East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind Inc

03/11/2026

Families, this one is for you! 🎣
Reeling in the Possibilities is a free outdoor skills event for children and youth with a visual impairment (up to age 21) and their families.
Registration is required, so be sure to check the flyer for details and sign up soon.

03/10/2026

A few snapshots celebrating the people who make the Lighthouse shine!
We’re grateful for this team and the dedication they bring to the mission every single day.

03/06/2026

Celebrating the people who power our mission!
Our team enjoyed an unforgettable National Employee Appreciation Day that included team competitions at Horizon, hibachi lunch at Kawa’s, and an afternoon of arcade games and bowling at Grand Slam.
In honor of the Lighthouse’s 50th anniversary, each employee also received a $50 gift as a small thank-you for the big impact they make every day.
Here’s to the incredible team behind 50 years of service to East Texas!

03/05/2026

It’s always a privilege to share our story with the East Texas community.
Alicia Lansford, our VP/Chief Mission Officer, recently joined In Focus on KTBB 97.5FM to spotlight the Lighthouse, Horizon Industries, our programs, and five decades of impact across East Texas.
We appreciate platforms like this that help raise awareness and celebrate the power of independence and opportunity.
Check out the full interview at https://ktbb.com/post/?cat=2402

03/03/2026

What an incredible week in Washington, D.C.
Our NIB/NAEPB Conference nominees William, Kody, Cesar, and Pam, along with their guests, were awarded a trip to our nation’s capital to celebrate their achievements. From touring historical landmarks and a company dinner to a riverboat cruise along the Potomac and recognition at the awards banquet, it was a well-deserved experience honoring their hard work and dedication.
We also celebrate our Sighted Employee of the Year, Cierra, who earned the trip as well!
Congratulations to the National winners and to all who continue to represent the East Texas Lighthouse with excellence.

02/26/2026

Celebrating excellence in a memorable way!
Our Employees of the Year and their guests enjoyed a day of sightseeing around Washington, D.C. They were able to experience the history and uniqueness of our nation’s capital through a guided, descriptive tour.
We’re proud to celebrate the incredible individuals who make our mission possible!

02/25/2026

We love this resource from Braille Works!
Thank you for continuing to share practical tools that help build more inclusive, informed communities.
If you’ve ever wondered about proper etiquette when interacting with someone who is blind or has low vision, this is a great read. We encourage you to click the link and take a few minutes to learn the common courtesies that make a big difference.

Show courtesy to the blind. A list of the 10 most common courtesies to exhibit when spending time with people who are blind.

02/23/2026

50 Years of Impact | Expanding to Meet the Moment
Growth continued in 2004 as Horizon Industries added a 28,000-square-foot finished goods warehouse to the Bois D’Arc facility. The major expansion was designed to support increasing production, larger contracts, and a growing customer base.
This addition strengthened logistics, improved efficiency, and positioned the organization for even greater impact.
In 2005, the warehouse was formally dedicated with Congressmen Ralph Hall and Louis Gohmert in attendance, a testament to the Lighthouse’s growing reputation and importance not only in East Texas, but on a national stage.
Every expansion has meant more than square footage. It has meant more opportunity, more jobs, and more independence for blind and visually impaired individuals across our region.

02/20/2026

50 Years of Impact | 'Bound' for Growth
In the spring of 2002, Horizon Industries began making direct shipments of green parachute cord, a product long trusted by the U.S. military and increasingly popular in the retail marketplace.
What had once been primarily a military supply item was becoming a widely used, versatile product across the country. By stepping into direct distribution, Horizon strengthened its role in federal contracting while also positioning itself in a growing commercial market.
Today, Horizon Industries remains one of the largest suppliers of paracord to the United States military. This is a testament to quality, reliability, and the skilled workforce behind every shipment.
From East Texas to service members around the world, the mission continues.

02/19/2026

Joe Thigpen has faithfully served as a member of the East Texas Lighthouse Board of Directors for more than 35 years, and his passion for our mission runs deep.
Tune in as Joe shares why he believes so strongly in the Lighthouse: the meaningful employment opportunities for individuals who are blind or have low vision, the life-changing programs and services that foster independence, and the camaraderie that makes this organization so special.
As we celebrate 50 years of impact, we are grateful for leaders like Joe who continue to champion a future where independence and dignity remain at the heart of everything we do.

02/17/2026

50 Years of Impact | 1996–2005
Innovation, Expansion & National Reach
The Lighthouse’s third decade was defined by growth, ingenuity, and bold expansion.
With grant-funded machinery, production of pop-up tissue towels scaled rapidly to meet increasing demand. By 1996, the department had become a cornerstone of operations, and pop-up towels emerged as a flagship product, quickly reaching seven-figure sales milestones.
But growth wasn’t just about volume, it was about innovation. As environmental regulations reshaped the industry in the late 1990s, the Lighthouse partnered with National Industries for the Blind and Straubel Paper to develop biodegradable alternatives to nylon-reinforced products. Extensive testing proved the new rayon material exceeded environmental standards while maintaining durability and performance. This set a new benchmark for sustainable manufacturing.
At the same time, Horizon Industries expanded its footprint. In 2002, direct shipments of green parachute cord began; a product trusted by the U.S. military and growing in retail demand nationwide. Horizon remains one of the largest suppliers of paracord to the United States military today.
To support increasing production and distribution, a 28,000-square-foot finished goods warehouse was added at the Bois D’Arc location, strengthening logistics and positioning the organization for continued growth.
Federal officials and procurement leaders took notice, visiting East Texas to recognize both the innovation and the skilled workforce behind it all.
By 2005, the Lighthouse stood as a model of inclusive manufacturing by balancing growth, sustainability, and meaningful employment for blind and visually impaired individuals across East Texas.
This decade proved that purpose-driven progress can reach far beyond our region!

02/16/2026

Tax season is here, and free help is available right here in East Texas.
We want our blind and visually impaired community to know about the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offered through Goodwill Industries of East Texas, Inc. VITA provides free tax return preparation for qualifying individuals and families, including people with disabilities, seniors, and households with low to moderate incomes.
To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit goodwilleasttexas.org/vita or call 903-593-8438. We’re grateful for partners who help ensure everyone has access to the resources they need during tax season.