Embedded Files
Nancy D. Miller Receives NASW's Lifetime Achievement Award
Nancy D. Miller Receives NASW's Lifetime Achievement Award
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) presented VISIONS Executive Director/CEO Nancy D. Miller, LMSW, with their 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award, in conjunction with the NASW National Conference on Friday, June 24th. This national award recognizes Nancy, and celebrates her lifetime of significant contributions to the field of social work through her work at VISIONS. NASW is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world, and works to enhance the professional growth and development of its members, to create and maintain professional standards, to advance sound social policies and social justice.
Nancy has been a key part of VISIONS for 50 years, starting out as a summer counselor and full time social worker, and working her way up to Executive Director/CEO, a position she has held for 35 years. Nancy has adopted a leadership style, based on her foundation of social work values. She uses this foundation as a guide that puts blind participants and their needs at the forefront of decision-making, to the point of placing participants at the top of VISIONS organizational chart. Nancy believes in the critical importance of including entire families in the process of receiving services.
From training parents and siblings of blind babies, toddlers, and youth while blindfolded, so that they can get a full understanding of their family member’s needs and serve as a support and advocate; to connecting families of blind children to create an immense support network, Nancy has taken significant financial and programmatic risks to provide needed services where she saw gaps, even prior to securing funding. She continues to demonstrate the “if you build it they will come” mentality, and this approach has led to the creation of some of VISIONS most innovative programs, including: VISIONS Center on Aging, the only city-funded center for blind older adults (60+); and VISIONS Vocational Rehabilitation Center (VRC), a residential rehabilitation center offering job training and placement for blind 18-24 year olds.
Nancy has also taken risks to attract, incentivize and retain staff that provide the highest level of service to VISIONS participants. By committing to pay almost 100% of employee health benefits, Nancy has achieved an unheard of 4% turnover in the nonprofit sector, for her staff (for whom she requires and pays for licensure and/or certification). By taking care of the staff she leads (and their families), Nancy retains and motivates the staff that are essential to implementing the demanding, innovative, and high-level programming VISIONS is known for.
As a result of Nancy's visionary leadership, deeply rooted in social work values, blind participants of all ages and their families throughout New York City, Long Island, the Lower Hudson Valley, and Northern New Jersey, have seen vastly improved holistic services that address the the individual’s needs. Nancy has successfully filled every gap that she has identified, no matter how challenging the solution, and we salute her path from social worker to CEO.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
To learn more and register for these, or future events, click here.
Wednesday, July 27, 2022
Gargiulo’s
2911 W 15th St
Brooklyn, NY 11224
Sunday, August 28, 2022
J. Fallon’s Tap Room
136 Tulip Ave
Floral Park, NY 11001
Monday, September 19, 2022
Fairview Country Club
1241 King Street
Greenwich, CT 06831
Wednesday, September 21, 2022
Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital
210 East 64th Street
New York, NY 10065
In This Issue
In This Issue
Board & Staff Updates
Board & Staff Updates
VISIONS Welcomes Michael Cush as New Chief Program Officer
VISIONS Welcomes Michael Cush as New Chief Program Officer
VISIONS bid a fond farewell to Diane S. Weiss on her well-deserved retirement after more than 40 years with VISIONS and the Center for Independent Living (CIL) for older people with vision loss. CIL merged with Vacations and Community Services for the Blind/VCB to form VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired in 1984.
Michael J. Cush, who was appointed on April 1, 2022, has been with VISIONS for over 16 years, starting as the Blindline® Information Coordinator, and now the Chief Program Officer for VISIONS rehabilitation, youth and workforce programs. His responsibilities include ensuring that quality employment, vocational, rehabilitation, youth and technology skills training services are provided to VISIONS participants in the most efficient and effective manner possible. This entails oversight of all vocational training and work readiness programs, job placement services, vision rehabilitation therapy, orientation and mobility instruction, social work, low vision, outreach, Blindline(R) and youth services.
In his previous position at VISIONS, Michael oversaw the VISIONS job placement and technology services. Under his guidance, VISIONS has placed the highest number of blind job seekers in New York State annually since 2016.
Prior to joining VISIONS in 2006, Michael spent ten years working as a Case Manager, Customer Service Representative and Information and Referral Specialist.
Michael graduated from the State University of New York, Stony Brook, with a Bachelor of Arts, Dual Degree Psychology & Sociology. We wish him much success in his new position.
