Learn about the stories behind the people that power The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.
Gina Allen, former Lighthouse worker
“For me, working at the Lighthouse meant that I was in a place where I fit. I tried working in other places… and I always felt like I didn’t fit there. But at the Lighthouse, I fit.”
Quincy Daniels, Machine Operator
“It’s a challenge to be here for so many years,” Quincy says, “but the Lighthouse does give you room to grow. I wanted to learn the machines—and I did.”
Don Helsel, former Director of Recruiting
Spotting talent was something he had wanted to do. “It’s good for the mission and practical for the organization.”
Paul Fletcher, Director of Product Development
“It’s been a pleasure to work here. I’ve been blessed with having a career that, most days, makes me really like to come to work.”
Steve Harrison, Lead Contract Administrator
When he started working here in the 1970s, he could not have believed he would be here for more than 40 years.
Mike King, CNC Specialist
At the age of 56, Mike’s current position is CNC Specialist on an Okuma router, a job he assumed less than a year ago. In his 27-years here, he has worked the gamut of jobs in aerospace.
Joan Ladeburg, Former Production Worker
To Joan, working at the Lighthouse meant having a job, building friendships with other people who are blind, and teamwork.
Tony Jorgensen, Human Resources
“Employment has enabled me to be independent, expand my professional career, and has enhanced my life in many ways.”
Bob Mahoney, Former Production Worker
“I’m glad I retired, but it was really hard for me. The people at the Lighthouse are just like family to me.”
Craig McCully, Machine Operator
“Making it into a leadership position and going through a supervisory training program was one of my most fulfilling accomplishments.”
Glenn McCully, Senior Manager of Human Resources
Glenn muses that in his long career he doesn’t know if he could have done as well elsewhere as he has at the Lighthouse. The organization also benefitted him in another way; it’s here he met his wife, Ursula.
Clint Reiding, Machine Setup
Clint spent a little over a decade as a machine operator before becoming promoted to machine setup. In this role, he learned how to set up several different kinds of machines, such as saws, edgers, Bridgeport horizontal mills, and CNC mills.
Dave Roberts, Machine Operator
“I have made parts for 30 years, which means that anyone who has been on a Boeing plane or anyone who has served in the U.S. military and used a canteen or an easel in the past 30 years has used something I made.”
John Romish, Machine Operator
“I don’t want to feel like I’m not capable to do things myself. That’s one of the things I appreciate about the Lighthouse,”
Richelle Ross, Production Worker
Richelle enjoys the outdoors in all weather, even in the rain. As a child, her parents gave her a raincoat and boots, because she liked to lie in the yard and let the rain fall on her face.
Mike Scheschy, Machine Shop Manager
“All in all, my family has more than 85 combined years working at The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. in Seattle.”
Mary Helen Scheiber, Braille Production Specialist
“My steady employment at the Lighthouse has provided the money needed to become a homeowner, a taxpayer, and a productive citizen of the local community like any other person.”
John Simms, Machine Operator
Even though he has only flown in an airplane twice in his life, John is happy that the parts he makes for planes help other people to fly. “When they say ‘your part is good,’ that puts a smile on my face.”
Debbie Sommer, Production Worker
Making a difference every day by her contributions on the manufacturing floor, Debbie is one of 30-plus Production Workers here at the Lighthouse who are DeafBlind.
Roosevelt Stevenson, Machinist
“Being employed with the Lighthouse has allowed me the opportunity to socialize myself with many in the disabled community, and to become a great go-to person for many people.”