Insights Newsletter
September, 2025
A Message From Our CEO
Dear Friends of VISIONS,
I’m delighted to share some exciting updates as we move forward together into our Centennial year.
Last month, our team submitted a major application for a New York State BRICKS grant that would support transformative renovations at VISIONS Center on Blindness (VCB) in Spring Valley. If awarded, this funding will help us modernize facilities, expand year-round programming, and ensure that future generations can experience independence, connection, and community at VCB. Fingers and toes crossed for a good outcome. We expect to hear back in November.
I also invite you to mark your calendars for a once-in-a-century celebration: our Centennial Gala on June 16, 2026, at the historic New York Athletic Club on Central Park South. This will be a truly special evening to honor our legacy, celebrate our future, and raise critical support for our mission. Stay tuned for more information. Huge thanks to the Gala Committee and our Development staff for their hard work.
And finally, I want to extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who made our 39th Annual Golf & Tennis Tournament on September 15th at Fairview Country Club in Greenwich, CT such a success. The day was filled with camaraderie, spirited play on the greens and the courts, and an extraordinary show of generosity for VISIONS. Congratulations to our two wonderful honorees, VISIONS Board Member Luke Fowler and the Honorable Judge David S. Tatel, author of the memoir Vision: A Memoir of Blindness and Justice. And thanks to Carin Pai, Chair of VISIONS Golf & Tennis Committee, and the entire committee, for bringing it all together.
As we celebrate our accomplishments, September also brings important observances for our community - just a few of many. Click the links for more info:
- Guide Dog Month – Honoring the independence guide dogs bring (Guide Dog Foundation).
- Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15–Oct 15) – Celebrating the contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities (HispanicHeritageMonth.gov).
- Deaf Awareness Month – Raising awareness about Deaf and DeafBlind inclusion (National Association of the Deaf).
- Suicide Prevention Month – Promoting mental health resources and support (988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).
Together, we are building on 100 years of impact while laying the foundation for the next century of service. Thank you for walking this journey with us.
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.
Special Announcement:
VISIONS Joins Cleanlogic and Helen Keller Services to Celebrate the Launch of the Inspiration Foundation Seal
On September 17th, VISIONS leadership had the privilege of attending an extraordinary Dining in the Dark event hosted by Cleanlogic and the Inspiration Foundation, celebrating the national launch of the Inspiration Foundation Seal, a first-of-its-kind certification recognizing companies committed to hiring individuals with disabilities.
The event brought together more than 100 leaders across business, government, and the nonprofit sector, all united in creating real pathways to employment for people with disabilities.
We’re especially grateful to the hosts for including us, and proud to have shared the evening with our longtime friends and peers at Helen Keller Services, including both of our organizations’ CEOs. It was a powerful reminder of what is possible when values, vision, and leadership align. Congratulations again to Cleanlogic and the Inspiration Foundation for launching such a meaningful national effort.
Pictured (Left to Right): John Filek (Helen Keller Services), Molly Eagan (VISIONS), Michael J. Cush (VISIONS), Dr. Sue Ruzenski (Helen Keller Services), Russ C. Martello (VISIONS), and Joseph Melillo (Helen Keller Services)
Programs and Services
2025 Rehabilitation & Recreation (R&R) Program
In August, 58 families, including 61 children with visual impairments, gathered together at VISIONS Center on Blindness to take part in our Rehabilitation & Recreation (R&R) Program. This three-week program introduced children of various age groups to Vision Rehabilitation through fun and adaptive activities, games, and sports, while parents enjoyed support groups, mindfulness programs, and learned about a variety of low or no-cost resources their children can take part in during the school year. Each year, everyone leaves the R&R program with a renewed confidence in their abilities, new additions to their growing support networks, and lifelong memories of a summer well spent.
We truly appreciate the families who trust us to make their summers great, and the staff who worked tirelessly to provide such an unforgettable experience.
S&P Global Partners With VISIONS Workforce Department To Host a Career Exploration Event for Our Job Seekers
On September 18th, 26 volunteers from S&P Global opened their 55 Water Street Office to provide 10 visually impaired job seekers, supported by VISIONS, the opportunity to learn about the culture and career paths at S&P. Job seekers were able to network and complete mock interviews with S&P volunteers to further facilitate their job searches. A past VISIONS Workforce participant, now a full-time employee with S&P, also led the event’s icebreaker and presented on job-seeking strategies she previously used to land a job at S&P. VISIONS is grateful to S&P Global for their continued support.
