Hi Michael good for u
Sent from my iPhone
On Sep 12, 2015, at 7:34 AM, Brittany Brearley <babygirl20091991@xxxxxxxxx>
wrote:
Hi Michael,
I thank it is great that you spoke up regarding the false information
based on you and your company. A person's information, no matter
whether it is true or false, should not be put into the public without
him or her doing so themselves.
On 9/10/15, Michael <michael@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Robert, I am not sure why you continuously mention my name or that of any
other individual in your posts prior to seeking out true & correct
information. I have no idea where you are obtaining your information, but
I'm sorry to inform you that your source is wrong. your statements are
blatant attacks on myself and my company, and you have once again managed to
turn issues that concern the entire Tallahassee Blind & Visually impaired
community into your own personal pity party.
My company does provide assistive training technology. My company does not
have a contract with the Lighthouse nor have we ever. Should they offer the
opportunity at some point in the future, we would be happy to accept.
I have not been an employee of the Division of Blind Services for over 4
years. At that time, HIMS' products were inferior to Humanware technology,
but that is no longer the case. Despite my opinions on quality I have never
had any control over client choice. The final purchasing decision has always
belonged to the Client not Michael Elliott.
I rarely respond to your offensive attacks, but the amount of misinformation
in this particular post is unbelievable. I understand that you will reply to
this message with additional negative and unfounded comments. However, this
will be my one and only statement regarding this topic.
----- Original Message -----
From: Robert Miller <robertmiller2201@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Date: Thursday, September 3, 2015 8:58 pm
Subject: [tabi] Re: What is the lighthouse of the big bend trying to hide
Florida purchasing guidelines since I was not given the opertunity to bid
Lynda There is a lot of power in what you say and thanks for being willing
to step up to the plate if you get the chance. If you are going to take
this on then you need to be aware of some of the disservices that LBB is
guilty of that directly relate to service they provide. I have had 2
different people tell me that the lighthouse allows Mike hage of Emerald
coast to do evaluations for adaptive equipment and he reccomends what he
sells and it is purchased from him. This is a conflict of interest and
totally in violation of the informal quote guidelines of the state of
Florida. The lighthouse has also contracted with Mike Elliott to provide
training on hims products and has been paying him anywhere from $$58 to
$75 per hour. As many of you know I was a dealer of the hims products
when they were distributed through GW micro and at the time neither the
lighthouse or DBS of which Mike Elliott was an employ had no interest in
the Hims products. This is also a violation of
on the training contract and I can assure you I would do it much cheeper not
to mention I have many more years experience with the hims products than
mike. The hims products are currently distributed by Mike Hage. This
practice is illegal and proves that the lighthouse isn't good stewarts of
there money. If the lighthouse would contract with other companies when it
comes to adaptive technology training they could give there clients much
more bang for the buck. They have never ben able to provide training on
apple computers, android phones, the NVDA screen reader which is free and
could benefit there clients that can't afford to buy it. The lighthouse has
never promoted Window-eyes or offered training like they did with Jaws and
since now anyone with office 10 or higher can download it for free, it is a
verry atractive option for all blind people who use a screen reader. My god
what happened to
client choice, just another violation.
tration searching for a way they might intervene. They acknowledged that
Practices like this are exactly why the director needs experience in the
needs of blind people.
For years the lighthouse has cottled Jaws and Braille Notes and the world
has changed a lot when it comes to adaptive technology. the days of 1
trainer doing it all are gone and until the lighthouse changes there
aditude blind people living in there service area will suffer.
As long as the current relationship between the director and the board
exist there is absolutly no hope for change.
As you so eliquently said At the last FAER convention I exhibited at you
werent a technology person but you will have to admit in this day in time
you aren't going to get very far with out it.
