Mission
To provide resilient and sustainable food, water and energy solutions to under-served communities and communities at risk.
Vision
First Light Project works hand-in-hand with local partners to implement projects that have positive environmental, social, and economic impact. Projects range from LED lighting retrofits to developing vertical farms that produce locally grown food. These projects create jobs, improve public health, and create opportunity for residents and their families.
The First Light Project Story
In August 2012 Lois Davidson met Charlie Szoradi, CEO of Independence LED at the Upper Main Line Rotary Chapter when she did a presentation for Power Up Gambia on a project to provide reliable and sustainable electricity through solar energy to Sulayman Junkung General Hospital in Bwiam, The Gambia. Although the new solar installation allowed the hospital to operate more effectively with upgraded water and electrical systems, the existing incandescent and fluorescent lighting continued to deplete a significant amount of electricity the system generated. That introduction and ensuing conversations with Charlie Szoradi led to Indpendence LED’s donation of 8 sets of LED lamps and drivers that significantly improved the performance of the hospitals lighting.
From this fortuitous exchange came the idea to expand the concept of First Light Project with a goal to provide high quality LED lighting to those who need it most.
Within 2 years First Light Project had established their 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and embarked on projects of their own. With support from Independence LED and other sustainable industry programs, along with the dedication of Executive Director Lois Davidson and the Board, First Light Project has been able to provide energy efficient LED lighting to hospitals, clinics and schools throughout under-served areas of the world.
Projects have included: 3 clinics and 1 hospital in The Gambia, Africa(Power Up Gambia), Clinic and it’s addition in Honduras(Serving at the Crossroads), CVIM in West Chester, PA(Community Volunteers in Medicine), a charter school in Philadelphia, PA and our LED Tubes are even on Mt. Annapurna, Himalayas at a Medical Tent on one of the summit.
First Light Project’s mission then, as now, was to provide sustainable solutions using current technology to improve the lives of people in under-served areas of the world. First Light Project’s work locally and abroad highlighted to the organization the need to integrate technology solutions into the broader context of community well-being. Now we are moving forward in our ever-changing world by re-focusing our mission and vision to include food and water insecurity.
With gratitude to those who supported and guided First Light Project through it’s crucial early years, we are excited to refocus our energy and resources on our expanded mission and vision.
Mission: To provide resilient and sustainable food, water and energy solutions to under-served communities and communities at risk.
Vision: First Light Project works hand-in-hand with local partners to implement projects that have positive environmental, social, and economic impact. Projects range from LED lighting retrofits to developing vertical farms that produce locally grown food. These projects create jobs, improve public health, and create opportunity for residents and their families.