Special thanks to VISIONS Board Member Jyotika Bisht and her team for their hard work in putting this together!
Congratulations to Our Youth Summer Participants!
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!
VISIONS 39th Annual Charity Golf & Tennis Outing!
VISIONS would like to thank everyone who supported and participated in our 39th Annual Charity Golf & Tennis Outing!
The golf and tennis were outstanding, and the weather could not have been better. Although our final numbers are not yet confirmed, the event so far has raised over $130,000 which will support VISIONS services in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, including VISIONS Center on Blindness, our year-round vision rehabilitation facility in Rockland County.
Our sincerest appreciation to our honorees: Luke Fowler and Judge David S. Tatel, all our sponsors, the event committee, our auctioneer Gene DiNapoli, VISIONS staff and volunteers, the Fordham University men's and women's tennis teams, the staff at Fairview Country Club, and to everyone who joined us for any part of the day.
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:
Bronx-Westchester
Anuja Joshi, Optum
Brendan McNamara, Community Volunteer
Queens Advisory Board's Cocktails for a Cause
VISIONS Queens Advisory Board held its 8th Annual "Cocktails for a Cause" fundraiser at J. Fallon's Tap Room in Floral Park on August 24th.
This celebration, which has now become a tradition marking the end of summer, welcomed our loyal supporters, new friends, and many local businesses that donated their goods in-kind. The event raised $14,000 to support VISIONS services in Queens and Long Island!
Special thanks to our Queens Advisory Board; Marc and Jayson DiCarlo, Owners of J. Fallon's Tap Room; Presenting Sponsors Stephanie Belanich and Maxine Conlin, Keller Williams Greater Nassau; The Sandra Atlas Bass Foundation; and everyone who contributed to making this event a huge success!
How Our Youngest Advisory Board Member is Using Her Platform to Spread Awareness
Meet Sophia, the youngest member of our Staten Island Advisory Board and host of her brand new show on Community Media of Staten Island called "Courage 2 C". Courage 2 C dives into Sophia's experience as a person with a visual impairment, and aims to spread positive awareness of the visually impaired community.
Check out the inaugural episode below, where she highlights our Summer Transition Program's community day at Pienza Brick Oven Pizza, and interviews staff and participants on their experience. We are so proud of Sophia, as she is only 14 and using her platform for social good
Save The Date For These Upcoming Fundraisers
For more information, please email Amy Gordon at agordon@visionsvcb.org.
VISIONS Bronx-Westchester Advisory Board’s Celebrity Bartending Event
October 16th, 6:00PM, at Residence Inn Bronx
VISIONS Brooklyn Advisory Board’s 2nd Annual Cocktail Party
October 25, 6:00PM, at Latino Sports Club
News & Updates
VISIONS Executives Visit NYSCB Offices in Albany
In early September, Chief Executive Officer, Molly Eagan and Chief Program Officer, Michael J. Cush, visited the New York State Department of Children and Family Services (and New York State Commission for the Blind) to discuss some exciting plans for VISIONS Center on Blindness in Spring Valley, as well as updates about many of our other programs happening throughout the year.
Pictured: Christopher Woodfill, Executive Director of the New York State Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing Office, Kimberly Hill Ridley, New York State's Chief Disability Officer, Molly Eagan, and Michael J. Cush of VISIONS.
VISIONS @ NYC Summer Streets
Our Rehabilitation staff were excited to be part of New York City's Summer Streets in August, partnering with the NYC Department of Transportation to educate passersby about VISIONS and how people with visual impairments navigate the city.
We are appreciative of the NYC DOT for working with us to make safety more accessible.
News Highlight: New York-Based Nonprofit Teaches New Skills to People With Visual Impairments
CBS New York stopped by our Older Adult Center this week to see how our participants and volunteers from New York Cares are weaving more than just toys and scarves... They’re building community! Who knew something as simple as knitting could have such a profound impact? Watch the story here.
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.