Insights Newsletter
November, 2025
A Message From Our CEO
Dear Friends of VISIONS,
As I complete my first 90 days as CEO, I’m filled with gratitude and excitement for all that’s underway across VISIONS. This has been a month of tremendous progress, especially as we lay the groundwork for our next century of impact.
- Planning for the Future – Our focus on real estate this fall represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity. We’re envisioning the future of our Spring Valley campus through a master planning process, beginning with presentations from two architectural firms, both recognized for their innovative, inclusive designs for the blind and visually impaired community. At the same time, we’re exploring next steps for 500 Greenwich Street and finalizing a new partnership agreement with Selis Manor that will strengthen our city presence for years to come.
- Meeting Immediate Needs with Care – As many New Yorkers continue to face challenges related to delayed SNAP benefits, VISIONS is stepping up to ensure no one in our community goes hungry. Our on-site food pantry and daily meal service at Selis Manor are providing essential nutrition to hundreds of older adults and people with vision loss who rely on these meals for stability and connection. Thanks to the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and supporters, we are meeting this moment with compassion and responsiveness, living our mission in action every single day. See below for more information on how to support our food pantry.
- Strengthening Our Team Culture – In October, our Executive Team held its first offsite at VISIONS Center on Blindness, a powerful two-day retreat that included an overnight stay on campus. The time together allowed for deep reflection, honest conversation, and renewed alignment around our shared priorities for 2026 and beyond. A few weeks later, we brought the entire organization together for a rousing in-person All-Staff Meeting at Selis Manor. The energy, ideas, and sense of unity in that room were extraordinary. It was a clear reminder that VISIONS greatest strength is its people, working every day to empower others to live, learn, and thrive with independence and dignity.
- Building Toward 2026 – Looking ahead, our Board and staff are aligning around the Centennial Campaign and strengthening individual and planned giving through our Centennial Circle (individuals who donate $100 per month for the full year of 2026) and Innovation Society, those who have named VISIONS in their estate plans. These efforts, alongside steady grant success—from the Lavelle Fund to the Kessler Foundation, are positioning VISIONS for a bold next chapter.
- Welcoming New Board Leaders – As we plan for that future, I’m thrilled to welcome three remarkable new members to our Board of Directors: Judge Anthony Paradiso, a distinguished jurist and former International Director with the LIONS; Dr. Gareth Lema, an ophthalmologist, retinal surgeon, and immediate past president of the New York Ophthalmological Society; and Dr. J.R. Rizzo, a physician-scientist at NYU and leader in the field of vision assistive technology. Their expertise, networks, and commitment to inclusion and innovation will strengthen VISIONS as we enter our Centennial era and beyond.
With gratitude,
Molly Eagan
Chief Executive Officer
VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Help Support Our Services
VISIONS is proud to offer programs, training, and other services to individuals and their families with vision loss throughout New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, and Northern New Jersey. Every donation, no matter the size, helps us empower more and more people to live productive, fulfilling lives.
You can now support VISIONS with a monthly gift! Monthly gifts give VISIONS reliable funding year-round, helping us expand essential services, and respond quickly to the urgent needs of blind participants in their homes and communities.
Programs and Services
How Our Rehabilitation Team Celebrated White Cane Day
When White Cane Day was first proclaimed by President Lyndon Johnson in 1964, it marked a turning point in recognizing the rights and abilities of people who are blind or visually impaired. For many, the white cane represents movement, independence, and most of all, freedom.
At VISIONS, we didn't just recognize White Cane Day, we celebrated it! Our Orientation & Mobility Specialists (OMSs) and Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (VRTs) hosted a fun event for our participants, filled with breakfast, white cane history and trivia, and a cane clinic for participants to explore the latest in canes, cane tips, and cane technology. We were also honored to receive an official proclamation from NYC Mayor Eric Adams.
Whether they use a white cane, a guide dog, or their own personal navigation system, our participants and staff are part of a legacy of resilience, leadership, and possibility.
Congratulations to our Newest 15-Week Employment Readiness Program Cohort
VISIONS would like to congratulate the newest group of participants who have completed our Residential Employment Readiness Program over the summer! During their training, participants learned valuable work readiness and independent living skills, earned their Customer Service certifications from the National Retail Federation, and some even earned additional career-focused certifications from Rockland BOCES. In addition, some participants put their new skills to the test by completing 80-100-hour paid Work Experience Trainings. We're so proud of our participants and can't wait to see where their futures take them!