Robert
From: lynda jones
Sent: Thursday, September 3, 2015 7:28 PM
To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [tabi] Re: What is the lighthouse of the big bend trying to hide
Chip:
I am certainly willing to consider chairing such a committee. My plate is
quite full, but I do believe in battling injustice. Unfortunately, it
often takes much longer than we think and sometimes it costs us
friendships and popularity. My heros are my father and William
Wilberforce--both of whom are dead--Wilberforce almost 200 years and my
father 18. these two men believed in standing up for what is right even if
you know you might not win and even if you are standing alone. Wilberforce
fought the British Empire for almost fifty years to defeat slavery in
England, when slavery was the backbone of the British economy. That's what
I call dedication. A small group of us have been working tirelessly for
several years to restore and improve the services of Dial-A-Ride.
Sometimes we take two steps forward and three backwards, but we plow on
because we believe things can change and change comes when you act. During
one of the worst periods at the Lighthouse I met with the adminis
they knew about part of the problem but could do nothing. They could have
but DBS has quit penalizing the CRP's when they are non compliant with their
contracts, and, frankly, that is the only way DBS can force change. I
personally went to a member of the legislature for help, but at the time
their hands were tied, because I couldn't jeopardize the safety of the
Lighthouse staff by giving up names, and the legislator couldn't guarantee
their safety. I did some other things as well that I'm not going to
disclose. No, they weren't illegal.
overned by simular boards get charged for embezzlement or fixing the
Lynda
From: tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On
Behalf Of Chip and Allie Orange
Sent: Thursday, September 03, 2015 6:36 PM
To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [tabi] Re: What is the lighthouse of the big bend trying to hide
I couldn't agree more with your points Linda. I hope you don't think I am
the one guilty of "beating up" on people?
If you think someone is, write to me off list and I'll do something about
it. So far, I recall opinions expressed more or less reasonably.
I think your idea of forming a "working group" to discuss solutions to
perceived Lighthouse problems is an excellent one; now, for that to
proceed, someone is going to need to step up and offer to be the initial
coordinator, and ask anyone who is interested in participating to write to
them (or call, whatever) and make contact info available. I am very glad
to see such a group created outside of the two large consumer groups.
Chip
From: tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On
Behalf Of lynda jones
Sent: Thursday, September 03, 2015 5:13 PM
To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [tabi] Re: What is the lighthouse of the big bend trying to hide
Chip:
One way we might help in getting changes made to either the job
announcement or getting the Lighthouse to divide the duties and powers is
to speak civilly. Beating up people because they are sighted will get us
nowhere. Making blanket statements about groups and organizations is the
blind equivalent of racism. Every member agency of FAASB is not bad. Some
aren't good; some are terrible; and some are very good. I know this for a
fact, because I've either worked at or with many of them for nineteen
years. The real problem is not with FAASB. That's all I'll say about that
online.
I repeat: we need to become part of the solution, not just rant ourselves.
Now, I'm going to really make some people mad. How many people reading
these e-mails tried to do anything to change the situation at the
Lighthouse during the past five years? How many people tried to find even
one person with power who might be able to help bring light on what was
happening? If we want to do something now, then we need a group to sit
down and develop a strategy to present to the Lighthouse Board of
Directors regarding the administrative structure of the agency. The Board
has been wounded pretty heavily, and now might be the time they will
listen. We need to develop a plan to put pressure on the DBS
administration to put teeth into their contract negotiations with the
CRP's.
From: tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On
Behalf Of Chip and Allie Orange
Sent: Thursday, September 03, 2015 4:49 PM
To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [tabi] Re: What is the lighthouse of the big bend trying to hide
Hi Linda,
While there is a lot of truth in your remarks about us needing to stop
rehashing the mistakes of the past, I still think it's appropriate and
useful to continue to discuss any perceived shortcomings of the job
announcement/search, in hopes that we'll influence a better outcome by
doing so. Therefore, I don't think the topic need be put to rest here
just yet as far as it goes.
