Freedom Foundation

McKinstry was founded in 1960. However, it has a history dating back to 1934. George Allen and Merrill McKinstry formed the company as a result of the death of W.E. Beggs Company owner William Beggs. Like virtually all of the mechanical contractors of the 1960s, McKinstry originated as a plumbing and piping services firm. However, over the following decade, McKinstry added sheet metal, fire protection and temperature controls to its core capabilities and pioneered the design/build method of mechanical construction. McKinstry is now a full service mechanical contractor in the Pacific Northwest, with annual sales in the $100 million range. It employs around 650 staff and field technicians who help deliver a wide range of services, including mechanical construction, engineering, architectural metal, maintenance and facility management to many clients. Headquartered in Seattle, it also has branch facilities in Portland, Ore.

Seattle Lighthouse for the Blind was established to create and enhance opportunities for independence and self-sufficiency of people who are blind, deaf-blind and blind with other disabilities. The Lighthouse stands out as one of Seattle's oldest nonprofit organizations, with more than 85 years of continuous service to blind people in its community. The Lighthouse joined a growing movement to provide specialized professional vocational rehabilitation services to blind people. Beginning with one psychiatric social worker, rehabilitation services expanded over time to include: vocational testing, counseling, orientation and mobility training with white cane or guide dog, independent living skills, technical support, in-house sign language interpreting, recreational activities, job training, Braille classes, sign language instruction and information and referral services. In 1969, the Lighthouse hired its first three Deaf-Blind employees. More deaf-blind people seeking employment soon followed, and the Lighthouse became an integral part of the growing Seattle area deaf-blind community.

This location serves as the administrative headquarters for Seattle Goodwill, as well as a Job Training & Education Center.