Lighthouse of Manasota has new name, logo

Lighthouse of Manasota, a nonprofit organization that provides no-cost rehabilitation training and education to the blind and visually impaired in our region, announced its brand new name and unveiled its new logo in front of more than 200 ardent supporters at the Art in the Dark gala on April 13. The organization will now be known as Lighthouse Vision Loss Education Center.

Lighthouse has served the community for nearly 34 years. In recent times, though, stakeholder feedback indicated that the organization was not telling its story well enough. Additionally, its name no longer accurately represented its geographic region – which has grown to encompass five counties – and its logo appeared outdated.

An intensive strategic planning process identified five areas that should be addressed to strengthen operations and align with current best practices: mission, vision and core values; governance; program delivery; and financial health were the first four. Rebranding and outreach to the media – and, thus, the communities Lighthouse served – were to be the final phase of the process.

In 2018, Lighthouse hired a consultant, Wordslinger Marketing & PR, to spearhead the rebranding and convened a committee to inform the process. Rough & Ready Media was hired to design the new logo. The rebrand was completed in March.

“We have heard countless clients and their families talk about how we change - or even save - lives. We provide hope at a time when it is most needed. Our highly-credentialed trainers and teachers help people to regain their independence and lead fully, happy lives. And our services span all levels of vision loss as well as all ages and socio-economic statuses,” said Lisa Howard, president and CEO of Lighthouse. “We really want people to know and understand all of that. Now we feel that our brand accurately portrays what we do and who we are.”

The new logo uses a font that is more friendly to the visually impaired, incorporates Braille letters, and was designed using two shades of blue, a color that studies indicate is representative of hope. The organization’s new tagline is, “Hope and Empowerment for the Visually Impaired.”

While the old domain name, LighthouseofManasota.org, still works, the new URL for the organization is LighthouseEducationCenter.org (and .com). Go to the website or call 941-359-1404 for more information about the organization.

PHOTO ID: Lighthouse CEO Lisa Howard (right) and board member Angela Abrams with the new Lighthouse Vison Loss Education Center logo

About Lighthouse Vison Loss Education Center
Lighthouse of Manasota is the only nationally accredited, private, nonprofit agency providing rehabilitation training to blind and visually impaired individuals of all ages. Its five-county service area includes Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto, Charlotte and Highlands. Lighthouse's programs offer a holistic approach by providing training and rehabilitation to foster independence, productivity, and improved quality of life; these services are provided at no cost to clients. For more information, go to LighthouseEducationCenter.org or call 941-359-1404.