Issue 19, Fall 2022
Special Message From Executive Director/CEO Nancy D. Miller
This has continued to be a particularly difficult time for people of all ages who are blind or multi-disabled. With the COVID-19 variants circulating and high inflation, people who are blind with low income are especially affected. VISIONS free services and programs offer opportunities to learn with peers and from highly experienced staff, access resources, and gain support from one another. We are distributing hundreds of free COVID test kits with a Bluetooth-enabled application that makes it possible for blind people to "read" results with voice output. VISIONS Older Adult Center, Unpaid Caregiver Program, and residential services at VISIONS Center on Blindness (VCB), are particularly effective in building a community and support system for blind participants.
VISIONS work readiness and job placement programs for youth, adults and older adults enable blind participants to achieve a better future.
Our programs and services are effective due to the involvement of a dedicated Board of Directors, hard-working staff and volunteers, donors, and our participants themselves. Thank you for being a part of the solution to greater accessibility, independence, and employment.
With my best wishes,
Nancy D. Miller
Executive Director/CEO
VCB Welcomes Families Back to In-Person Summer Programming!
We are happy to have one of our longest-standing VISIONS programs make a major return to in-person programming this summer. The residential Rehabilitation and Recreation Program (R&R) at VISIONS Center on Blindness (VCB), provides training and support to blind children and their families, with a focus on increasing independence. During the month of August 2022, R&R consisted of three, five-day residential sessions. It was a great success, with many families returning in-person for the first time since the start of the pandemic. A total of 44 blind children and 41 families participated in R&R, including the addition of new families participating in the program for the first time.
Training in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT), as well as Orientation & Mobility (O&M) included a wide variety of subjects from learning the basics of Braille, personal hygiene (hand washing and tooth brushing), and food preparation (such as microwaved s’mores), to learning the skills needed to run a small business, or navigate the VCB campus.
R&R also included therapeutic recreation, which enhances body awareness and coordination, mobility skills, and a sense of independence. One highlight was a petting zoo, where the children had the opportunity to hold and pet animals such as a snake, a bearded dragon, ducks, and rabbits. Children swam and played in the pool, assembled and painted birdhouses, went on nature walks, and played adaptive sports, including golf. We are particularly grateful to former VISIONS Board member and longtime volunteer, Robbie Davis, who arranged golf instruction from a pair of PGA professionals, Carly Peters, and Bella Modisha.
Social work and parent training were offered during each session, with many parents participating enthusiastically. Parent workshops covered topics ranging from vision rehabilitation, orientation and mobility, and assistive technology, to an introduction to Braille, basic mobility under blindfold, and accessing relevant services. Social work groups focused on resources, dealing with stress, and open discussions.
The family evening programs included bingo, a talent show, a movie night with audio description for the movie Encanto, and beep kickball. Everyone went home with new skills, new experiences, and new and renewed friendships. We are deeply grateful to the Barker Welfare Foundation, the New York Community Trust, and the William G. and Helen C. Hoffman Foundation, who provided funding that helped support these residential services for the children and families we serve.
In This Issue
Program Highlights
Workforce Spotlights
Meet Hanan Hirsawa
Hanan Hirsawa has recently completed her summer internship with Xavier Society for the Blind. For the past 10 weeks, Hanan has assisted their organization with a variety of projects. Her main responsibilities and greatest accomplishments include proofreading braille books, and reaching out to patrons in need of braille materials. This opportunity has allowed Hanan to demonstrate her professionalism and excellent communication skills. Hanan's success in this role has led to a potential job offer that is currently under discussion. She hopes to continue working with Xavier Society in the future!
Meet S. Nasrin
S. Nasrin secured a summer internship with AHRC at their Manhattan Day Services location. As an intern, she provided direct support to adults with neurodiversity. She supported participants by promoting skill development, interests, and hobbies. She also worked with program participants in completing independent living skills. In order to be successful in this role, she implemented a person-centered approach, and utilized positive reinforcement and redirection. S. Nasrin was quickly considered a part of the AHRC team, and was offered a paid per diem position prior to the completion of her internship. She is now an AHRC Direct Support Professional!
Meet Daniel Nash
This summer, Daniel Nash was connected to a competitive, paid internship by VISIONS with S&P Global Public as a Technology Intern in their Commodity Insights division. He had the chance to work with two of their teams, where he conducted accessibility reviews for their internal applications, created scripts for parsing textural files, and carried out a vulnerability tool gap analysis. This was the first such corporate opportunity that Daniel had, and it allowed him to demonstrate his advanced hard skills in the cybersecurity space. He is currently completing his final semester of his Bachelor’s degree, and S&P is encouraging him to consider them for potential employment upon graduation.
