The Austin Business Journal is shining a light on those doing noble deeds during the dark days of the pandemic. Austin Lighthouse CEO, Jim Meehan, made the list of 2020 Central Texas’ Inspiring Leaders, alongside Michael Dell, Kendra Scott and others. ABJ tells their story in their multi-part Inspiring Leaders digital series.
In Part 3, ABJ highlights how Meehan is leading the Austin Lighthouse’s COVID-19 Response.
The Austin Lighthouse, also known as Travis Association for the Blind, was deemed an essential business by the city of Austin and the U.S. Department of Defense in March. All 450 employees, including 250 blind and deafblind Texans, have maintained employment throughout the pandemic. Meehan ensured the Lighthouse was a safe place to work by following public health guidelines.
Employees stepped up production of their PURELL SKILCRAFT sanitizer products for government agencies and equipment was repurposed to make nearly five thousand cloth face masks.
The masks were donated to the employees and their families; shelters for women, children and people experiencing homelessness; nonprofits; hospitals and schools. A batch of transparent masks were made for the Texas School for the Deaf. The Lighthouse is still donating masks and is prepared to make even more if needed.
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