Board Member Jyotika Bisht Secures Exciting Internships for Participants in College
Board Member Jyotika Bisht Secures Exciting Internships for Participants in College
When Jyotika Bisht of S&P Global Public joined VISIONS Board of Directors in October 2021, she immediately offered to help job-seeking clients in VISIONS Workforce Department in any way she could. In February 2022, Ms. Bisht followed up by developing and winning approval for paid summer internship positions with S&P Global Public’s Commodity Insights Team for two of VISIONS college-aged clients. VISIONS Workforce team then helped the S&P team to identify suitable clients at VISIONS.
At the end of the multi-stage interviewing process, two students were selected for internships set to start in June. A John Jay College junior was to work as a Technology Intern assisting the team that manages the technology behind S&P’s pricing and news platforms. A Seton Hall University sophomore was to work as an Editorial Intern and learn how S&P Community Insights develops its news content. This is the students' first corporate internship opportunity.
Thanks to Ms. Bisht, these students are now being mentored by world-class professionals — and also building their resumes. VISIONS is deeply grateful to Ms. Bisht and S&P Global Public.
Staff Title Changes
Staff Title Changes
Khadija Bari - Director of Placement Services (4/1/2022)
Deanna Calamusa - Career Services Coordinator (10/1/2021)
Michael Cush - Chief Program Officer (4/1/2022)
Meghan Fink - Vision Rehabilitation Therapist/Orientation Mobility Specialist (12/1/2021)
Heather Hanlon - Senior Director of Workforce Programs (4/1/2022)
Sophia Huynh - Workforce Specialist (2/1/2022)
Travis Joseph - Vision Rehabilitation Therapist/Orientation Mobility Specialist (VRT/OMS) (2/1/2022)
Ryan Melendez - Director of Marketing and Communications (10/1/2021)
Michael Ziminski - Technology Services Coordinator (10/1/2021)
New Full Time Staff:
New Full Time Staff:
Branislava Bubalo - Vision Rehabilitation Therapist Assistant and Orientation Mobility Assistant (Effective 2/1/2022 internship; 6/28/2022 graduate)
Oleg Geyzer - Business Development Specialist (Effective 3/16/2022)
New Part-Time Staff:
New Part-Time Staff:
Rosalyn McDavid - Class Instructor (Effective 3/1/2022)
New Bronx-Westchester Advisory Board Members
New Bronx-Westchester Advisory Board Members
Roberta Gjonaj, Community Volunteer
Judy Stern, Signature Bank
Karin Suero, Legal Aid Society
New Manhattan Advisory Board Members
New Manhattan Advisory Board Members
Michael Wolf, Community Volunteer
Zak Bentley, PEI Media
New Brooklyn Advisory Board Members
New Brooklyn Advisory Board Members
Cynthia Bioh, Community Volunteer
Enid Knight, Bedford Stuyvesant Family Health Center
VISIONS Board of Directors:
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
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
Returning to In-Person Services
Returning to In-Person Services
VISIONS is excited to welcome back participants across all of our departments! Our staff remain committed to participant safety, and are following every guideline to ensure programs run smoothly.
VISIONS is excited to welcome back participants across all of our departments! Our staff remain committed to participant safety, and are following every guideline to ensure programs run smoothly.
VISIONS Center on Aging Participants Receive a Special Concert Performance by Carnegie Hall's Ensemble Connect
VISIONS Center on Aging Participants Receive a Special Concert Performance by Carnegie Hall's Ensemble Connect
On April 21, 2022 participants of the VISIONS Center on Aging enjoyed an in-person concert with artists from Carnegie Hall's Ensemble Connect. The performance featured a cello, viola, two violins, and a piano. The room was filled with riveting music and pieces that soothed the soul. The artists took some time to explore the pieces and had full open discussions with participants. The conversations were great, and challenged them to get in touch with the music and themselves. Participants were filled with joy and happiness as they reconnected with their friends and staff after over 2 years apart. It was definitely a morning concert they will never forget.
Watch their performance by visiting https://youtu.be/4OZjK2juPIA
VISIONS Intergenerational Program Keeps Older Adults Connected to Technology
VISIONS Intergenerational Program Keeps Older Adults Connected to Technology
Participants at VISIONS Older Adult Center received free training from Mike Ziminski, Technology Services Coordinator; and William Daniels, Technology Instructor; along with volunteers from the Intergenerational Program on using the new tablets they received through NYC's Department for the Aging (DFTA). Participants were excited to use the tablets to stay connected with friends and family, and keep up to date with VISIONS virtual offerings.