Con Edison Staff Volunteer Their Saturday To Conduct Mock Interviews
Volunteers from various departments of Con Edison dedicated a Saturday afternoon in the Summer to provide mock interviews for VISIONS job seekers. These departments included IT, Human Resources, Management, Electric Operations, Legal Services, etc. During this event, VISIONS participants had the opportunity to interview and network with Con Edison professionals from similar career backgrounds. The event helped our job seekers prepare for future interviews, expand their professional networks, and learn more about Con Edison and the careers they are hiring for. Thank you, Con Edison, for volunteering your time to help our participants!
Your Support Helps Professionals With Visual Impairments Like Rebecca Reach Their Career Goals!
Watch Her Story Below:
What Makes VISIONS Workforce Programs Stand Out From the Rest?
VISIONS Workforce Program was ranked #1 in Job Placements for New Yorkers who are legally blind for the 6th consecutive year. We not only help jobseekers find internships and work experience related to their career interests, but we do so while maintaining strong relationships with employer partners, who are ready, willing, and able to hire our participants. We have helped participants secure unique positions such as web developers, HVAC technicians, and lawyers.
Our Workforce team is there for employers and employees every step of the way!
VISIONS Center on Blindness (VCB) and Vocational Rehabilitation Center (VRC) Spotlights
The VRC's Residential Employment Readiness and Pre-ETS Program Congratulates New Graduates!
The 15-Week Residential Employment Readiness and Pre-ETS Program (from July 1st through September 30th, 2022) has come to an amazing end. Eight students successfully completed the work readiness curriculum and National Retail Federation's RiseUp certificate programs. Certificates were awarded in fields including customer service and sales, auto mechanic technician, child development, computer coding, administrative assistant, Safe Serve and Cooking, Starting in Nonprofits, and Web Design.
Participants in this program also completed their paid work experience opportunities, and applied what they learned to real-world experiences. We want to thank partnerships with MGM Resorts International, Flik Foodservice, the Town of Ramapo Supervisor’s Office, Meals on Wheels of Rockland, 260 Auto, Center for Safety and Change, United Way of Rockland County, and Complete Auto Care, who have made these experiences possible for our students.
Sneak Peak: The VRC's Employment Readiness Program Fall Session Begins (September 19 - December 23)
We currently have 5 amazing students enrolled in the Fall Residential Employment Readiness program at the VRC, and the students have quickly jumped into the program with assessments during the first week in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT), Orientation & Mobility Training (O&M), technology training, social work, and Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE). TABE Testing is used to give our staff a better understanding of the academic level of participants. The test covers the basics of reading, English and math.) Our current students have vocational interests in working as chefs or bakers, business managers, retail salespeople, business specialists, and automotive service technicians/mechanics.
If you or someone you know is interested in participating in the VRC's residential employment readiness program, please contact Carmen Thorne, VCB Public Relations Coordinator at cthorne@visionsvcb.org or (212) 625-1616, ext. 107.
New Program Graduates First Class
VISIONS Vocational Rehabilitation Center hosted another very well-received 5-Week Independent Living Program for Adults ages 18+. This program offered adults the opportunity to learn and enhance the skills needed to become more independent.
Participants received customized training in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT), and Orientation & Mobility (O&M) 4.5 days per week, daily typing training, Braille lessons 4 days a week. Social work groups included Adjustment to Vision Loss, Self-Advocacy, Emotional Intelligence, and Coping with Mental Illness. Evening programming focused on engaging recreational activities, as well as blind/visually impaired guest speakers who discussed topics such as parenting, financial literacy, advocacy, and social security benefits and entitlements.
VCB's Pool Renovation Is Underway, Thanks to Lions Club International
Earlier this year, the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) awarded a $100,000 capital grant to the MD-20 District R1 Lions to support the pool renovation project at VISIONS Center on Blindness (VCB). VCB has been a Lions-supported program since it moved to Rockland County in 1951. Once again, the Lions have responded to the call to help to renovate this essential Healthy Living Program component for blind New Yorkers. In a recent NY Times article, Mara Gay writes, “The city is a swimming desert” referring to NYC. Most VCB participants come from NYC, and for them, access to swimming pools is an even greater challenge, due to their blindness. Special thanks to the LCIF foundation and Lions of MD-20 for helping VCB to continue serving individuals who are blind and visually impaired and their families for many more years.
Youth Services Spotlights
Summer Transition Program
VISIONS Summer Transition Program (STP) is a four-week residential experience designed to build independence skills in technology, travel, food prep, cleaning, and career awareness. The group returned to the VRC at VISIONS Center on Blindness for the second summer in a row. This summer featured adaptive sports, including the first annual Youth Services Sports Day on July 17th, which included the Pre-College Program participants.
The Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) staff instructed on lessons which included slicing, mixing, pouring, laundry, increasing hygiene awareness and vacuuming. There were a number of small group trips in which the youth were able to utilize their orientation and mobility skills such as navigating the mall and using escalators. This year’s group visited a park with Go-Karts, and participated in an open-air pedal power (think, seated tandem bike) tour of the Catskills, a water park, and the inaugural Six Flags trip with the Pre-College Program.