Artshack Brooklyn Helps Older Adults Explore Their Creative Side Through Ceramics
On August 1st, we proudly celebrated the completion of two major Youth Services programs. At VISIONS Center on Blindness, high school students wrapped up the Summer Transition Program, where they strengthened their independence through skills in travel, daily living, and community building. At the same time, our Pre-College Program at Manhattanville University gave high school seniors a true taste of college life, including dorm living, safe travel, cooking, and academic skills, all while bonding through shared experiences.
We congratulate all participants on their achievements and thank the dedicated staff who made these programs possible. Their hard work has prepared our youth to step confidently into college, career, and beyond!
Participants Put Their New Skills to the Test During a Group Field Trip to South Ferry
During our Fall Residential 15-Week Employment Readiness Program, our young adult participants put their newly learned independent living skills to the test on a fun field trip to South Ferry, where they discovered how the ferry system works, and enjoyed a ride aboard.
During the trip, participants worked together, planning an efficient route, navigating NYC's subway system, and even using assistive technology to read menus at a restaurant, as well as wayfinding signage leading to the ferry. For some participants, they've never been on a boat before, so the outing was also a great chance to create new lasting memories and introduce new experiences.
News & Updates
VISIONS Leaders Visit UPS To Learn About Its Leadership Culture
VISIONS Chief Executive Officer Molly Eagan and Chief Development Officer Russ Martello recently visited UPS' Mahwah, NJ office to learn more about its operations and leadership culture. The visit was made possible thanks to Jim Holland, Vice President of Technical Services at UPS, and one of our Centennial Gala honorees. Jim, who is totally blind, has built an impressive career leading complex technical operations, and we’re proud to recognize his achievements as we celebrate our 100th Anniversary in 2026.
A big thank you to UPS for welcoming our team and for fostering a workplace that values innovation, accessibility, and inclusion!
This recent trip, among others that our leadership team have engaged on over the past few weeks, allowed them to better familiarize themselves with a diverse range of successful leadership cultures that they can employ here at VISIONS. We appreciate those who have welcomed us to share their insights.
How Meta Glasses Can Help People With Vision Loss
While not initially designed for people with visual impairments, Meta's smart glasses have been adopted by the blind and low-vision community as a convenient way to assist with small tasks that require extra sight. Thanks to a grant from Cleanlogic and the Inspiration Foundation, our Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (VRTs) and Orientation & Mobility Specialists (OMSs) were given their own Meta glasses to train participants on how to use this emerging technology in their homes, communities, and workplaces.
Celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)
In an event celebrating NDEAM (National Disability Employment Awareness Month), ACCES-VR (Adult Career & Continuing Ed Services-Vocational Rehabilitation) presented S&P Global with a local recognition in the category of “Celebrating Value and Talent”.
S&P was nominated by VISIONS in recognition of our robust job placement program and partnership, connecting college students and recent college graduates with competitive internship opportunities to bolster their resumes and provide opportunities for experiential learning. We are proud to say that over the last three years, the Reach PRG (People Resource Group) at S&P has worked closely with our Workforce team to expand their recruitment to candidates with visual impairments.
Our Workforce Team Got a Front Row Seat to the Future of Accessibility in New York City
Our very own Director of Job Placement Services, Khadija Bari, was thrilled to be part of the audience at Mayor Adams' most recent Progress & Partnership event at Gracie Mansion. The event, attended by professionals with disabilities, disability advocates, and organizations working within the disability community, celebrated the strides that New York City has made as far as accessibility and inclusion, while also looking ahead to a future of even greater accessibility across the city.
Save The Date:
VISIONS Centennial Gala(opens in new tab)
June 16th, 2026
New York Athletic Club
180 Central Park South
New York, NY 10019
To learn more and register, visit www.visionsvcb.org/gala
Community Advisory Boards
Our Community Advisory Boards continue to spread awareness of our mission and raise funds to support our services. Our Advisory Board events allow us to connect with our communities and introduce them to the services we can provide.
Visit www.visionsvcb.org/events to see our upcoming events, and consider joining us.