Chip
From: tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On
Behalf Of lynda jones
Sent: Thursday, September 03, 2015 4:44 PM
To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [tabi] Re: What is the lighthouse of the big bend trying to hide
I suspect some of you will not agree with my comments and some may even
call me an Uncle Tom. My parents were both sighted, and I think many
people would say they did a good job helping me to become a successful,
independent blind person. I had no blind teachers during 20 years of
education. There is an issue here, but that's another topic for another
time. A few teachers were insensitive and a couple even cruel at times,
but in 20 years, 98% of them were understanding, accommodating, and even
some of the best members of my cheering section.
After returning to university at the ripe old age of 40 to study vision
rehab, I had three professional mentors; all three of them are sighted.
While teaching at FSU, I had outstanding visually impaired and sighted
students. If I were newly blinded, there are just as many sighted
graduates as blind graduates that I would trust with my rehabilitation.
The only thing a sighted person cannot provide is the empathy that comes
with being blind yourself. One of my mentor's, remember she is sighted,
once said to me, "You have the potential of being the best teacher in the
world." (She wasn't bragging on me.) She continued, "If you develop
outstanding teaching skills, then you will be the best, because you can
relate to your clients as a blind person in a way a sighted person never
can." She also said, "Being blind doesn't make you a good teacher. In
fact, if you are not a good teacher, then you may cause more harm than
good." I've never forgotten those words.
What the Lighthouse needs is a Director with both good administrative
skills and a knowledge of blindness. We need not think back too far to the
last time DBS had a blind Director to know that just being blind doesn't
make you a good director or a good role model. I might add some of you
were her biggest supporters. I was not and she knew that.
We have had a time of venting and that's been cathartic for all of us, but
it's time to quit rehashing what we can't undo; reopening wounds that need
to heal; pointing our fingers at people who can't help that they are
sighted; and start talking as much about how we can become part of the
solution. What can we do as the blindness community to help the Lighthouse
recover? It is the only agency around here providing services. We need a
plan so we can become the hands and feet that will help restore LBB to
what it once was or even make it better!
Lynda
From: tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On
Behalf Of Robert Miller
Sent: Thursday, September 03, 2015 11:27 AM
To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [tabi] Re: What is the lighthouse of the big bend trying to hide
Hi Robin,
Thanks for your input but considering what the lighthouse does and the
fact that the majority of it's funding is provided by the Division
of Blind services to provide rehab, indipendant living and mobility
services to it's clients and a verry small percentage of the lighthouse
funds come from in house fund raising it is my opinion that the type of
board you are talking about is not what the lighthouse needs. Unless you
just knew, based on the job announcement, you wouldn't know that the
lighthouse deals with blind clients. Fund raising and grant writing
should not be used as a mission. The mission should be to provide a high
level of services to the citizans of Florida it serves. For many years
these services were provided with out such non profit agencies and things
were much better. This situation only started when FAASB decided that
sighted people new best what blind people needed and they could make a
bundle if they could direct state rehab dollars in to there greedy hands,
which they have managed to do. just like most non profits. How many times
have you read in the paper where directors who are g
books.
er member agencies and this is exactly why the state of Florida is doing a
According to Florida law, when the state contracts out vital services to
non profits such as the lighthouse, there must be a major benefit based on
cost savings and a backup contingency plan if the non profit fails to
provide the services under there contract. How can it be more cost
affective to provide services when you have much more overhead in
providing facilities ect. The only way I know you can do that is to
diminish the level and quality of the service. This type of system has
resulted in less blind people being employed and reduced the level and
quality of training needed to obtain employment and independent living
skills. not to mention throwing in nasty politics unaccountability and
unqualified staff in to the mix. Newly blinded people don't need that
crap along with the other problems they are dealing with.
I am not saying that some of the lighthouses are not doing a good job but
Lighthouse of the Big bend isn't one of them. I am not just saying this my
self but have heard it from many people who have received services.
Robert
From: Robin McDougall
Sent: Thursday, September 3, 2015 8:51 AM
To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [tabi] Re: What is the lighthouse of the big bend trying to hide
Hello all
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, currently in private practice as a
psychotherapist. I am writing this e mail in hopes my perspective will
help to clarify a few points and make the upcoming transition at the
Lighthouse more palatable for the blind community.