Pre-College Program at Manhattanville
VISIONS Pre-College Program returned to the campus of Manhattanville College this summer. The program is a time-limited, but intense learning opportunity, during which, participants become acclimated to the rigors of college work and how to access services on a college campus. The Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist worked with the participants to identify campus landmarks and crossings for easy navigation between the dorm, dining hall, and classroom. The Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist was able to provide hands-on lessons in dorm life maintenance, which included cleaning communal spaces (bathrooms, suite areas, and breezeways), and how to prepare small snacks and meals in the shared kitchen. The participants also engaged in a number of social activities, including adaptive board games, making tie-dye tees, hand scrubs, and movie night. This year’s group was able to connect with the Summer Transition Program for Youth Services Sports Day, a trip to the Palisades Mall (lunch and the movies) and Six Flags Great Adventure.
Work Experience Training
As COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, there were more possibilities for interns to gain valuable job skills out in the community. The Snack Bar at VISIONS at Selis Manor reopened, with a variety of chips, cookies, and cold beverages to sell to the tenants and community users of VISIONS Center on Aging. Many managers of NYC's Business Enterprise Program (BEP) were able to finally open their stands and cafes this summer. We were able to send an intern to a stand on Centre Street. An intern from Spring Valley was able to work with People to People in Nanuet, NY, which is a food pantry that serves families in Rockland County. Two college-aged interns worked as Program Assistants in the Summer Transition Program and Pre-College Program. It was great to see former participants bring their own experiences to mentor younger participants.
Advisory Board Updates
Bronx-Westchester Advisory Board:
Annual Awards Event
Annual Awards Event
The Bronx-Westchester Advisory Board’s Annual Event took place for the first time in Westchester. It was a gorgeous night at The Surf Club where guests gathered to honor the following: Robert Davis, Eifert, French & Ketchum; Sandra Erickson, Sandra Erickson Real Estate, Inc.; the Field Hall Foundation; Clarence Stanley, Small Business Development Center at Lehman College; and Linda Tyler, Business Council of Westchester. Our emcee was Gary Axelbank and Gene Di Napoli was the auctioneer.
Many thanks to Chairperson Rosemary De Luca and the entire Bronx-Westchester board for their time and support of this event that raised $45,000 to support VISIONS services in the Bronx and Westchester.
Mark your calendars for next year’s event: May 17, 2023 at the Pelham Bay/Split Rock Golf Course
Brooklyn Advisory Board:
Annual Awards Dinner
Annual Awards Dinner
This summer, the Brooklyn Advisory Board hosted its second consecutive dinner in a beautiful, tented area at Gargiulo’s Restaurant in Coney Island. The dinner raised almost $12,000 to support VISIONS free services in Brooklyn.
We proudly honored the following: Gregory Anderson, Bridge Street Development Corp; Tricia Bartholomew, Medgar Evers College; Paul Geraci, NYS Commission for the Blind; the Russo Family, Gargiulo’s Restaurant.
Advisory Chair, Joe Corace, continued his many years as an outstanding emcee for the event with support from the wonderful and supportive Brooklyn Advisory Board.
Manhattan Advisory Board:
Annual Awards Reception
Annual Awards Reception
On September 21, Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital hosted VISIONS Manhattan Advisory Board’s Annual Awards Ceremony. Despite terrible traffic jams due to U.N. Week, about 70 joined VISIONS in saluting the following: Alex Bahary, JP Morgan Chase; Dr. Monica Dweck, NYEE/Mount Sinai; Burton M. Strauss, Jr., VISIONS Board of Directors; Harriette Strauss, VISIONS Scholarship Committee.
The evening was enhanced by a keynote address by Jason Eckert of the Reader’s Digest Partners for Sight Foundation, emcee Gary Axelbank of Bronxnet, and Ms. Stefany Koslow who did a phenomenal job as our auctioneer.
Through the wonderful support of our guests, honorees, and the Manhattan Advisory Board members, we raised almost $30,000 for VISIONS free services in Manhattan.
Queens Advisory Board:
Cocktails for a Cause
Cocktails for a Cause
VISIONS Queens Advisory Board held its 5th Annual Cocktails for a Cause fundraiser on August 28th. The festivities were held at J Fallon's Tap Room, 136 Tulip Ave, Floral Park. Our generous hosts, venue owners (Marc and Jason DiCarlo) donated the space, staff, and food. Musician Joe DePiola donated his talents providing 3 hours of live music, and more than 35 local businesses and supporters donated door prizes. The afternoon event exceeded expectations, raising more than $10,000 to support free services for VISIONS participants in Queens and Long Island. Special thanks to sponsors, Stephanie Belanich and Maxine Conlin, Keller Williams Greater Nassau, The Sandra Atlas Bass Foundation, and all our loyal supporters who came out to support VISIONS!
