Miami Lighthouse Awards and Recognitions

 Events by Year: 2012 2011 2010 2008

2012

Virginia Jacko receives Purdue University College of Health and Human Sciences 2012 Distinguished Alumni Award

Click here to view the photos.

2011

Miami Lighthouse Wins South Florida Business Journal
Excellence In Health Care - Community Outreach Award

	2011 Excellence in Health Care Awards winners Jennifer Cohen of the University of Miami, Dr. Alan Lazar of The Practice of Dr. Alan Lazar, Lynne Cameron of Neighbors 4 Neighbors, Michael Earley of Metropolitan Health Networks, Nelly Rubio of WFOR TV, Dr. M. Narendra Kini of Miami Childern's Hospital, Dr. Sidney Stern and Virginia Jacko CEO of Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and Michael Gittelman of the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at the University of Miami.

Miami Lighthouse received the prestigious South Florida Business Journal 2011 Excellence in Health Care Award in the Community Outreach category at an award ceremony October 6. Click here for press release.

In an interview with South Florida Business Journal CEO Virginia A. Jacko remarked on the importance of community partnerships in bringing eye wellness to as many people as possible: "You cannot do this alone...you need to grow and maintain key collaborations. Click here to read the South Florida Business Journal article announcing the award.

"The award is a reflection of Miami Lighthouse's growing presence in the community and our strategic plan beginning in 2006 to become a recognized Center of Excellence in Low Vision Rehabilitation," CEO Jacko said.

In the 2010-2011 school year, the Miami Lighthouse Florida Heiken Children's Vision Program performed 7,950 eye exams for children from low-income families who have no other resource for eye care. Nearly 6,000 of those children received free eyeglasses through the program. University research has indicated that low vision is a factor in poor school performance and resulting delinquency, and receiving vision correction as early as possible helps kids succeed in school and in life. The Miami Lighthouse Florida Heiken Children’s Vision Program, through a contract with the state Department of Health, now brings eye wellness services to children in 42 Florida counties.
 

Miami Lighthouse Receives Fourth Consecutive Four-Star Ranking From Charity Navigator

Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired has entered the top eight percent of U.S. charities, receiving its fourth consecutive 4-star rating, the highest rating possible, from Charity Navigator in recognition of its ability to efficiently manage and grow its finances.

The notification letter from Charity Navigator. the widely respected independent evaluator of not-for-profit finances, states: “Only 8% of the charities rated by Charity Navigator have received at least 4 consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way, and outperforms most other charities in America.”

"It is important to our donors and grantors that their investment is used for client services to the fullest extent," said Miami Lighthouse CEO Virginia A. Jacko. "That we are in the top eight percent of American charities for fiscal responsibility is especially appropriate as we celebrate 80 years of excellence in 2011." Miami Lighthouse, Florida's largest and oldest private agency serving the blind and visually impaired, opened in Miami in 1931. With an expanded facility at the original location, as well as mobile units that travel to public schools and senior centers, Miami Lighthouse now serves 15 times as many clients as it did in 2004.

2010

Isabel Chica, Miami Lighthouse Manager of Children’s Programs,
Receives 2010 Direct Support Professionals Award
from Irwin Siegel Agency, Inc.

Isabel Chica has worked at the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired since 2003. Isabel has two sons who are visually impaired. This aspect of her life left her with a fierce passion for serving children who are blind or visually impaired as well as give others the hope, confidence, and tools they need to help their children. With Isabel’s help, parents have learned how to advocate for their child. Her knowledge of early child development has enabled her to teach these parents how to understand age-appropriate cognitive, fine and gross motor skills in order to help their children enter school without suffering long-term developmental delays.

Isabel manages the children’s department at Miami Lighthouse. In 2003, the blind babies program served 60 blind babies and their mothers. In 2009 that number increased to 205. Isabel was instrumental in advocating for and starting weekly playgroup sessions where children participate in different playgroups stimulating their fine sensory motor skills and developing their social skills. Parents also participate and learn different techniques to further stimulate their child at home. The play group was featured on NBC in June 2010.

Isabel’s collaboration with parents, caregivers and teachers has led the Summer Training and Recreation Program (STAR) to be a huge success. STAR is a fun and educational experience  for the children who participate. Ms. Chica holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education, a Master’s degree in Reading Education, she completed the VIISA Program curriculum for family centered intervention for infants, toddlers and preschoolers who are visually impaired as well as INSITE; a resource curriculum for use with families who have children ages 0-5 who are deaf, hearing impaired, blind or visually impaired with additional disabilities. Isabel’s extensive education has enabled her to research and implement an evidence based curriculum for children ages 5-13. Isabel has not only worked with over 200 families seeking professional guidance, she also provided in-service trainings to more than 125 professionals who are visually impaired or blind.