Prior to working in private practice, I worked in the not for profit
community for almost 20 years. For thirteen of those years, I was the
Program Director in an agency which served low income people with health
care needs.
I am reading what you have written here, and I am comparing it to my
experiences both as a subordinate and a supervisor. I am also comparing it
to my experiences both serving on boards and working with boards in my
profession.
Some of the things about what you're complaining are simply things which
are regulated by rules and policies.
As a subordinate, there have been times when I have heartily disagreed
with the decisions my director made. However, our agency had policies and
rules which she was compelled to follow and to mete out equally between
myself and all of the other employees. There could be no special treatment
and very little variance from those policies in order for my boss to do
her job. And I was similarly restricted and required to follow policies.
Additionally, a Board is restricted from interfering with the Director as
he or she runs the agency. The primary role of the board is fund-raising
and long-term planning for an agency. As a colleague, a subordinate and
someone who has served on boards, there are many times when I have felt a
board should be involved on a more direct level with an agency. And each
time, I was told those types of activities are inappropriate for a board.
This has been true at the United Way, this is true at Florida State
University, and this is been true when I have worked with boards in the
private nonprofit community.
It is my understanding it is inappropriate for a board member to have
personal relationships with people in an agency where that board member
serves.
I also believe in order to provide mental health services a person must
meet certain state requirements both educationally and with training. This
opinion is derived from my own experience of psychotherapy and covering
liability (both in private practice and when serving on a board). I
believe a Board member who offers mental health counseling to staff of the
agency that Board serves opens the Board up to liability. There two roles
should be separated, and a provider can do one or the other, but not both
in the same agency.
It sounds like the Board has met its obligation to the Lighthouse and that
the advertisement of the position of Director meets ADA requirements by
indication someone with a disability is preferred. I don't think an agency
can indicate a position is required to be filled by a person with a
disability, in large part because the agency is also governed by its
funding sources and must meet state and Federal guidelines.
Twice I have been in staff in an agency when the Director resigned. First
those Directors discussed their plans with the Board, and later we (the
staff) were informed. In neither case, did that Director tell us her
personal reasons for departing, nor was an announcement made to the
clients and community our agency served.
The same applies when I left my position as a Program Director. My reasons
were my own and personal. There is an appropriate, professional boundary
that enables those of us who are employed to draw a line between our
personal lives and those for whom we work and serve.
I agree, the net could be cast wider, and the job posted where people who
are a part of the blind community would have an opportunity to apply. This
specific request seems sensible to me, and perhaps the position can be
posted again.
The remainder of your complaints do not seem reasonable to me based on my
experiences as a psychotherapist, a board member, as a subordinate in my
workplace at times and as a director in my career.
Sincerely
Robin McDougall, LCSW
The Healing Center
847 E Park Avenue
Tallahassee, FL 32301
On Sep 3, 2015, at 5:30 AM, Robert Miller
<robertmiller2201@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
That's because there hands were tied
From: Norine Labitzke
Sent: Wednesday, September 2, 2015 10:27 PM
To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [tabi] Re: What is the lighthouse of the big bend trying to hide
Most did almost nothing. Norine
From: tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On
Behalf Of lynda jones
Sent: Wednesday, September 2, 2015 8:18 PM
To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [tabi] Re: What is the lighthouse of the big bend trying to hide
As far as I know the Board membership has remained committed to the bylaws
percentages of blind and sighted. I can say that the blind people on the
Board have been just as silent about what has gone on as the sighted
members, and perhaps even more so. I know there were a couple of blind
people appointed to the Board two years ago or so who said they were going
to try and do something to change the atmosphere at the Lighthouse. I
don't know if they got scared or got drawn into the crowd and weren't
brave enough to stand alone. Believe me, the entire staff has been
affected. The entire Board knew much of what was going on and they did
nothing.