Board & Staff Updates
Julie Hovey and Anusha Sharma Speak to VRC's Employment Readiness Participants
New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB) Associate Commissioner, Julie Hovey and VISIONS Board Member Anusha Sharma visited VISIONS Center on Blindness to speak with the summer Employment Readiness Pre-ETS participants who were enrolled and living at the Vocational Rehabilitation Center (VRC) for 15 weeks.
Julie and Anusha enjoyed their morning together with the 8 participants, getting to know each participant and learning what their vocational goals are. The participants asked many questions, as they got to learn more from a professional who is blind and also a guide dog user. Keanu, one of the participants, connected with Anusha, especially, as he also recently became a guide dog user. Julie spoke to the participants about NYSCB, each of the participants’ vocational courses they are presently taking, and enjoyed answering questions, wishing the participants good luck in reaching their goals.
Congratulations to our Newest Harriette K. Strauss and Burton M. Strauss, Jr. Tuition Assistance Grant Recipients!
This year, we are proud to announce the FY '22 recipients of the Harriette K. Strauss and Burton M. Strauss, Jr. Tuition Assistance Grant: Avian Perez, Program Manager of Caregiver Services (awarded $6,190), and Julia Yankelevich, Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (VRT) Intern (awarded $1,130). The recipients were honored on September 28, 2022 via Zoom among colleagues, Board Members and the Scholarship Committee.
The Harriette K. Strauss and Burton M. Strauss, Jr. Tuition Assistance Grant was established in September 2019 by Harriette K. Strauss and Burton M. Strauss, Jr. Their vision to establish a tuition assistance program for the VISIONS staff became a reality, when the first grant was distributed in 2020. The purpose is to assist staff by paying for some of the cost of tuition and related expenses. Those applying must meet the general eligibility conditions to be viable candidates.
Mrs. Strauss is a former Board Member of VISIONS, and the current Chair of the Scholarship Committee, and Mr. Strauss is the Treasurer of VISIONS Board of Directors, and Chair of the Finance Committee.
Staff Title Changes
Deanna Calamusa - Director of Career Services (7/1/2022)
William Daniels - Senior Technology Instructor (8/1/2022)
Krystal Findley - Social Worker, LMSW (6/16/2022)
Jose Gil – Older Adult Center Program Coordinator and Technology Instructor (7/1/2022)
Sophia Huynh - Business Development Specialist (8/1/2022)
Lisa Senior - Volunteer Services Manager (9/16/2022)
Sherrice Stephen - Vision Rehabilitation Therapist / Orientation & Mobility Specialist (6/1/2022)
Jennifer Tetefsky - VRC Senior Program Manager (6/16/2022)
New Bronx-Westchester Advisory Board Member
Ed Birdie, Community Volunteer
New Manhattan Advisory Board Member
Janet Christenson, Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital
Returning Brooklyn Advisory Board Members
Jackie Love, Grandma's Hands
Scarla Pineda, Peace of Mind Real Estate
New Brooklyn Advisory Board Member
Tricia Bartholomew, Community Volunteer
New Full Time Staff:
Frankie Ann Marcille - Vision Rehabilitation Therapist / Orientation & Mobility Specialist Intern (6/1/2022)
Jessica Clarke - VCB Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (7/16/2022)
Kadacia Cooper - Student Career Coordinator (9/1/2022)
Zachary Dreicer - VRT Intern (9/16/2022)
Stephen Esteves - VCB Residential Programs Manager (6/16/2022)
Luisa Idrovo - Technology Instructor (9/16/2022)
Jake Mariani - Workforce Coordinator (9/16/2022)
Taisha Ortiz - Director of Social Work (9/16/2022)
Avian Perez - Program Manager of Caregiver Services (7/1/2022)
Maite M. Rodriguez - Social Worker (LMSW) (7/16/2022)
Julia Yankelevich - Vision Rehabilitation Therapist Intern (6/1/2022)
New Part-Time Staff:
Percy Chavez - Language Interpreter (Spanish) (5/16/2022)
Jimmy Fontanez - Bilingual Job Coach (6/6/2022)
KeVaughn Merrill - Social Media / Marketing Associate (10/1/2022)
Susan Scheer - Grant Writer (8/1/2022)
Layla Suarez - Language Interpreter (Spanish) (5/16/2022)
VISIONS Board of Directors:
President: Robert Schonbrunn
Past President: Nancy T. Jones
Vice President: Dr. Cynthia Stuen
Treasurer: Burton M. Strauss, Jr.
Assistant Treasurer: Kenneth J. Gralak
Secretary: Denise G. Rabinowitz
VISIONS Insights Newsletter: A Publication About VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Newsletter Staff
Executive Director/CEO:
Nancy D. Miller
Editor, Senior Director of Fundraising Initiatives:
Amy Gordon
Editor, Chief Development Officer:
Russell C. Martello
Newsletter Design & Layout,
Director of Marketing and Communications:
Ryan Melendez
Thank You to Everyone who Supported VISIONS 36th Annual Charity Golf & Tennis Outing!