We would like to welcome our newest Advisory Board members:
Brooklyn
Alia Crawford, USI Insurance Services LLC
Staten Island Advisory Board's 2nd Annual Friendsgiving Bingo and Baskets Night
On November 14th, over 90 guests came out to support our Staten Island Advisory Board’s second annual Friendsgiving Bingo & Baskets fundraiser. Guests enjoyed Bario’s pizza while local Starbucks partners served up coffee, tea, and treats. Our gracious host, Raymour & Flanigan, kicked off the evening with a generous $500 donation to VISIONS.
In addition to five exciting (and comedic) rounds of bingo and a few impromptu dance breaks, 37 lucky winners went home with baskets of gift cards and other prizes donated by local businesses. Among the prizes donated, was one pair of Meta Ray-Ban glasses, donated by Williams Eye Works. Thanks to our supporters, over $7,000 was raised to support VISIONS services on Staten Island!
We are grateful to our sponsors, many of whom joined us for the fun:
Gold Sponsors: Raymour & Flanigan Furniture and Mattresses, Starbucks SI Partners, and Williams Eye Works
Silver Sponsors: Northfield Bank, Richmond University Medical Center, and South Shore Eyecare Associates, Staten Island, NY
Bronze Sponsors: Jacqueline Armani, Al Lambert Entertainment, BDEM Services LLC, and Staten Island Giving Circle
Bronx-Westchester Advisory Board's Celebrity Bartending Event
On October 30th, VISIONS Bronx-Westchester Advisory Board hosted its Celebrity Bartending Event at the Residence Inn Bronx. Advisory board members had an opportunity to get to know one another, introduce VISIONS to new faces, and provide information on all of our great services. The event raised approximately $3,000 to support our services in the Bronx and Westchester.
Many thanks to the advisory board members, our "Celebrity Bartenders", and everyone who supported the event.
Manhattan Advisory Board's 'Under The Highline' Tour
On October 25th, supporters enjoyed a walking tour led by Manhattan Advisory Board member Ananth Sampathkumar of NDNY Architecture & Design. Attendees learned about the rich history of NYC's High Line, Chelsea neighborhood, and the Meatpacking District. All proceeds benefited VISIONS services in Manhattan. Thank you, Ananth, for sharing your expertise!
Brooklyn Advisory Board's 2nd Annual Cocktail Party
On October 21st, nearly 40 people gathered for our 2nd Annual Brooklyn Cocktail Party, which raised approximately $2,000 to support VISIONS services in Brooklyn. Many thanks to the Brooklyn Advisory Board, chaired by Nandanie Appana, and to Darnell Blackburn, co-owner of LSC bar and lounge, for hosting a terrific evening of great conversation and delicious food.
Help VISIONS This Holiday Season
Help Us Replenish Our Free Food Pantry at Selis Manor(opens in new tab)
VISIONS is working to provide nutritional assistance to our blind and visually impaired Older Adult Center (OAC) participants, as well as the residents of Selis Manor, a building in Manhattan that houses individuals living with visual impairments, blindness, or multiple disabilities, all at no cost to them.
As the risk of food insecurity grows within our community, we need your help in ensuring we can feed as many people as possible. We are currently collecting canned goods and other shelf-stable pantry items to help fill our free food pantry.
You can purchase the items we need via our Amazon wishlist, make a donation to VISIONS online, and/or drop off any unexpired food items at our Selis Manor office, located at:
135 West 23rd Street (between 6th and 7th Avenues)
New York, NY 10011
Monday-Friday, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
For more information, including how you can volunteer, reply to this e-mail, and we will be happy to assist.
Help Us Spread Holiday Cheer. Donate to Our Toy Drive(opens in new tab)
VISIONS is collecting gifts for children with visual impairments and their families this holiday season!
Gifts can be purchased through our Amazon Wishlist, or dropped off in person at our Selis Manor office, located at:
135 West 23rd Street (between 6th and 7th Avenues)
New York, NY 10011
Monday-Friday, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
All gifts should be purchased or dropped off by December 10th, so they can be wrapped and ready for our Holiday Celebration on December 14th. Your generosity helps make the season bright for dozens of families in our community.
Help Support Our Services
VISIONS is proud to offer programs, training, and other services to individuals and their families with vision loss throughout New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, and Northern New Jersey. Every donation, no matter the size, helps us empower more and more people to live productive, fulfilling lives.
You can now support VISIONS with a monthly gift! Monthly gifts give VISIONS reliable funding year-round, helping us expand essential services, and respond quickly to the urgent needs of blind participants in their homes and communities.