Lynda
From: tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On
Behalf Of Norine Labitzke
Sent: Wednesday, September 02, 2015 5:52 PM
To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [tabi] Re: What is the lighthouse of the big bend trying to hide
I believe the answer is "yes" and my experience was it was adhered to.
Norine
From: tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On
Behalf Of Laurie Davis
Sent: Wednesday, September 2, 2015 8:37 AM
To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [tabi] Re: What is the lighthouse of the big bend trying to hide
Hi, Norine,
I would like to know if there is a requirement that a certain percentage
of Board members be visually impaired. If so, is this policy being
adhered to or ignored?
From: tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On
Behalf Of Norine Labitzke
Sent: Tuesday, September 01, 2015 11:43 PM
To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [tabi] Re: What is the lighthouse of the big bend trying to hide
Chip, thank you so much for this opportunity to state my perspectives, and
make others aware of them. Also for your gentle reminder of how remiss I
was regarding openly discussing these issues on this and other forums, and
how important this can be to this and so many other fields. At the time,
I felt alone, insignificant, rejected by those of importance, and thus
wrongly kept my mouth shut.
All this happened a few years ago. It was related to many accumulating
issues in my opinion.
I never doubted Barbara was an excellent asset as a fund raiser/organizer
for Lighthouse. I became increasingly aware of her deficits in
understanding and managing professional staff; I never held this against
her as this was not a background she presented to us, and I made this
clear in written notes presented at the meeting referred to below. I
think, but am not sure, those notes, relate my recommendation for
separate positions of Director of Fund Raising, and Director of Staff and
professional development (I sure hope so as that would have been
intended).
As a professional (ARNP with ongoing years of experience in mental health
I volunteered my services to staff and clients of Lighthouse of the Big
Bend, for many years, and prior to my accepting any position on the Board,
primarily to listen and be supportive (but challenging when necessary).
Thus I became aware first hand, over months and years, of what clients,
and especially, staff , perceived to be, and seemed to me to an
accumulating record of unfairness and intimidation to them, Barbara's
power issues, inability to understand, and manage their professional
issues and concerns.
I do not remember the exact precipitating issue, (I am sure it remains
accessible but buried deep in my archived files). I, as President, called
an urgent Board meeting which took place at my house. Much to my shock
and surprise, the Board members immediately dismissed my serious concerns
evidencing 100% support of Barbara. At that meeting I was told, in no
uncertain terms, that my being available, on a volunteer basis, as a
mental health professional to "listen" to staff issues and clients was a
conflict of interest with being President and on the Board, and I would
have to choose which I would do, but it could not be both.
I had volunteered my professional services to staff and clients for many
years in the past, prior to being on the board. I always made this known
to the Board, and it never previously seemed to be an issue, or a block to
my Board involvement (actually seemed to be recognized and appreciate).
Thus (as I felt forced at that meeting and with 20/20 hindsight have not
changed my opinion) made the decision to resign as President. Everyone
left my house. I was in the process of writing an email to Barbara to
inform her of my decision, but within less than fifteen minutes of board
members leaving, received a curt call from Barbara acknowledging my
decision. The rest is "silent history". I have heard little or nothing
since then from any of them.
I apologize for not informing TABI, FASBE, DBS or anyone else of these
events. At the time, I felt and believed the Board to be correct and
representative, and my concerns to be irrelevant and of no value or
importance or significance to anyone, especially to the Board, or to
Lighthouse. I now believe and understand otherwise. Also now, with 20/20
hindsight, I strongly believe two things:
#1 This organization has progressed to the point where it would benefit
from the services of paid, short term (maximum four years board members)
with some pre-determined qualifications.
#2 As many others have stated, and I believe was bottom line to my
resignation issues, Barbara's position needs to be replaced by two
separate individuals with separate and distinct responsibilities - one for
fund raising, and one for staff development.
#3 I realize with my resignation from the Board, I have chosen to not
keep up with issues at Lighthouse. In some ways I regret this; in many
ways, perhaps excuses, I understand and accept my decision of removal, as
I hope many of you will also; like so many life decisions, perhaps it was
not a best one, but it did seem appropriate at the time and circumstances.