VISIONS 36th Annual Golf & Tennis Outing took place on September 19 at the Fairview Country Club in Greenwich, Connecticut. The outing raised $158,000 to support VISIONS free services at VISIONS Center on Blindness (VCB) and our free services in Westchester and the Lower Hudson Valley. It was a gorgeous day on the course and on the courts!
We would like to thank our honoree, Bill Resnick, the golf committee chaired by Ric Apter, and the staff at Fairview who worked diligently to keep everyone dry during the evening downpours.
Click HERE to see a gallery of photos taken during the event
Save the Date:
37th Annual Charity Golf & Tennis Outing
September 18, 2023 at Fairview Country Club
VISIONS In The Community
VISIONS Celebrates White Cane Awareness Day!
At Selis Manor, the house was packed for VISIONS first (annual), in-person White Cane Day celebration, featuring speeches from NYS Commission for the Blind staff and NYC Council Member Erik Bottcher, touching stories from participants of what the white cane means to them, a demonstration on how to use and order canes from our staff, and our first cane clinic, a one-on-one experience where people can try out different canes to find the one that best fits their needs.
At VCB, staff, participants, and guests came together to celebrate White Cane Day, in collaboration with BRIDGES, a nonprofit advocacy group for people with disabilities in Rockland County. The celebration included speeches by NYS Commission for the Blind staff, Assemblyman Kenneth Zebrowski, and VCB/VRC participants sharing their own stories and tributes to the white cane, as well as BRIDGES staff demonstrating different types of canes and mobility devices available to people who are blind and visually impaired.
We look forward to our next celebrations, and want to thank all of our guests for sharing their stories and making our celebrations truly unique.
Teddy Kern, OTR-L, Hosted a Virtual Falls Prevention Workshop in Partnership With The NYC Department for the Aging (DFTA) on October 6th
This virtual presentation via Zoom was directed to the DFTA network, for a hybrid audience of various member sites as well as individual members who logged on. The intention of the workshop was to address falls prevention, and the specific needs of older adults with vision impairments, who are particularly at risk.
Techniques for identifying risk factors such as muscle weakness, prior history of falls, balance and stability deficits, visual acuity and hearing loss, and the impact of medications was discussed. Interventions such as modifying risk factors, getting regular eye exams, the importance of exercise, the use of assistive devices, and utilizing a self-administered Home Safety checklist to reduce fall hazards was included.
Lisa Hofflich Pays a Visit to VISIONS Center on Aging
On August 11th, Lisa Hofflich, senior staff member of United States Senator Kristin Gillibrand toured VISIONS at Selis Manor with Executive Director/CEO Nancy D. Miller to view VISIONS Center on Aging, our older adult center catering to the needs of individuals with visual impairments, as well as our Assistive Technology Center. Lisa also got to observe our programs and classes in action, while discussing with Nancy, federal issues that affect Blindness Rehabilitation organizations, and the services they provide.
Nancy D. Miller attended Senator Gillibrand's Aging Advisory Committee on October 20, 2022 and spoke directly with the Senator regarding the urgency to increase the federal funding for services for older individuals who are blind.
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Bonus, you can create posts using our hashtags, #SeeWhatIsPossible, and #VISIONSVCB and people will be able to see those posts and learn even more about VISIONS!
Feedback
Volunteer Feedback
Provided by GreatNonprofits. To learn more, visit http://bit.ly/VISIONSGN
5 Star Review from User: eviezumba11
09/21/2022
09/21/2022
[VISIONS] is an amazing non-profit that I have been volunteering with for 10 Years. They provide great programs for [older adults] which I work with. Since the Pandemic, I have been providing Improv Comedy Workshops and Seated Zumba Gold exercise classes by phone. Many of the participants are still finding it difficult to get to in-person programming as of now, and [VISIONS] provides a wide variety of classes and social activities - both in-person as well as virtual. The staff is amazing, organized and friendly. They care for their clients and always look for ways to provide the best programs, exercise, entertainment and continuing education that caters to the blind and visually impaired. I definitely recommend volunteering with this organization - you can share your talents with a very appreciative group of participants!
5 Star Review from User: SLNYC
09/17/2022
09/17/2022
I greatly enjoyed my time working with [VISIONS]. The staff was extremely helpful and kind, especially towards the elderly, blind, and visually impaired. As a volunteer, I was so happy I could be a part of such a great organization. Thank you, Jose for arranging my visits and setting me up!
5 Star Review from User: paulb55
09/14/2022
09/14/2022
I feel like VISIONS is here for me and I want to be here for VISIONS. I feel like VISIONS has done so much and I enjoy VISIONS very much. I’ve been coming here since 2011 and became a volunteer a year ago to run a group. I really enjoy running the group for VISIONS. I would even do more if needed! I can’t say enough about what VISIONS has done for me. Paul B.
