WHEELING - Wheeling native Karen Haught has been named the new executive director of the Seeing Hand Association Inc. in Wheeling.
Haught believes her background in teaching music and private piano lessons, along with her "strong fundraising background," are key qualifications in filling her new role as the executive director of the Seeing Hand Association. The organization offers an array of specialized services for the blind and visually impaired. Haught, who said she was already familiar with the Seeing Hand from work her grandmother did for the organization many years ago, officially started in her new role April 3.
"I'm very excited about working with the fine folks here. ... I wanted to return to Wheeling. It is my home," said Haught, who recently moved back to the area after living in Florida for over a year. "What excites me about this is the opportunity to serve and make a difference in people's lives."
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Photo by Scott McCloskey
Seeing Hand Association board member Dick Jones congratulates Wheeling native Karen Haught on being named the association’s new executive director.
Haught said she has plans for some future projects at the Seeing Hand, including the expansion of the second-floor workshop. The facility provides some employment opportunities for blind and visually impaired individuals. Clients work with several products in the workshop, including: homemade mops, hand-loomed rugs and caned chairs.
Haught also is excited about the upcoming "Camp Independence," which is held at Wheeling Jesuit University every year for blind and visually impaired children. She said the camp gives children a chance to enjoy a variety of activities among their peers.
Board member Dick Jones said the board is pleased to have Haught as the new director of the Seeing Hand and looks forward to working with her.
The Seeing Hand Association is located at 750 Main St. in Wheeling. One of its core beliefs is that blind and visually impaired individuals can be truly independent and achieve quality of life with the appropriate individual and family support services. The agency's services are designed to encourage, challenge and empower individuals to maximize their potential in all areas of life.
