Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

---

Organization Name: Lighthouse of Broward County, Inc.
Legal Name (if Different): Lighthouse of Broward County, Inc.
Also Known As: LHOB
Mailing Address: 5901 Del Lago Circls
City: Sunriss
State: FL
Postal Code: 33313-9893
Main Phone: 954-463-4217
Main Fax: 954.764.3825
Organization Website: www.LHOB.org
Employer ID Number: 59-1650909
Organization Tax Status: 501-C-3

Proposal Information

---

Today’s Date: February 24, 2027
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Children’s Services to Independence Program (CSTI)
Project Description:

The CSTI program at the Lighthouse of Broward is dedicated to empowering blind and visually impaired youth ages 13 and under in Broward County. Having been in our new 25,000-square-foot facility in Sunrise, FL, for nearly two years, we recently began first-floor renovations that will further enhance our ability to serve the community more effectively. The redesigned front desk, updated classrooms, and training kitchen are expected to be completed by summer, pending permit approvals. This expanded space has already allowed us to reach more families and improve the quality and variety of our services. Currently, CSTI serves over 120 BVI children and their families, including more than 43 participants in the Bright Beginnings Early Intervention Program for infants to five-year-olds. This program employs play therapy to stimulate remaining senses, including hearing, touch, taste, smell, and proprioception, while fostering cognitive skills, communication abilities, assistive technology proficiency, and essential life skills such as personal hygiene and motor development.

For children ages 6 to 13, CSTI offers comprehensive year-round programming that focuses on academic enrichment, life skills, and social development. Activities are provided during non-school days, Saturdays, and summer breaks, with instruction in safe travel, cooking, self-care, Braille literacy, computer use, and effective communication. The curriculum integrates STEAM elements and follows the Expanded Core Curriculum framework designed to equip BVI youth with the skills needed for independence. Our specialized Teachers of the Visually Impaired deliver personalized support in one-on-one and small group settings.

Additionally, CSTI addresses the needs of children with multiple disabilities, a growing demographic identified by the School Board of Broward County. By providing adaptive equipment, individualized learning plans, and targeted interventions, CSTI bridges critical service gaps for BVI youth who are often excluded from traditional educational settings. Through these comprehensive efforts, CSTI fosters independence, self-advocacy, and long-term success.

Total Project Budget: $972,523.84

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Florida Division of Blind Services, Community Foundation of Broward, Florida Agencies Serving the Blind; United Way of Broward County; The Batchelor Foundation; Henry L. & Kathryn Mills Foundation; Hoffa Memorial Foundation; Kegel Foundation, Negley Flinn Foundation, Gore Foundation, Burlington Foundation, Kiwanis Club of Fort Lauderdale Charitable Fund of Community Foundation of Broward, The William R. Watts Foundation, Inc., Children’s Opportunity Group.

Project Duration: Year-Round
Geographical Area Served: Broward County, FL
Age Group To Be Served: Birth to 13 years old

Contact Information

---

Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr.
Contact First Name: Jose
Contact Last Name: Lopez-Masso
Contact Title: VP of Public Affairs & Government Relations
Contact Phone: 954-463-4217 ext. 141
Contact Email: jlopez@lhob.org