I continue to care deeply for Lighthouse and always will as I daily
remember I am here, where I am, because of the services Lighthouse, and
especially Jeanine, Evelyn, Jim Breen, and Chip, and so many others made
available to me.
#4 This is not an excuse; it is real. I will always thank Barbara for
all she did for Lighthouse of the Big Bend. She definitely brought us
from near extinction to way beyond survival mode. She did everything and
more her resume, and our reasons for hearing her for her position
expected.
#5 In my opinion, the biggest fault lies with the board. Although it is
made up of excellent, good, dedicated, and well intentioned/ committed
people, it is time for a total change and probably oversight and direction
from an independent source.
Thank you for this opportunity to express my personal opinions. Norine
From: tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On
Behalf Of Chip and Allie Orange
Sent: Tuesday, September 1, 2015 6:59 AM
To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [tabi] Re: What is the lighthouse of the big bend trying to hide
Norine,
This is the first I've heard you resigned as president, so let me ask, did
you post anything here about it?
I am still interested in hearing why you felt you had to resign; as I
said, it's a community organization, so why not get the community
involved.
Chip
From: tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On
Behalf Of Norine Labitzke
Sent: Monday, August 31, 2015 9:53 PM
To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [tabi] Re: What is the lighthouse of the big bend trying to hide
All this is news to me. I just wish more people had asked or evidenced
interest when I resigned as President of the Board a few years ago; may or
may not be relevant then or now. Even then the "board" seemed oblivious,
and that appears not to have changed. It is also interesting, although I
may be wrong and do not pretend to keep in touch, with the concerns and
issues of the blind community, and the staff of Lighthouse of the Big
Bend. I do believe in many ways Barbara did a good job, but I also
believe the "board" turned a "blind eye" to what could have been expected
of her position, and hope this does not continue.
Norine
From: tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On
Behalf Of Robert Miller
Sent: Monday, August 31, 2015 6:21 PM
To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [tabi] What is the lighthouse of the big bend trying to hide
Apparently around August 17th Barbar Ross director of the Lighthouse of
the big bend resigned with no announcement or reason given to the blind
community it services. To add more insult to injury the job announcement
has already been posted and closed on August 24th. As far as we can tell
the job announcement wasn't posted on any blindness organization web
sites. I have posted a copy of the job discription below, which to me is
very disturbing since blind or visually impaired is not mentioned once. In
the discription where disability is mentioned they are prefered and not
requirements. From the discription it is very apparent that the board is
looking for a money maker not someone who gives a damn about blind people
or there needs. It is pretty scary to have a director responsibal for the
hiring and directing of employees that has no idea what to look for in who
they hire. Since The lighthouse of the Big Bend is a FAASBY member, I am
afraid this is the case with many oth
major disservice to it's blind citizans.
er member agencies and this is exactly why the state of Florida is doing a
I urge all of you to contact the board and express your dismay and demand
that they re-write there job discription and repost the job announcement
in places that might give them a chance to find an aplicant that is
qualified to adequately provide quality services for our community.
Robert
NONPROFIT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Lighthouse of the Big Bend, a local nonprofit in the Tallahassee area
is seeking an Executive Director. This salaried position will pay between
$50,000 - $70,000 annually, depending upon experience, and comes with
excellent benefits such as annual, sick and holiday paid leave, health
insurance, life insurance, and retirement benefits.
The Executive Director shall be directed by the Board to include but not
be limited to the following:
a) To coordinate between the Board and staff respecting all business of
the nonprofit agency.
b) To administer and report on all fiscal matters as directed by the
Board.
c) To monitor and report on trends respecting the mission of the
nonprofit agency and assist the Board in setting appropriate priorities.
d) To prepare and submit to the Board an annual operating budget for
their approval.
e) To develop fund raising activities locally, statewide and nationally
for the proper operation of the nonprofit agency.
f) To maintain a written personnel manual.
g) To recruit, employ and terminate, as may be necessary, the employees
of the nonprofit agency.
h) To coordinate the services of the nonprofit agency with other
programs.
i) To provide leadership and promote professional growth by
participation on committees and in training conferences which are
pertinent to the mission and operation of the nonprofit agency, with the
prior approval of the Board.
