01 · Adult training
Foundations of Adjustment to Blindness
Essential, customized training in daily-living skills, braille, and orientation. Without CLB, equivalent training takes up to 6 months to access elsewhere.
125th Anniversary · Celebrated October 1, 2026
A century
and a quarter
of vision.
Since 1900, Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind has helped people with vision loss across DC, Maryland, and Virginia live independently, work meaningfully, and thrive. On October 1, our community came together to celebrate 125 years, and we are still working toward our $125,000 goal. Help fund the next chapter.
Raised so far
$115,325
of our $125,000 goal
125 for 125 Campaign
Help raise $125,000 in honor of 125 years.
Every gift funds programs, technology, and training that open the world to people with vision loss.
The Celebration · October 1, 2026
125 years, one room.
Board members, staff, volunteers, clients, partners and friends filled National Industries for the Blind to mark 125 years of Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind.
The evening brought live piano, a silent auction and a welcome from President and CEO Rebecca Liko. Soraya Correa, President and CEO of NIB, welcomed guests as our host. Board Chair Amy Dufrane and Bob Irvin joined us by video, and board member Shawn Callaway graciously emceed the evening. We honored champions of our mission, COO Zachary Brewer spoke about where CLB goes from here, and the night closed with a champagne toast and a 125th birthday cake.
- DateThursday, October 1, 2026
- HostNational Industries for the Blind, Alexandria, Virginia
- CampaignWe celebrated 125 years, and we are still working toward our $125,000 goal. Every gift to the 125 for 125 campaign helps us get there.
Words from the night
Reaching 125 years isn't a finish line. It's the beginning of what comes next.
Rebecca Liko, President and CEO, CLB
Our history isn't a reason to stand still. Our history is the foundation that gives us the courage to move forward.
Zachary Brewer, COO, CLB
Our host
Employment is more than a paycheck. It is independence. It's purpose. It's confidence. It is connection.
Soraya Correa, President and CEO, National Industries for the Blind
Thank you to everyone at NIB for opening your doors and hosting us so warmly.
Honoring our champions
- Legacy AwardKim Alfonso
- Volunteer Champion AwardPeter Peart
- Community Partner AwardNigel Wilkinson
Our impact in numbers
The work is not finished. If anything, the need is greater than ever.
A snapshot of the people we serve, and the gap CLB exists to close, across DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
77,463
People with vision loss in the DC region
~20M
Americans living with visual impairment
2.5×
More likely to be unemployed than sighted peers
21,659
Direct adult service hours, 2020 to 2025
13
Programs serving people of all ages
$130B
Annual US economic cost of vision loss
Lighting the future
Your support funds what comes next.
With new branding, new contracts, and new technologies, CLB builds on 125 years of unwavering mission.
02 · Youth & family
Youth & Family Programs
Rebuilding and expanding so children with vision loss have the skills, the confidence, and the community to thrive in school and beyond.
03 · Technology
Assistive Technology Access
Smart glasses, screen readers, and cutting-edge tools that open the world to people with vision loss, provided to clients at no cost.
04 · Workforce
Workforce Partnerships
Building on a recently awarded federal contract to prepare clients for meaningful, lasting careers with employers across the DMV.
125 for 125 Campaign
Make a donation today.
Every dollar funds programs, technology, training, and the people who carry this mission forward. All gifts are tax-deductible.
Your gift supports
- Adult training Daily-living skills, braille and orientation through Foundations of Adjustment to Blindness.
- Youth and family Skills, confidence and community for children with vision loss.
- Assistive technology Smart glasses, screen readers and training, at no cost to clients.
- Workforce Preparing clients for lasting careers with employers across the DMV.
Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit · EIN 53-0196609
From our community
The people behind the mission.
Blindness is not the end of the world. You can make it anywhere you go. Come to CLB and you will meet people who welcome you like their own.
CLB has always found a way to show up for me. I feel more prepared, more competent, and more capable.
That concept gave me wings, and I've been flying ever since.
The woman I was matched with from CLB has given more to me than I could ever give her in return.
My son walked into camp shy and walked out leading the line. CLB doesn't just teach skills. It builds whole kids.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know.
Questions not answered below? Email info@clb.org or call (202) 454-6400 and we will help.
Yes. The campaign is still open after our October 1 celebration. Every gift goes toward our $125,000 goal and funds the programs, technology, training and people that carry the mission forward. All gifts are tax-deductible.
In honor of 125 years of service, CLB has set an ambitious fundraising goal of $125,000, representing $1,000 for every year CLB has served the community. Every dollar raised funds the programs, the technology, the training, and the people that will carry this mission into its next chapter.
Every gift, at every level, moves our mission forward. Donate online at CLB.org/125years or by mail right now.
Yes. Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All gifts and donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. CLB can provide documentation on request. EIN 53-0196609.
Make checks payable to Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind and mail to:
Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind
8757 Georgia Avenue, Suite 805
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Include a note that says "125th" so we can attribute your gift to the campaign. Online giving is also available at CLB.org/125years.
You can give to the 125 for 125 campaign at CLB.org/125years or by mail, or volunteer with us.
You can also help by spreading the word to colleagues, board members, or community partners who share CLB's commitment to independence and access. Every gift, at every level, moves our mission forward.
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