5 Star Review from User: syamanaka
09/13/2022
09/13/2022
Volunteering at VISIONS has been such an amazing experience. It is a great organization that does so much to support visually impaired elderly. With my role I am able to help them with technology, meal service, and more. It is incredibly rewarding and I feel that I have really grown as a person. I am able to improve my communication and people skills and that is something that I will take with me.
5 Star Review from User: sophiegrossman
09/13/2022
09/13/2022
VISIONS at Selis Manor is a great program for high schoolers to get involved with, as it provides rewarding experiences and forms strong relationships. Volunteers have the opportunity to collaborate with other student volunteers, as well as interact with many members of Selis Manor and explore their creativity. Overall, VISIONS has been a wonderful experience and I have learned so much.
5 Star Review from User: tsuri
08/20/2022
08/20/2022
I started volunteering for VISIONS 2 years ago and now it is my 3rd year. This is a wonderful nonprofit with amazing people who help the Blind and Visually Impaired. They host amazing events that provide meal service, entertainment and knowledge. I hope to continue volunteering because I have had such a wonderful experience.
5 Star Review from User: audrey.poon
08/19/2022
08/19/2022
Working with VISIONS is a rewarding and fulfilling experience. The clients and staff are kind and welcoming. As a long term volunteer, I can say the community VISIONS has helped foster among the clients, volunteers, and staff is amazing.
5 Star Review from User: dgrabinowitz
08/15/2022
08/15/2022
I have been working with a [VISIONS] client for 4.5 years. Antoinette, who I see at [VISIONS Center on Aging] once a week, is 82 years old and is an inspiration to me.
I read to her, write checks for her to sign, write greetings and addresses on birthday and Christmas cards for Antoinette to sign, and talk with her about what is going on in her life.
I am very impressed by the staff at [VISIONS] who are very engaged, dedicated and kind to clients.
I am on the Board of [VISIONS] and my volunteer work and interaction with various staff members has helped me to be more knowledgeable about the many programs the staff has developed for clients having a variety of needs and interests.
Denise
Participant Feedback
Dear Julie,
Thank you for all your kindness when you came to my home. You are so suited for your job.
You were so helpful & all the wonderful helpers you brought with you & introduced us to, have helped me more than you'll ever know.
I so appreciate all you have done to help make things easier for me. I pray God will always bless you & keep his loving arms around you. Stay well & safe.
With thanks,
Barbara V.
Dear Mr. Hixson:
I am writing to express my thanks for the services provided by VISIONS, and particularly for the wonderful support I have received from Teddy Kern and Dorothee Pierrard. As an elderly person newly grappling with the effects of vision loss, my major concern has been for how best to maintain my independence. Both Teddy and Dorothee have been incredibly helpful in providing me with the support I need to live a vigorous and independent life. Teddy has brought me high intensity lamps that enable me to read, great pens and notepads, an audible timekeeper, safety mats for the bathroom, and devices I can use in the kitchen that enable me to continue to prepare my own meals. Dorothee provided wonderful training that enables me to safely continue my daily walks in Central Park, and to navigate the streets of my neighborhood. Both have provided the kind of encouragement and guidance that give me the confidence to continue leading an active and productive life.
I am truly grateful to VISIONS and the wonderful people on your staff.
Sincerely,
Sandra Roche
VISIONS Would Like to Thank the Following Donors: 10/1/21 to 9/30/22
$10,000+
Allene Reuss Memorial Trust
Anonymous
Con Edison Company of New York, Inc.
Robert A. and Ellen Davis
Douglass Winthrop Advisors, LLC
Joseph F. Fallon
Fiduciary Trust Company International
Dr. and Mrs. Andrew S. Fisher
Lucius L. and Rhonda N. Fowler
Adrienne Germain
Heidenberg Properties, LLC
Robert Heidenberg
Nancy T. Jones
JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A.
Kessler Foundation
Lavelle Fund for the Blind, Inc.
MGM Resorts International
Moses L. Parshelsky Fdn.
Reader's Digest Partners for Sight Foundation
Robert A. Schonbrunn
Harriette K. and Burton M. Strauss, Jr.
The Achelis and Bodman Foundation
The Barker Welfare Foundation
The David Kimmel Foundation
The Eisner Foundation Inc.
The Fan Fox & Leslie R. Samuels Foundation
The New York Community Trust
The Staten Island Foundation
TLJC Foundation
$1,000-$9,999+
1919 Investment Counsel
Amazon.com Services LLC
American International Group
American Resources Corp.
Gregory Anderson
Nandanie Appana
Fredric C. Apter
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
Atlantic Westchester, Inc.