Duties of the Executive Director
" Supports operations and administration of Board by advising and
informing Board members, interfacing between Board and staff and
supporting Boards evaluation of Executive Director, upholding and adhering
to the policies and bylaws of the organization, entering into contracts on
behalf of the organization with the Board of Directors approval.
" Facilitates the development and implementation of the organization's
strategic plan in collaboration with the Board of Directors.
" Oversees the effective design, marketing, promotion, delivery and
quality of programs, products and services through the recruitment and
supervision of the management team.
" Oversees creation and implementation of annual operational plan and
continuous quality improvement plan.
" Recommends yearly budget for Board approval and prudently manages
organization's resources within those budget guidelines according to
current laws and regulations. Ensure timely and accurate reporting and
invoicing on all contracts and grants.
" Effectively manages the human resources of the organization according to
authorized personnel policies and procedures that fully conform to current
laws and regulations.
" Oversees fundraising planning and implementation, including identifying
resource requirements, researching funding sources, establishing
strategies to approach funders, submitting proposals and administrating
fundraising records and documentation.
" Assures the organization and its mission, programs, products and
services are consistently presented in strong, positive image to the
general public, media, other organizations and relevant stakeholders.
" Performs other duties as assigned.
Executive Director Requirements
" Preferred education level: Master's Degree with emphasis in management,
social work, human service, psychology, education, or a related field;
" Minimum ten (10) years of management experience preferably in the field
of disabilities;
" Minimum five (5) years experience in social services, preferably with
children/adults with disabilities;
" Proven supervisory and leadership skills;
" Adept at budgeting and strategic planning;
" Knowledge of grant writing experience;
" Skilled in exercising sound judgement and possesses good analytical
skills;
" Capable of working with a variety of diverse and multi-cultural
personalities and leadership styles;
" Excellent oral and written communication skills;
" Clear Level 2 background check.
To apply for this position, please submit a cover letter and resume to the
Board President at boardpresident1@xxxxxxxxx by August 24, 2015. Thank
you.
From: tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On
Behalf Of Chip and Allie Orange
Sent: Tuesday, September 1, 2015 6:59 AM
To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [tabi] Re: What is the lighthouse of the big bend trying to hide
Norine,
This is the first I've heard you resigned as president, so let me ask, did
you post anything here about it?
I am still interested in hearing why you felt you had to resign; as I
said, it's a community organization, so why not get the community
involved.
Chip
From: tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On
Behalf Of Norine Labitzke
Sent: Monday, August 31, 2015 9:53 PM
To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [tabi] Re: What is the lighthouse of the big bend trying to hide
All this is news to me. I just wish more people had asked or evidenced
interest when I resigned as President of the Board a few years ago; may or
may not be relevant then or now. Even then the "board" seemed oblivious,
and that appears not to have changed. It is also interesting, although I
may be wrong and do not pretend to keep in touch, with the concerns and
issues of the blind community, and the staff of Lighthouse of the Big
Bend. I do believe in many ways Barbara did a good job, but I also
believe the "board" turned a "blind eye" to what could have been expected
of her position, and hope this does not continue.
