are Outreach and Recreation Program (BORP) Goalball Practice is a fun way to get exercise and meet new people. The practice is designed for beginners and experienced players. If you do not have your own equipment, we can provide you with both elbow and knee pads and eyeshades.
When: Wednesdays, from 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Where: The gym is located at 2100 Browning St. BerkeleyFor more details, please contact Brandon Young brandon@borp.org
Please note - Proof of full vaccination is required and will be checked for new participants.
-
AARP Tax-Aide Program (in-person)
AARP Tax-Aide Program (in-person)
–
Apr 4LightHouse is again partnering with AARP’s Tax-Aide Program to provide free tax filing support at 1155 Market Street this tax filing season. AARP will be at LightHouse HQ on Mondays and Thursdays from February 5 – April 11, 2024 and Wednesdays February 21 and 28 & March 13 and 27.
Appointments are required and they can be made for 9:30 am, 11 am, and 12:30 pm. Appointments can be scheduled by leaving a voicemail at 415-694-7648 or completing the AARP Tax-Aide at LightHouse RSVP form.
This is open to anyone who needs support filing their federal and California state tax returns for the tax years 2023, 2022, 2021, and 2020. (note: each year requires a separate appointment and we will only be completing 2023 tax returns in February). There is no requirement based on age, income level, or San Francisco residency.
Please bring with you:
- Your tax paperwork you’ve received in the mail
- A copy of your social security card
- A copy of your photo ID
- If you are eligible for a refund and would like it deposited directly into your account, please bring a voided check. If you do not have a voided check, your refund check will be mailed to you via USPS.
Out of Scope:
If any of these situations apply to you, you may be out of scope for AARP. If you think that you are out of scope, please feel free to call us so that we can confirm.
- If you do not have health insurance, we cannot prepare your tax return. Apologies, but this is due to the California mandate that requires everybody to have health insurance, which results in tax complications.
- If you have tax deductible contributions to an HSA account, we cannot prepare your tax return. This is due to the differences in Federal and California tax law and is complicated.
- If you have rental income, we cannot prepare your tax return.
- If you are in a civil union or married filing separately, we cannot prepare your tax return. This is due to the differences in Federal and California tax law.
- If you’re self-employed, and want to declare your health insurance premiums as an expense, and are receiving premium tax credits (via CoveredCA), we cannot prepare your tax return.
- If you have rental property, we cannot prepare your return.
- If you have a dependent child with unearned income subject to the “Kiddie Tax”, we cannot prepare your return.
- If you are self-employed and, due to the pandemic, you deferred paying your Self-Employment tax, have a PPP loan, or took Covid sick leave, we cannot prepare your return.
- If you own a business with employees and/or inventory, we cannot prepare your return. You would be wise to hire a professional tax preparer.
- If you have hobby income or not for profit activity, we cannot prepare your return.
There are some specific requirements and not all taxes will be able to be completed by AARP volunteers; these will be addressed when the appointments are made.
If you have any questions, please call 415-694-7648 or email info@lighthouse-sf.org
Little Learners Playgroup (online)Little Learners Playgroup (online)
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Apr 4Bring your giggles and wiggles to Little Learners weekly Zoom Playgroup, Thursdays from 9:30am - 10:15am. Enjoy fun activities with your little one, ages 0-6, while learning strategies to support your child's visual, sensory, motor and concept development. Connect with other families who understand and share your experience raising a child who is blind, has low vision, or Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI). Weekly activities are designed to be accessible for all, and to build upon monthly themes that you can integrate into your family routines. All are welcome!
For more information or to register, please email Jacqueline Barden at littlelearners@lighthouse-sf.org or call 415-694-7657. Meet you in the Zoom Room!
EBC Vision Group at Earle Baum Center (hybrid)EBC Vision Group at Earle Baum Center (hybrid)
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Apr 4EBC Vision Group meets on EBC campus in Room 3 and via your phone on the first and third Thursday of the month.
In the instructor-led class we introduce ourselves to each other and share information or ask questions about our experiences with sight loss. Examples of topics of interest for our group discussion include accessible equipment such as the BTBL player or BARD, CTAP free phone services; NFB news line phone number services; shopping from catalogs such as Maxi aids and LSS for vision and hearing loss; food shopping online at local stores and arranging for deliveries.
The group may also discuss topics including how to remain independent in our homes; use of the latest adaptable technology and magnification devices such as hand-held optical lenses, and electronic portable and electronic desktop models. We may want to understand the local Paratransit system or ride share programs such as Uber or Lyft driver programs. In addition, we regularly review the schedule of other classes, activities and events available at EBC that may be of interest to our group members.
We welcome anyone with sight loss to attend our support groups, you do not need to be a current client of EBC. We value our connections with each other and the lively discussions. Each group is led by an EBC instructor.
Please contact our main office at 707-523-3222 for more information.
The Blind Telephone Network (dial-in)The Blind Telephone Network (dial-in)
–
Apr 4Announcing the Blind Telephone Network 2024 program
The Blind Telephone network, originally founded by blind veterans, now is pleased to welcome all blind and low vision folks to join in phone calls will be held on Tuesday and Thursday of each week.
Tuesdays programs are what we call chit chat and chew the fat. During these sessions, most topics are acceptable; however, we refrain from discussing politics and religion. Prayer requests are acceptable, but will not be done during the call. This is a time for socializing, and sharing our experiences with blindness, in order to help others develop independence and self-confidence.
On Thursdays, we emphasize education, travel, technology, history, entertainment, and innovative role-models, etc.. These sessions will feature presenters on such topics as: Lewis and Clark expedition, Mt. Rushmore, railroad history and the mob museum in Las Vegas, Nevada.We encourage suggestions for topics or locations from our participants.
All sessions last for one (1) hour and start on time.
The call in number is: 605-475-5620, and the access code is: 3789127#. If you plan to save these numbers in your contacts, I recommend inserting two (2) commas between the main number and the access code.
Those wishing to receive an e-mail reminder for upcoming sessions or links provided by the presenter, should:
Send an e-mail to Doc Eudaly at deteacha@sbcglobal.net. Please put your full name, phone number, and email address in the body of your e-mail.
Calls for 2024 will begin on Tuesday, January 9.
For Thursday, January 11, our initial program will be on the FDR Memorial in Washington, DC. We hope to hear you on these free telephone calls, where you can both learn and contribute
On behalf of the founding members,
Douglas “Doc” Eudaly, PH,D
1-559-999-2625
The events for the upcoming week are read aloud on our event hotline every Friday, which can be accessed by calling 415-694-7325. For more information about visiting the Adaptations Store, head to our shop page.
The LightHouse is scent-free. Please abstain from wearing colognes, perfumes, or other scented products. Additionally, coffee must be securely lidded at all times and citrus should not be peeled on the premises. Thanks for supporting our efforts to respect chemical sensitivities!