Mr. & Mrs. Mal L. Barasch
John D. Belanich
Stephanie Belanich
BKD Foundation
Steven H. Black
Richard Blatt
Holly and Joseph Bonner
Douglas Andrew Borck
Brooklyn Bridge Lions Club
Robert Cross
Michael Cush
Elisabeth Depicciotto
Earthshare
Ed Lucas Foundation, Inc.
Eifert, French & Ketchum
Christina H. Eisenbeis and Ralph Martin
The Demarest Lloyd Foundation
Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield
Sandra Erickson
Estate of Claire Wagner
Estate of Eli & Diane Rudolph
Norma P. Eversley
Michael S. Featherston
Foreseeable Future Foundation
Frances Freedman
Gloria Fu
Judith Rock Goldman
Michael D. and Ellyn S. Greenspan
Johnson & Johnson Foundation
Leslie Jones
Maureen Kenny
Steven E. and Catherine G. Kent
Thomas R. King
Rabbi David-Seith Kirshner
Theodore Peter and Linda Klingos
Deborah F. Knight
Anthony and Linda Lemma
Laurence and Stephanie Levy
Nan and Peter Levy
Daniel M. Libby, M.D.
Lilker Associates Consulting Engineers, PC
Lions Club of Bedford Village
Lions Club of Larchmont Mamaroneck
Lions Club of Pleasantville
Lions Club of the Bronx
Raymond List
Mancini Duffy
Russell Martello
Martha W Straus-Harry H Straus Fdn., Inc.
Mattituck Lions Club
James and Jane C. McGroarty
Metzger-Price Fund, Inc.
Nancy D. and Gerald Miller
Neal Miller and Nieves Cespedes
Richard I. and Shana Leib Miller
Mogil Organization, LLC
New York Hunts Point Lions Club
New York University
Sagrario Nieves
North Salem Lions Club
Orange Bank & Trust Company
OSIA NYS Grand Lodge Foundation, Inc.
Israel O. and Precious Owodunni
Oyster Bay Lions Club
P S Marcato Elevator Co., Inc.
Anne Carin Pai
Betty and Carl Pforzheimer, III
JoAnn Priore
PDG Angelo and PDG Ellen Purcigliotti
Denise G. and Jonathan D. Rabinowitz
PDG Jagadish B. Rao
Richmond County Savings Foundation
Cynthia Robinson-Bioh
Rochelle & David A. Hirsch Foundation, Inc.
Peter A. Roffman
Victor M. Rosenzweig
Gene Rostov
Rye City Lions Club
S&P Global Ratings
Ananth Sampathkumar
Henry Saveth
Kenneth D. and Marcia B. Schlechter
Jean F. Sheng
Krishna Singh
Sight Improvement Center, Inc.
Sirena Restaurant
Marsha Slater Rider
Solid Benefit Guidance LLC
Janet Squitieri
Strong Foundation of New York
Kenneth R. Stuart
Dr. Cynthia Stuen and Rev. William Weisenbach
Francis Tabone
The Baumann Family Foundation
The Business Council of Westchester
The Doolittle Trust
The Glickenhaus Foundation
The Sandra Atlas Bass and Edyth & Sol G. Atlas Fund, Inc.
James C. Tsai
Linda Tyler
VASCA, Inc.
Alan Vinegrad
Visually Impaired Advancement
Webster Bank, N.A.
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
Westchester Insurance Professionals
Frederick L. and Katherine B. White
John and Libby Winthrop
Michael Wolf
Natalia S. Young
David A. and Rochelle B. Zarett
Special Thanks
Connecticut State Department of Aging and Disability Services
NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired
NYC Department for the Aging
NYC Department of Youth and Community Development
NYC SEFA
NYS Commission for the Blind
NYS Comptroller
In-Kind Donations
Antonio's Trattoria
Ric Apter
Artshack Brooklyn/Quinn McNeill
Atlantic Westchester, Inc./Bud Hammer
Austin's Ale House
Brad Hess Photography/Brad Hess
Bruce Balsam
Bernadette Baker-Baughman
BC Bistro
Stephanie Belanich
Rita Brackeen
Brooklyn Children Museum/Stephanie Wilchfort
Brooklyn Botanic Garden/Kate Fermoile
Valerie Buckner
Kristen Cappelli-Schmidt
Mary Cappelli
Crabtree's Restaurant
Jane DeLuca
Kathy Deluca
Anthony J. DiLeonardo
Gene DiNapoli
Dua Gourmet Market/Alexandra Lulaj
Barbara and Michael Eden
Karen Eisenstadt
Empire City Casino/Jelena Georga
Fairview Country Club/Jeff Francis
FEMA/Region II - DR-4614-NJ/Lori Ross
Christopher Furtick
Bernadine Gillette
Roza Gjonaj
Ellen Goldsmith
Mildred Green
Grace Grigoleit
Wayne Gurreri
Iavarone Brothers Cafe
Margaret Ioannou
K. Pacho Restaurant
J Fallon's Tap Room/ Marc DiCarlo and Jay DiCarlo
Nancy T. Jones
Rosalie La Rosa
Jessica Lewis
Michelle Liu
Donna Madnick
Mahopac Golf Club/Michele Segatti
Brian Malfettone
Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital/Janet Christenson
Marriott Westchester/Terry McAneney and Jonathan Gargiulo
Matthew 25: Ministries/Proctor & Gamble/Patty Dilg
Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities
Rosalyn McDavid
Nancy D. and Gerald Miller
MSG/Sydney Di Maggio
Museum Editions Ltd./ Charles Fazzino
New Canaan Library/Anthony Marrocolla
New York Botanical Garden
New York Country Club/Garret Hirsch
NY Yankees/Carol Laurenzano
Anna Panettiere
PPE4ALL/Emme Magliato, COO
Chef Franco Raicovich
Fern Rashkover
Residence Inn by Marriott
Richard Gottfried’s District Office/Phil Marius
Ridgewood Saving Bank/Maureen Carvin
Linda Rossi
Salon Deana Inc.
