Chicago Lighthouse

The Chicago Lighthouse was founded in 1906 by a group of women volunteers who were both blind and sighted and offered housing, clothing, and food assistance to people who were blind.  In 1977, the nonprofit launched its first social enterprise to provide meaningful employment to its clients while generating new revenues for the organization.  Today, Chicago Lighthouse runs several social enterprises, including customer care centers, contract management services, and Chicago Lighthouse Industries, which manufactures products including clocks and calendars.  Together, these enterprises provide permanent jobs to over 400 people who are blind, visually impaired, disabled, or Veterans.