Mission
We promote growth, opportunity and hope for persons with disabilities based on Christian values and principles.
History
Lighthouse Vocational Services, originally Lighthouse Rehabilitation Center, was established in 1975 at a time when persons with disabilities were often isolated at home or in institutions, without opportunities to integrate or work with other people. Seeing a great need and also great potential, our founders – Norman Hahn, Melvin Martin, John Sensenig and Ben Weaver – envisioned a center to give these people the opportunity to grow, connect, and contribute to their community.
Nearly 100 volunteers helped to renovate an old farmhouse in Blue Ball, PA where the owner of the building, Norman Hahn, agreed to not charge rent. Lighthouse started with only three participants but quickly grew to over 20. Most of the participants were from Christian, Old Order Mennonite or Amish families.
Lighthouse was founded on the belief that God created each person with value and purpose, and from the very beginning, participants were given dignity. The staff taught the participants to believe in God’s promises and discover Biblical principles for themselves. Individuals were offered counseling in the evening if they needed additional support. Participants were also given the opportunity to work. Lighthouse offered a supportive atmosphere where they could complete contract projects such as wooden toys, dolls cradles, wall sconces, scripture plaques, marble rollers, porch benches and ventilator lids for chicken houses.
At its beginning, Lighthouse was self-funded and about 50 percent of its revenue came from local businesses, churches, and individual donors. Paying invoices was sometimes an act of faith, and through this time, God provided. On several occasions when Lighthouse needed money for payroll and other expenses, someone would stop by unexpectedly with a church offering or contribution for the exact amount needed.
Today Lighthouse serves over 170 individuals and still carries the vision to help each person meet their greatest potential. Based in a 25,000 square foot warehouse building in New Holland, PA, Lighthouse offers participants a wide variety of in-house, community-based, and online opportunities to gain experience, explore new interests, integrate with the community and build the skills need for lasting employment.
Senior Management
Gary McMullen
CEO
Gary McMullen was welcomed into the role of CEO at Lighthouse in April of 2024. He brings a wealth of experience, with the majority of his career spent supporting persons with disabilities and their teams. Gary has an MBA from Eastern University. Gary held several positions in direct relationship with the Office of Developmental Programs, including leadership positions at Melmark in Berwyn, Friendship Community in Lititz, and as the Vice President of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Services at Threshold Rehabilitation Services in Reading, PA. There, he had fiscal and program oversight of the residential and employment and training division. Gary and his wife, Bethany, have also supported a gentleman with disabilities in a lifesharing arrangement in their home for over 24 years.
A favorite Bible verse characterizes Gary’s approach to his service at Lighthouse and his message for Lighthouse staff and participants: “Whatever you do, do your work heartily as unto the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.’ Colossians 3:23, 24.
Brian French
Director of Programs
Brian has worked in the field of services for people with Intellectual Disabilities since his graduation from Eastern Mennonite University in 1983 where he studied Psychology and Bible. After 2 years at a vocational program in Homestead, Florida, Brian returned to Pennsylvania and served at Friendship Community until 2012. During his time at Friendship Community, he was instrumental in expanding residential services, increasing government funding and promoting valued roles for people with Intellectual Disabilities. Brian also worked with many families, providing guidance to help them navigate the service system and access funding and support for their loved one. Brian joined the Lighthouse team in January, 2016 and is blessed to have the opportunity to serve the Lighthouse community. He lives in Blue Ball with his wife, Amy. They have four grown children.
Cheryl Brooks
Director of Employment Services
Cheryl has been with LVS for over 5 years. She started as the coordinator of OVR adult & student transition services, then Director of Production to now overseeing the Employment Services Department.
“I enjoy working with all staff here at LVS to help leaders emerge and then to watch them GROW is absolutely delightful and the best part of my job 😊”
Mike Vergara
Director of Development & Marketing
Mike has been with Lighthouse VOC since October of 2023. He has over twelve years of experience in a managerial role including retail, food service, motor vehicle sales, non-profit rehabilitation, and marketing. As Director of Development and Church Relations, Mike and his team strive to support the continuous growth of Lighthouse and promote the work of each valued participant. Mike love’s seeing the tangible impact Lighthouse makes in each participants life. Consider donating to Lighthouse today!
Christina Cruz
Director of Office Administration
Having joined Lighthouse in 2015, Christina oversees the front office team which handles administrative assistance, grant writing, and reception; aiming to make visitors’ interface with Lighthouse warmly friendly and effective. Her organizational and creative strengths express through her coordination of Lighthouse’s quarterly newsletter, the writing and editing of publicity materials, and her work with the development team in groundwork for fundraising events and initiatives. She also assists the CEO as a political and board liaison. She feels that the Christ-centered culture of Lighthouse, which proactively supports everyone in developing their unique gifts, makes it an exceptional place to work and grow.