Norine
From: tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On
Behalf Of Robert Miller
Sent: Monday, August 31, 2015 6:21 PM
To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [tabi] What is the lighthouse of the big bend trying to hide
Apparently around August 17th Barbar Ross director of the Lighthouse of
the big bend resigned with no announcement or reason given to the blind
community it services. To add more insult to injury the job announcement
has already been posted and closed on August 24th. As far as we can tell
the job announcement wasn't posted on any blindness organization web
sites. I have posted a copy of the job discription below, which to me is
very disturbing since blind or visually impaired is not mentioned once. In
the discription where disability is mentioned they are prefered and not
requirements. From the discription it is very apparent that the board is
looking for a money maker not someone who gives a damn about blind people
or there needs. It is pretty scary to have a director responsibal for the
hiring and directing of employees that has no idea what to look for in who
they hire. Since The lighthouse of the Big Bend is a FAASBY member, I am
afraid this is the case with many oth
major disservice to it's blind citizans.
I urge all of you to contact the board and express your dismay and demand
that they re-write there job discription and repost the job announcement
in places that might give them a chance to find an aplicant that is
qualified to adequately provide quality services for our community.
Robert
NONPROFIT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Lighthouse of the Big Bend, a local nonprofit in the Tallahassee area
is seeking an Executive Director. This salaried position will pay between
$50,000 - $70,000 annually, depending upon experience, and comes with
excellent benefits such as annual, sick and holiday paid leave, health
insurance, life insurance, and retirement benefits.
The Executive Director shall be directed by the Board to include but not
be limited to the following:
a) To coordinate between the Board and staff respecting all business of
the nonprofit agency.
b) To administer and report on all fiscal matters as directed by the
Board.
c) To monitor and report on trends respecting the mission of the
nonprofit agency and assist the Board in setting appropriate priorities.
d) To prepare and submit to the Board an annual operating budget for
their approval.
e) To develop fund raising activities locally, statewide and nationally
for the proper operation of the nonprofit agency.
f) To maintain a written personnel manual.
g) To recruit, employ and terminate, as may be necessary, the employees
of the nonprofit agency.
h) To coordinate the services of the nonprofit agency with other
programs.
i) To provide leadership and promote professional growth by
participation on committees and in training conferences which are
pertinent to the mission and operation of the nonprofit agency, with the
prior approval of the Board.
Duties of the Executive Director
" Supports operations and administration of Board by advising and
informing Board members, interfacing between Board and staff and
supporting Boards evaluation of Executive Director, upholding and adhering
to the policies and bylaws of the organization, entering into contracts on
behalf of the organization with the Board of Directors approval.
" Facilitates the development and implementation of the organization's
strategic plan in collaboration with the Board of Directors.
" Oversees the effective design, marketing, promotion, delivery and
quality of programs, products and services through the recruitment and
supervision of the management team.
" Oversees creation and implementation of annual operational plan and
continuous quality improvement plan.
" Recommends yearly budget for Board approval and prudently manages
organization's resources within those budget guidelines according to
current laws and regulations. Ensure timely and accurate reporting and
invoicing on all contracts and grants.
" Effectively manages the human resources of the organization according to
authorized personnel policies and procedures that fully conform to current
laws and regulations.
" Oversees fundraising planning and implementation, including identifying
resource requirements, researching funding sources, establishing
strategies to approach funders, submitting proposals and administrating
fundraising records and documentation.
" Assures the organization and its mission, programs, products and
services are consistently presented in strong, positive image to the
general public, media, other organizations and relevant stakeholders.
" Performs other duties as assigned.
Executive Director Requirements
" Preferred education level: Master's Degree with emphasis in management,
social work, human service, psychology, education, or a related field;
" Minimum ten (10) years of management experience preferably in the field
of disabilities;
" Minimum five (5) years experience in social services, preferably with
children/adults with disabilities;
" Proven supervisory and leadership skills;
" Adept at budgeting and strategic planning;
" Knowledge of grant writing experience;
" Skilled in exercising sound judgement and possesses good analytical
skills;
" Capable of working with a variety of diverse and multi-cultural
personalities and leadership styles;
" Excellent oral and written communication skills;
" Clear Level 2 background check.
To apply for this position, please submit a cover letter and resume to the
Board President at boardpresident1@xxxxxxxxx by August 24, 2015. Thank
you.
SOAR Consultants
Michael LCSW
850-696-7627
www_soarconsultants_com
solid we soar
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