With the assistance of our intergenerational high school students from the International School, and generous funding from several grants, we have successfully connected many Spanish-speaking participants with technology assistance. The students provided assistance in teaching participants how to navigate their cell phones and use the accessibility features on their devices.
One volunteer was quoted as saying, "I have learned so much from the tech assistance project. The instructors did a great job of introducing the tablet, how to turn it on and off, setting up apps, and other basic skills. I was able to improve my communication skills, and was able to help the seniors in an effective way. It made me really happy to see the seniors gain confidence in their tablet skills and I hope that they continue to use it in the future!"
VISIONS Center on Blindness (VCB) Seamlessly Blends Virtual and In-Person Programs
VISIONS Center on Blindness (VCB) Seamlessly Blends Virtual and In-Person Programs
During the winter months, VCB hosted several virtual sessions, with topics ranging from music appreciation, to honoring black history and women's history, to accessible technology, and financial literacy. Many thanks to Chase Bank and the staff from the New York Public Library's Andrew Heiskell branch for their continued partnership!
In the spring, VCB began welcoming participants to in-person programs through its spring sessions in April, and the attendance was near capacity! Weekend program registration is available via this link: https://forms.gle/kiwnQjo8dSZDEQ2m8 As always, VCB programs are free of charge, and staff are looking forward to full dorms this spring and summer!
Weekend programs are being held on: May 20-22, June 3-5, June 24-26, July 8-10, July 22-24, and August 5-7. Please contact Jennifer Tetefsky at jtetefsky@visionsvcb.org or at (845) 354-3003 x306 for additional information.
VISIONS Vocational Rehabilitation Center (VRC) Introduces New 45-Day Residential Program
VISIONS Vocational Rehabilitation Center (VRC) Introduces New 45-Day Residential Program
VISIONS VRC hosted its first 45-Day residential program for participants who are blind and visually impaired, who also have developmental/intellectual disabilities. The five participants spent their time visiting worksites, and volunteering with community partners such as the Rockland Farm Alliance, Meals on Wheels, People to People food pantry, and Flik. They learned independent living skills from Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists, Certified Orientation & Mobility instructors, Work Readiness Specialists, Assistive Technology Instructors, and Licensed Social Workers. Participants also worked to complete the Rise Up! Customer Service and Sales curriculum from the National Retail Federation.
Participants were extremely supportive of each other, and served as a model for teamwork and commitment. Graduation was held on June 9.
We are also looking forward to hosting our next 5-Week Vision Rehabilitation Services (VRS)/Independent Living program for adults 18+, which runs from May 31-July 6; our Summer Residential Services program which runs from July 1-September 30; and our Fall Residential Services program which runs from September 15-December 23, 2022.
Please contact Carmen Thorne at cthorne@visionsvcb.org or (212) 625-1616, ext. 107 for additional information.
Young Adults Learn Pre-Vocational Skills During Their Spring Break
Young Adults Learn Pre-Vocational Skills During Their Spring Break
Participants between the ages of 14 and 18 spent their spring break at VCB for the return of our in-person Pre-vocational Program. The Pre-Voc program is designed to assist teens with building independent skills while exploring careers and thinking about summer programs and opportunities. Participants worked with our Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (CVRTs) and Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS), as well as our Youth Program Coordinator where they engaged in work readiness activities, such as resume building, and job interviews.
Activities included audio descriptive yoga, a no-bake cooking competition, following a recipe to make slime, packing a suitcase, laser tag, and many more. Each activity and workshop tied in technology and apps that can assist with independent daily living skills, and social skills.
Advisory Board Updates
Advisory Board Updates
Bronx-Westchester Advisory Board: Annual Awards Event
Bronx-Westchester Advisory Board: Annual Awards Event
May 18th was a gorgeous spring night at The Surf Club in New Rochelle, and the Bronx-Westchester celebrated its first annual event ever held in Westchester by honoring Robbie Davis, Sandra Erickson, the Field Hall Foundation, Clarence Stanley and Linda Tyler.
Many thanks to all of our honorees, the outstanding Bronx-Westchester Advisory, emcee Gary Axelbank, and live auctioneer Gene DiNapoli.