Ananth Sampathkumar
Samsung/Nicole Murakami
Sandra Saunders
Anusha Sharma
Judith Shaw
Marion Sheppard
Virginia Skar
Janet Squitieri
Harriette K. Strauss and Burton M. Strauss, Jr.
Sunningdale Country Club/ Dana Cancellaro, General Manager
Gail Sussman
Swing the Teapot
Francis Tabone
Alex Tanchoco
Tarrytown Music Hall/Bjorn Olsson, Executive Director
The Harrison Restaurant
The Somers Pointe/Adrianna DiNapoli
T.W.I.N., LLC/Isabella Serrani
Vision Music & Entertainmen/Joe Depiola
Alex Vorchheimer
Yvonne Whitehurst
Wildlife Conservation Society
Henry Wong
Deborah Zanca
Lions In-Kind Donations
Richmond Hill-South Ozone Park Lions Club/ Lion Romeo Hitlall, PMJF
How to Support VISIONS
Make a Donation!
Whether you give us an individual donation, or a lead to a foundation grant, or corporate sponsor that is aligned with our mission, every effort helps!
Ways to Donate
Online or by check: Visit visionsvcb.org/donate for more instructions
Donor-Advised Fund
Gifts of appreciated stock
Qualified Charitable Distributions
Include VISIONS in your will*
*If you would like to consider naming VISIONS in your will, or making a testamentary gift, simply share the following information with your lawyer:
Legal Name: VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Tax ID: 13-1624210
Address: 500 Greenwich Street, Suite 302, New York, NY 10013
If you have any questions about ways to donate or know of individuals, foundations, or corporations interested in supporting VISIONS, please contact Russell C. Martello, Chief Development Officer at rmartello@visionsvcb.org.
Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.
VISIONS services are partially funded by the New York State Commission for the Blind, the NYC Department for the Aging, and the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development; Assembly Member Richard Gottfried; Former New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, New York City Council Speaker Adrienne E. Adams, Former Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine; Former City Council Members: Margaret Chin, Robert Cornegy Jr., Ruben Diaz, Sr., Mark Gjonaj, Barry Grodenchik, Ben Kallos, Peter Koo, Ydanis Rodriguez, and Deborah Rose; and Current City Council Members: Erik Bottcher, Tiffany Caban, Carmen De La Rosa, Amanda Farias, Kamillah Hanks, Rita Joseph, Linda Lee, Julie Menin, Vickie Paladino, Keith Powers, Kevin Riley, Pierina Ana Sanchez, Sandra Ung, and Marjorie Velazquez.
VISIONS was incorporated in 1926 and is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions to VISIONS are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. A copy of our most recent financials and IRS 990 are available by e-mailing info@visionsvcb.org writing the Office of the Attorney General, Charities Bureau, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271, or on-line at www.guidestar.org. VISIONS achieved platinum status at Guidestar.
How to Reach Us
VISIONS does not sell or otherwise make available the names, addresses or phone numbers of our donors to anyone. However, donors of major gifts or grants may be thanked by name in this newsletter, in VISIONS Annual Report, on the VISIONS website, in other print materials such as brochures, or at appropriate events. If requested, we will refrain from thanking a donor publicly. VISIONS will honor all requests to be removed from our mailing list or to limit the mailings you receive from us. We appreciate the generosity of our supporters and are respectful of the privacy of our donors and friends.
VISIONS Greenwich Street Headquarters:
500 Greenwich Street, Suite 302
New York, NY 10013-1354
Phone: (212) 625-1616
info@visionsvcb.org
Fax: (212) 219-4078
VISIONS at Selis Manor/Senior Center
135 West 23rd Street
New York, NY 10011
Phone: (646) 486-4444
selisdirector@visionsvcb.org
VISIONS Center on Blindness/VRC
111 Summit Park Road
Spring Valley, NY 10977
Phone: (845) 354-3003
rcoellar@visionsvcb.org