About Beacon Lighthouse, Inc.

“We love our people. We strive to make their success stories shine out to all who meet them.”

For all intents and purposes, Beacon Lighthouse for the Blind is a 501 C 3 non-profit. In reality, the organization is a mecca of encouragement and solace for many who find employment within its doors.

Our History

Beacon Lighthouse Inc. promotes the economic and personal independence of blind and visually impaired people. It started in a single room at the Washington Elementary School as an incorporated agency, Beacon Lights Inc. in 1974. Three years later, it moved to its present location. After major expansion in 1984, the legal name changed and became Beacon Lighthouse, Inc.

Today, Beacon Lighthouse occupies over 50,000 square feet of industrial and office space. It serves as an industrial manufacturer offering continuous job placement for blind and visually impaired individuals.

What We Do

Beacon manufactures products for industrial, wholesale, retail, and government markets. The manufacturing floor utilizes modern production processes and automated machinery. Their products include: scouring pads, floor pads, twist-n-fill chemical cleaning systems, aircraft cleaning kits, sponge scrubbers, bathroom and/or kitchen scrubbers, laser printer cartridge re-manufacturing, scotch-brite quick-clean griddle cleaning systems, wire stainless-steel scrubbers, and a tool line.

Did you know that the current unemployment rate for the blind and vision impaired stands at an overwhelming 70%? The people at Beacon Lighthouse for the Blind strive to change that number. Consequently, they provide job placement on their factory floor, as administration, and in their stores. In this way, they foster a sense of independence and self-sufficiency.

Support the Mission

Our Events

Beacon Lighthouse promotes awareness of the blind in order to change the way the general public perceives blind people. Every October, their “White Cane Day” event gives sighted individuals the opportunity to experience the world without sight in a challenging walk. Also check out our Annual Fundraiser event "Fundraising for Impact" this October 17, 2026.

Our Benefits

Additionally, some vision impaired individuals get to experience the gift of sight. Beacon Lighthouse provides access to unique, wearable medical technology that enhances the sense of sight. Therefore, a visually impaired person can experience sight for such events as watching their child graduate or seeing a grandchild for the first time.

Generous donations from local area foundations make access to adaptive technology possible for the blind and visually impaired people in our area.

Our Awards and Recognition

On January 18, 2023, Wichita Falls, Texas -Beacon Lighthouse Inc was honored by National Industries for the Blind (NIB), the nation’s largest employment resource for people who are blind, with the 2022 Employment Growth Award. The award recognizes Beacon’s efforts to increase employment retention, growth, and upward mobility for people who are blind.

“We are proud to provide employment opportunities for people who are blind in Wichita Falls, Texas,” said Judy Koetter, President and CEO.

“Congratulations to Beacon Lighthouse Inc for receiving NIB’s Employment Growth Award,” said NIB President and CEO Kevin Lynch. “Beacon continues to do an outstanding job of creating rewarding career opportunities for people who are blind in and around the Wichita Falls, Texas area.”

Meet our CEO

Mrs. Judy Koetter became a valued member of the Beacon Lighthouse family in November 1987, initially serving as Business Manager. In August 2008, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Kaplan University in Davenport, Iowa (now Purdue Global). That same year, she was promoted to Chief Financial Officer. Today, Judy proudly serves as President and CEO of Beacon Lighthouse. She deeply values her Beacon family and is committed to leading the organization toward sustained growth and prosperity. For Judy, happiness is important—but having a meaningful purpose, supported by an exceptional team (the very best, in her words), is what brings true joy each and every day.

Meet our CFO

Mrs. Valerie Petro has been a dedicated member of the Beacon Lighthouse, Inc. team since May 2007. She began her career with the organization as an Accounting Clerk and, through hard work and commitment, has risen to her current role as Chief Financial Officer. In 2014, she graduated with honors from Wayland Baptist University, earning a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a focus on Accounting.

Valerie is passionate about her work at Beacon Lighthouse, Inc., particularly because of the organization's mission to create meaningful employment opportunities for individuals who are blind or visually impaired—a community often underrepresented in the traditional workforce. In her role as CFO, she is excited to support the continued growth and success of the organization.