The event raised approximately $45,000 to support VISIONS free services in the Bronx and in Westchester.
Manhattan Advisory Board: Networking Event
Manhattan Advisory Board: Networking Event
On May 12, the Manhattan Advisory Board hosted a fantastic networking event on a beautiful rooftop in midtown Manhattan. It was wonderful seeing each other in person, meeting new people, and having our September honorees, Dr. Monica Dweck and Alex Bahary, and VISIONS board member, Anusha Sharma, join us. Many thanks to advisory board member Ananth Sampathkumar for the initial idea and for his support and hard work. Additional thank yous go out to Nancy D. Miller, Janet Squitieri, and Rebecca Zarett for donations towards food, wine, and beer.
Staten Island: Virtual Mother's Day Lemonade Stand
Staten Island: Virtual Mother's Day Lemonade Stand
Nuala & Aoife Bonner were back to celebrate Mother’s Day with their third annual virtual lemonade stand. The Staten Island sisters and daughters of Borough Coordinator, Holly Bonner, filled mason jars of blueberry lemonade as they entertained a virtual Facebook audience. Once again rainy weather could not stop these two tiny fundraisers from serving up gallons of virtual blueberry lemonade raising over $3000 to support VISIONS free services for the borough.
Doreen DiLeonardo Helps Queens Residents Learn More About VISIONS
Doreen DiLeonardo Helps Queens Residents Learn More About VISIONS
Doreen DiLeonardo, Senior Director of Fundraising in Queens, proudly represented VISIONS at Council Member Linda Lee's Community Health Fair on May 15th. The fair, in partnership with Assemblyman David Weprin and State Senator John Liu, introduced Queens residents to the wide variety of neighborhood and citywide services (like VISIONS) they can utilize.
Thank you to everyone who supported VISIONS 95th Anniversary Celebration!
Thank you to everyone who supported VISIONS 95th Anniversary Celebration!
We are excited to announce that this event raised approximately $100,000 to benefit VISIONS free services across New York City, Long Island, Westchester, and the Lower Hudson Valley.
Special Thanks To:
Special Thanks To:
VISIONS Executive Director/CEO Nancy D. Miller for her outstanding leadership
All of our dedicated, hardworking staff who help participants see what is possible every day.
A terrific and supportive Board of Directors and our Community Advisory Boards.
Presenting sponsor, Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital.
VISIONS In The Community
VISIONS In The Community
On March 10, Nancy D. Miller and Mike Cush were guest speakers at a meet-up, organized by Princeton University, in partnership with Rutgers University and Educational Testing Services. This group meets monthly to discuss topics relevant to digital accessibility, inclusive design, and assistive technology, and are meant to share knowledge and build community. The topic for this month’s meetup was the new Touch Card by Mastercard, and how it came to be.
Guest presenters also included representatives from the marketing and communications departments of Mastercard, and staff from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).
Mastercard created, and presented a PowerPoint on how touch card was created; highlighting the major role that VISIONS played in bringing it to fruition. Nancy and Mike talked about our involvement in recruiting blind individuals for the initial radio commercial and the process that took place in order to decide which “notches” would work best for the different cards (credit, debit and gift cards).
The event took place over Zoom and was attended by approximately 40 individuals, many of whom were students at Princeton and Rutgers Universities.
Staff across VISIONS service departments joined the New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB) in presenting at the Annual Vision Rehabilitation Institute (VRI) in Troy NY from May 24 - 25, 2022. Nancy D. Miller served as the moderator for the three presentations staff hosted, including:
Training the Trainer: "What the Heck is that Tech!?", hosted by Michael Cush, Chief Program Officer; Michael Ziminski, Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist and Technology Services Coordinator; and Meghan Fink, Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist
Soft Skills Training for Persons with Disabilities: Perspectives, Discrepancies, Outcomes, and Opportunities for Improvement, hosted by Deanna Calamusa, Career Services Coordinator; and Jake Mariani
Ready to Work or Work Ready, What’s the Difference? How the Voc Rehab System Helps Job Seekers Get from Point A to Point Z, hosted by Khadija Bari, Director of Placement Services; Giuseppe Esposito, Job Developer; Eric Levy, Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist; Sophia Huynh, Workforce Specialist; and Lisa Sluszka, Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist and Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist
Nancy D. Miller was a speaker at the VisionServe Alliance Executive Leadership Conference (VSAELC) in Tampa Florida on April 5, 2022. The conference provided learning and networking sessions on topical issues and specific learning sessions for CEOs, Program, and Administrative staff. Nancy's presentations included: "Employment Strategies: What's Working in 2022?" and "Creating a Successful Collaboration Between a Foundation and a Nonprofit Grantee".
