“I don’t know what I would be doing if it wasn’t for the Lighthouse. I enjoy my job but it is the people that make the Lighthouse a wonderful place to be a part of.”
Like many of us, Josie started wearing glasses when she was a child – just six years old. A significant change happened in her late 20’s when she was diagnosed with early onset Glaucoma. By this time she was raising her daughter as a single mom and working as the secretary to the Chief of Personnel Division at Carswell AFB. She later became the executive secretary to the Defense Plant Representative Office Commander. Glaucoma didn’t mean life stopped for Josie; she just adapted!
Probably one of the most significant decisions Josie made came in the mid-1980’s when she decided on her own that she could no longer drive. The realization happened when she was driving home from work, enjoying the coolness of the evening with all the car windows down. Suddenly something blew into her good right eye causing it to tear up and shut. Josie realized that she couldn’t see anything. Fortunately, and probably through what she believes had to be divine intervention, she was able to pull off to the side of the road, clear her good eye and proceed home. However, that is the day that she gave up driving.
After spending 30 years in civil service, Josie took early retirement in 1994. She enjoyed country living and being with family; but 13 years later, Josie needed to go back to work. She possessed excellent skills, had a stellar job performance record and had strong references reflecting her as a true professional. Her biggest obstacle was that she was legally blind and no longer drove. Resumes were sent out to no avail; no doors were opening.
Her DBS caseworker suggested that she call Lighthouse for the Blind of Fort Worth, which she did. Within the month, Josie was hired for the Digital Data Systems department and a year later moved into the Rehabilitation Services department where she works today. She provides clerical support to the team and is often the first point of contact for that department. One of the best parts of her job is talking to people who call in because they are experiencing serious vision problems and are looking for answers and resources. Who better to speak to them than a person who has already been down that path!
Where would Josie be if she wasn’t at the Lighthouse? She can’t even imagine. Because of the Lighthouse for the Blind of Fort Worth, Josie has a job that makes a difference for others and she continues to enjoy country living, family, and cats.
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