Isabel’s warm, charismatic spirit welcomes others to express their concerns and ask for advice. Her experience and wealth of knowledge shines through when she speaks to parents. She is highly creative in developing material for playgroup and is deeply committed to helping children achieve independence. Isabel is always willing to go the extra mile, and is full of love and compassion for her job. Isabel sees people for what they can become and she tirelessly dedicates herself to ensuring each child lives up to his/her ability.

Click here to download featured PDF file.

Miami Lighthouse Receives Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce
2010 Non-Profit Diamond Award

	Shannon Hori of CBS-4 News, Mistress of Ceremonies; Dixie McDaniel de Andrade, Chair 2010 Diamond Awards; Daniel Perez, Non-Profit Award Presenter; Owen S. Freed, Miami Lighthouse Board Chairman; Virginia A, Jacko, Miami Lighthouse President & CEO; and John O'Rourke III, Chairman, Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce at the 2010 Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce Award Luncheon.

Miami Lighthouse was honored to be named the recipient of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce 2010 Non-Profit Business Diamond Award on November 4th.

The Diamond Awards were created in 1997 by the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce to honor excellence in Business. The criteria used to judge applicants are excellence in business achievement, corporate citizenship, customer service and workplace environment. These attributes show a commitment to providing exceptional products and services, while accepting the responsibility to address the many needs in our community.
 

Chairman Owen Freed awarded the Alliance for
Aging President's Distinguished Service Award for Excellence

Congratulations to Chairman Owen Freed. He was awarded the Alliance for Aging President's Distinguished Service Award for Excellence at the Positive Living Awards Dinner. He is the inaugural recipient of this honor. Under Owen's leadership, the Miami Lighthouse has truly moved to the next level, and we have great admiration for his leadership of the Miami Lighthouse. In addition, he has provided outstanding service to the Rotary beginning in 1964 as founding chairman of the Rotary International 6990 Youth Exchange. He currently serves as coordinator of the Alumni of the Rotary Foundation for Zone 34; he also currently serves as a member of the FIU Advisory Board for the School of International and Public Affairs among many other public service appointments also including Honorary Consul of Honduras since 1968. We all extend our congratulations to Owen.
 

22nd Annual In the Company of Women Awards Ceremony

	Miami Lighthouse Board Member State Representative Yolly Roberson (center) with her daughter, Karamie Brutus, and CEO Virginia Jacko at the In the Company of Women Awards Ceremony

Congratulations to Board Director State Representative Yolly Roberson who is the recipient of the Miami-Dade County In the Company of Women Award in the category of Outstanding Woman in Government and Law. These awards recognize local women from various disciplines for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the citizens of Miami-Dade County. The award was presented at the 22nd Annual In the Company of Women Awards Ceremony on March 18th.
 

2008

Miami Lighthouse CEO Virginia Jacko Receives Concern Award from Health Foundation of South Florida

CEO Virginia Jacko received the prestigious 2008 Concern Award recently from Health Foundation of South Florida. The award includes a $25,000 grant to the charity of the recipient’s choice; naturally CEO Jacko’s choice is Miami Lighthouse. She was nominated for the Concern Award by Arthur H. Hertz, CEO of Wometco Enterprises and Miami Seaquarium.

This year, both Concern Award winners lead organizations that help people who share their own disability. CEO Jacko lost her eyesight to retinitis pigmentosa; the other award recipient, Pedro Rodriguez, founded Spinal Cord Living-Assistance Development after his own spinal cord injury.

''I know about a lot of awards programs,'' said Steven Marcus, CEO of the Health Foundation. “I think this is the only one in the United States where the award winners head up organizations that offer services to people who share their disability.'' More than 300 community leaders were present at the awards luncheon in December.

“I am humbled by this recognition by Health Foundation of South Florida,” CEO Jacko said, “and grateful to Arthur Hertz for nominating me, and so happy to be able to share this award with Miami Lighthouse. Every bit of assistance we receive helps us transform lives, just as my life was transformed by Miami Lighthouse.”

Miami Lighthouse first sought and received NAC accreditation in 1978 and has consistently achieved NAC accreditation to the present time having received seven commendations with its five year accreditation renewal.

Miami Lighthouse ranks among the elite 4% of U.S. nonprofits having earned a 4-Start rating for five consecutive years from Charity Navigator, the nation’s premier independent nonprofit evaluator. Receiving such a distinction reflects our sound fiscal management, responsible use of donor dollars, and financial strength.

Miami Lighthouse received the prestigious South Florida Business Journal 2011 Excellence in Health Care Award in the Community Outreach category.

Miami Lighthouse honored by being named the recipient of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce 2010 Non-Profit Business Diamond Award.

Miami Lighthouse received the prestigious 2008 Concern Award from Health Foundation of South Florida.