VISIONS is proud to have been awarded a $200,000 grant from the New York Community Trust to support the parents and caregivers of blind children, by providing skills training for living independently, and connecting caregivers with social workers who can help them access public benefits and services.
To learn more about how New York Community Trust is positively impacting nonprofits like VISIONS, you can read their latest Grants newsletter by visiting: https://bit.ly/3adACVp
VISIONS is honored to have been one of the first recipients of The Eisner Foundation's newest NYC grants. This $25,000 grant will be used to fund an intergenerational program, pairing older blind adults with younger volunteers to help train them on the technology needed to either enter the workforce or become volunteers.
To learn more about this, and other grants awarded by The Eisner Foundation, visit: https://bit.ly/3rkQpHB
Follow VISIONS on Social Media
Follow VISIONS on Social Media
Click any of the buttons below to visit VISIONS respective social media page.
Help Spread The Word!
Help Spread The Word!
In addition to following VISIONS on social media, you can help spread the word by sharing our posts. Sharing our posts allows your friends and followers to see what VISIONS is doing, and gives them the chance to like, comment, or follow VISIONS. The more people share our posts, the more people learn how we help participants see what is possible.
To share a post on Facebook, look for the share icon at the bottom right corner of a post or picture, and tap it. From there, you can share it to your feed, or send it to somebody else.
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!
Participant Feedback
Participant Feedback
[I am] so happy with Candice Sanders. She is Terrific. She has so much patience and she gives [me] hope for the future. [I am] so satisfied with our instructor and our agency! We should clone Candice 😀 – Mr. Engel
Dear Mr. Hixson:
My name is Marie Johnson and Wilibelle Hickson was my aunt. Aunt Belle at one point in time was a client at [VISIONS] Services for the Blind. She became legally blind late in life and turned to [VISIONS] Services for the Blind.
My Aunt Belle passed away on January 9, 2022, from health complications. I just wanted to take a moment to thank [VISIONS] Services for all they did for my Aunt Belle and the care and services you all provided that made her life so much easier during her adjustment to a life with limited sight that got progressively worse.
I personally would like to thank Teddy Kern for being an absolute joy and so helpful to my Aunt Belle. Aunt Belle so looked forward to Teddy's visits, chats, comforting words, kindness, generosity and also providing her with all the necessary equipment for her adjustment. Teddy was an absolute gem, and she helped my Aunt Belle tremendously.
Thank you for the wonderful care and services [VISIONS] Services provided.
Sincerely,
– Marie Johnson
Dear Julie
We just wanted to send you a note of thanks and appreciation for your efforts and kindness this past February.
Marshall has used the big phone for a few calls. The "organization" tray seems to be "collecting" many items that forgetful memory allows! We are working on developing better organizational skills which will take a while.
You have been very understanding and helpful and deserve complimentary recognition from your supervisors at VISIONS.
Thank you "your phone number is only a click away"
– Mayarden and Marshall
Dear Dawn:
We are not sure if you remember us, but you had worked with our family to provide services to our father, Salvador J. Alba, of Jackson Heights, Queens back in 2020-2021. [VISIONS] graciously provided dad with a home care aide back in 2020 for a month.
We are writing to let you know that sadly our father passed away November 2021 from dementia. We had meant to contact you during 2021 to update you on his status. However, we got very busy and had to juggle our father's care when his condition worsened in the summer of 2021 when he fell bedridden.
We just wanted to write and thank you, Tara Olson, and [VISIONS] for all the help you provided. Thank you so much for all the wonderful work that you do!
VISIONS Would Like to Thank the Following Donors: 10/1/21 to 5/15/22
VISIONS Would Like to Thank the Following Donors: 10/1/21 to 5/15/22
$10,000+
$10,000+
Allene Reuss Memorial Trust
Anonymous
Con Edison Company of New York, Inc.
Robert A. Davis and Ellen Davis
Joseph F. Fallon
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.
Lavelle Fund for the Blind, Inc.
Moses L. Parshelsky Fdn.
