• A friend of mine was referred to LightHouse. How do they get started? 
  • To get started in any service at LightHouse, prospective students can call 415-694-7323 or email GetStarted@lighthouse-sf.org  

• What is a service navigator? 
  • A Service Navigator is your LightHouse point of contact for connecting to services. They will be with you as you start your unique journey, whether it’s to gain employment or purchase a birthday present for your grandchild online. 

• Does the physical closure of the North Coast office mean the end of LightHouse services in this area? 
  • Services have not stopped in the North Coast. LightHouse is sending itinerant teams into all counties of the North Coast to better serve people in their resident communities. In between provider in-person visits, we are also offering an array of courses online. 

• Why did the LightHouse decide to close the office in Eureka? 
  • Almost all North Coast residents are receiving and continue to receive services in or near their place of residence. The small office in Eureka was not large enough to hold group classes. Fewer than 10% of Humboldt County students received services at the brick and mortar Eureka office. 

• What’s happening with Ed Roberts Campus (ERC)? 
  • LightHouse is still under a lease agreement with ERC. That lease is set to expire in June 2026. Between now and then, classes will continue as normal. If there is a need for additional space in Berkeley in the summer of 2026, we will explore other alternatives. 

• What’s happening at the Earle Baum Campus (EBC)? 
  • All programs and services will continue to be provided at EBC.  Including Service Navigation, Low Vision Clinic, Independent Living, Orientation and Mobility, and Access Technology.  The site will continue to host cherished community service activities and picnics.  

• Will you have to move out of 1155, the LH Headquarters, or is that a rumor? 
  • Yes, that is a rumor. The top three floors at 1155 Market are owned by LightHouse, which carries no debt on these assets, and the property is not collateral for any debt.  

• Is the Adaptations store permanently closed? 
  • The store is temporarily closed for maintenance and preparing for new product launches. The online store will reopen soon (stay tuned); soon, we will announce this in the LH newsletter and on our social channels. The physical store location at 1155 Market will reopen over the summer as a product demo space (please reference last month’s newsletter update for details), and all product purchases will be made through the online store (Shopify marketplace).  

• Why is the LightHouse waiting until next April to fill the CEO position? 
  • Conducting an executive search takes time. It took at least seven months to identify and bring Sharon G on board. Vetting and ultimately choosing an executive search firm, assembling an Executive Search Committee, validating the job description and interview questions, scheduling what is anticipated to be at least ten candidates for the initial round of interviews, among other activities, takes time. Starting the RFP process for identifying the executive search firm will begin this month. The Board wants to be thoughtful and not rush through this most important process for the LightHouse. They also wanted to give employees a chance to grieve Sharon G’s departure before appointing a replacement. This is why they gave themselves a year from when Sharon G left to undertake hiring a new CEO. 

• LightHouse received a $125 million bequest in 2015. Given the current financial situation, where has that money been spent? 
  • LightHouse still maintains a portfolio of $80,000,000.  

• Expenditures have primarily been on capital projects at 1155, Sirkin Center and Enchanted Hills. 
  • Growing operational deficits due to expansion of personnel have also had an impact on the balance of the portfolio. 

• How much does it cost for a LightHouse student to go through a typical range of programming? 
  • $1000 – 2000 per week 

• I’ve been receiving services from LightHouse for many years. I’ve heard rumors of upcoming changes to how I will receive services in the future. Can you explain what’s changing and why? 
  • As directed in the strategic plan, adopted in 2023, the LH is shifting towards a person-centered care model.  This is an approach that places the individual receiving services at the heart of all decisions and processes. Together, the LH participants with their Service Navigator will create an individualized service plan to promote independence, community, and equity created by and with blind and low vision people.  

• I’ve heard rumors that Occupational Therapists will replace Independent Living Skills and Orientation and Mobility Instructors. If so, why is this happening? 
  • Occupational Therapists will be joining the LightHouse to support the work of our Low Vision Optometrist. LH has two LV Clinics, one at 1155 and one in Santa Rosa. LightHouse intends to continue to provide traditional Independent Living Skills, Orientation Mobility training, and access technology training as well.   

• I’ve heard the Little Learners program is being eliminated, is this true? 
  • At this time the Little Learners program will continue. 

• What additional changes are being planned in staff or services? 
  • It is our desire to maintain all programs and services, however some additional changes may be required.  These changes will be determined during the budget season June – September 2025.  Any changes will consider what we have heard from the community, and we appreciate your continued advocacy for the programs and services you value.  
  • LightHouse does not plan any additional workforce reductions through at least September 2025. 

• How many total Service Providers does the LH have? 
  • Orientation and Mobility 
    • 8 Full-time 
    • 4 Part-time 
  • ILS 
    • 1 Full-time 
    • 3 Part-time 
  • AT 
    • 8 Full-time 
    • 2 Part-time 
  • Low Vision Docs 
    • 1 Full-time 
    • 2 Part-time 
  • Service Navigator 
    • 3 Full-time 
    • 1 Part-time 
  • Intake Coordinators 
    • 3 Full-time 
    • 1 Part-time 
  • Community Services 
    • 2 Full-time 
  • Volunteer Services 
    • 1 Full-time 
  • Camp 
    • 2 Full-time 
    • Plus summer staff 
  • Little Learners 
    • 8 Full-time 
    • 2 Part-time 

• Where can students or community members with more questions be directed? 
  • If you have questions or comments about anything LH-related, feel free to click the link below and fill out our Community Comment Form.
    

Community Comment Form