Reader's Digest Partners for Sight Foundation
Robert A. Schonbrunn
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+
$1,000-$9,999+
American International Group
American Resources Corp.
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
Mr. & Mrs. Mal L. Barasch
John D. Belanich
Richard Blatt
Holly and Joseph Bonner
Douglas Andrew Borck
Robert Cross
Elisabeth Depicciotto
Ed Lucas Foundation, Inc.
Eifert, French & Ketchum
Christina H. Eisenbeis and Ralph Martin
Sandra Erickson
Estate of Eli & Diane Rudolph
Norma P. Eversley
Michael S. Featherston
Foreseeable Future Foundation
Frances Freedman
Gloria Fu
Judith Rock Goldman
Johnson & Johnson Foundation
Maureen Kenny
Steven E. and Catherine G. Kent
Deborah F. Knight
Anthony Lemma
Daniel M. Libby, M.D.
Raymond List
Martha W Straus-Harry H Straus Foundation
James and Jane C. McGroarty
Nancy D. Miller and Gerald Miller
New York Hunts Point Lions Club
New York University
Sagrario Nieves
S&P Global Ratings
North Salem Lions Club
JoAnn Priore
PDG Angelo and PDG Ellen Purcigliotti
Denise G. Rabinowitz and Jonathan D. Rabinowitz
PDG Jagadish B. Rao
Richmond County Savings Foundation
Peter A. Roffman
Gene Rostov
Rye City Lions Club
Henry Saveth
Jean F. Sheng
Marsha Slater Rider
Janet Squitieri
Strong Foundation of New York
Dr. Cynthia Stuen and Rev. William Weisenbach
The Business Council of Westchester
The Doolittle Trust
The Glickenhaus Foundation
The Sandra Atlas Bass and Edyth & Sol G. Atlas Fund, Inc.
The Staten Island Foundation
Alan Vinegrad
Visually Impaired Advancement
John and Libby Winthrop
David A. Zarett and Rochelle B. Zarett
Special Thanks
Special Thanks
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
NYSPSP
NYS Comptroller
In-Kind Donations
In-Kind Donations
Artshack Brooklyn/Quinn McNeill
Rita Brackeen
Brooklyn Children Museum/Stephanie Wilchfort
Brooklyn Botanic Garden/Kate Fermoile
Valerie Buckner
Jane DeLuca
Gene DiNapoli
Karen Eisenstadt
Empire City Casino/Jelena Georga
FEMA/Region II - DR-4614-NJ/Lori Ross
Ellen Goldsmith
Nancy T. Jones
Jessica Lewis
Donna Madnick
Matthew 25: Ministries/Proctor & Gamble/Patty Dilg
Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities
New Canaan Library/Anthony Marrocolla
New York Country Club/Garret Hirsch
PPE4ALL/Emme Magliato, COO
Richard Gottfried’s District Office/Phil Marius
Samsung/Nicole Murakami
Sandra Saunders
Anusha Sharma
Judith Shaw
Marion Sheppard
Burton M. Strauss, Jr.
Gail Sussman
The Somers Pointe/Adrianna DiNapoli
T.W.I.N., LLC/Isabella Serrani
Alex Vorchheimer
Yvonne Whitehurst
Deborah Zanca
Lions In-Kind Donations 10/01/21-05/15/22
Lions In-Kind Donations 10/01/21-05/15/22
Richmond Hill-South Ozone Park Lions Club/ Lion Romeo Hitlall, PMJF
Your Support Helps Families of Children With Visual Impairments, Like Clarissa and Millie!
Your Support Helps Families of Children With Visual Impairments, Like Clarissa and Millie!
Watch Their Stories Below:
Watch Their Stories Below:
What Makes VISIONS Programs for Children Stand Out From the Rest?
What Makes VISIONS Programs for Children Stand Out From the Rest?
While teaching children independent living skills, we also work with their families to learn these same skills while blindfolded, in order to support their child’s training when they return home. We understand the fear and doubt families often have about their child’s future: Will they become independent? Will their visual impairment hold them back? By including families in our free programs from the very beginning, they can better understand their child’s needs and celebrate their abilities.
The fear disappears and confidence takes over!
How to Support VISIONS
How to Support VISIONS
Make a Donation!
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
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
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:
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
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
VISIONS Center on Blindness/VRC
111 Summit Park Road
Spring Valley, NY 10977
Phone: (845) 354-3003
rcoellar@visionsvcb.org
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