Join us on November 29, 2017 Open House for New York State’s First and Only Residential Vocational Rehabilitation Center (VRC) for Blind Youth
On August 6, with nearly 200 people in attendance, VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired proudly launched the brand new VISIONS Vocational Rehabilitation Center program with a Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.
VISIONS short-term, residential Vocational Rehabilitation Center is the first and only in New York State for blind youth that offers intensive, pre-employment training consistent with new federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) requirements for students with disabilities in transition from school to work.
The new VRC, on the 37-acre campus of VISIONS Center on Blindness/VCB, enables blind New Yorkers to remain in the state for training, reducing costs for out of state travel and training. The NYS Commission for the Blind (NYSCB), part of the NYS Office of Children and Family Services, is a strong supporter of the VRC project. Training, room and board costs are primarily funded by VISIONS contract with NYSCB. There is no cost to the blind students or their families.
Nancy Tate Jones, President of the Board of Directors of VISIONS said, “I would like to thank the Trustees of VISIONS Fund for the Blind that contributed over $7 million to the VRC project and Governor Andrew Cuomo and the state of New York that provided a $1 million grant from the Nonprofit Infrastructure Capital Investment Program. The Barker Welfare Fund and Lions Clubs International Foundation also made substantial grants to the project.
My colleagues on the Board,Harriette and Burton Strauss Jr., along with 100% of VISIONS board members have contributed to the successful capital campaign.”
VISIONS Executive Director and CEO Nancy D. Miller said, “The grand opening of the new VRC is the culmination of years of planning to create a training program for blind youth in New York State. The VRC graduates will be ‘job-ready’ candidates for employers. The VRC has 32 beds and accommodates blind trainees with dog guides, blind wheelchair users and those with varied health conditions including diabetes.”
The first class of students attended and completed their one-month VRC training in August and a new class of 14 blind students who started on September 5, 2017 is currently in session. The students are age 18 to 21 years old. They are enrolled in vocational training classes and internships at Rockland County BOCES or SUNY Rockland Community College. Most of the students will be certified as nursing assistants or teaching assistants or will complete community college classes that will allow them to transfer to a 4-year college by January 2018.
One student, Darius, is thoroughly enjoying his work experience internship assisting the chef at the Center while taking college classes. Another student, Samantha, is immersed in taking courses on line. John, a long distance runner, understands the commitment required by enrolling in this 100-day intensive program. But he shared that his limited work experience prior to the VRC will not get him the kind of career he is seeking. He is looking forward to graduating from the VRC program in January and getting a well-paying job.
Please join us for a tour and an open house on Thursday November 29, 2017 from 11am to 3pm. For more information contact Carmen Thorne through email at cthorne@visionsvcb.org or by phone 212-625-1616 ext. 107.
Executive Director/CEO Nancy D. Miller
Our vision: For everyone to see what is possible has brought success to fourteen blind young adults completing educational and technology training while residing in the new vocational rehabilitation center. We especially thank Acting Commissioner Sheila Poole, NYS Office of Children and Family Services and Associate Commissioner Brian Daniels, NYS Commission for the Blind for their support and remarks at the VRC ribbon cutting ceremony on Sunday August 6, 2017.
We are having continued success in serving people of all ages who are blind and their families and unpaid informal caregivers. All government contracts have met or exceeded expected outcomes which translates into more independence, jobs and expanded social networks for the blind people we serve.
Recent research has indicated a doubling of the adult and older adult population with vision loss during the next thirty years. VISIONS work is needed more than ever.
As VISIONS impact is recognized throughout the region, our referrals are increasing. We are proud to be recognized as a Great Nonprofit, an Intergenerational Program of Distinction, and a Platinum Guidestar member.
You, our loyal supporters with your donations can help us reach greater numbers with services provided by qualified certified and licensed professionals. Our staff is being recognized as thought leaders and specialists.
Help us reach more blind people in need with our free services by contributing to VISIONS on November 28 Giving Tuesday, a national charity donation day or make a contribution today by visiting VISIONS website www.visionsvcb.org.
Look for our newly designed website in 2018.
Have a safe and warm holiday.
Our Website: www.visionsvcb.org
GOING GREEN! If you want to receive future newsletters and appeals by email, please send an email to Tara Factor at tfactor@visionsvcb.org with your name, email and mailing address. As we transition, you may receive email and print copies.
A Publication about VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired
President, Board of Directors – Nancy T. Jones
Vice President, Board of Directors – Steven E. Kent
Vice President, Board of Directors – Dr. Cynthia Stuen
Treasurer, Board of Directors – Burton M. Strauss, Jr.
Assistant Treasurer, Board of Directors – Kenneth J. Gralak
Secretary, Board of Directors – Jasmine M. Campirides
Executive Director/CEO – Nancy D. Miller
Editor, Director of Development – Rick Schwartz
Newsletter Design & Layout, Communications Coordinator – Tara Factor
Experiencing the Pre-College Program: The Students’ Perspective
VISIONS hosted the Fifth Annual Pre-College Program for Legally Blind Students with Manhattanville College. For one month each summer, graduating high school students were enrolled in the Pre-College Program gaining practical experience on the rigors of life on a college campus. They overcame any misgivings or reservations about attending college. In 2017, 23 youth attended the Pre-College program, and over five years, 119 students spent one month at the Manhttanville campus.
For many of these students it is their first experience living away from home without their parents or families. The students become involved in all aspects of college life – from living in dorms, to attending classes, to dining in the cafeteria and engaging in off-campus activities. From this past summer some of the students shared their experiences with the program.
What were you expecting from this program?
“I guess, just skills that I need to survive out in the world of college. Stuff like that.”
“I was looking forward to dorming in the suite.”
“I thought there were going to be a lot of classes.”
What was the most valuable thing you learned?
“A lot of things, really. Essay structures, I was terrified, because my writing is really bad and, the writing classes helped me a lot more. Now, when I go to college, I don’t have to worry about it.”
“Getting up early for class is a pain.”
“Time management.”
What did you think about the Manhattanville College food?
“Pretty decent. It’s better than the high school food.”
What was your favorite trip?
“I was looking forward to the pool, actually. I haven’t been swimming that much since I graduated from the swimming team.”
“Six Flags.”
“My most favorite was going to the mall.”
What did you think about the classes?
“I find them useful. Our professor taught us about different brain-storming techniques and how to write our thesis.”
“They are good. It’s teaching me stuff I would need to know for college.”
What were some of your favorite experiences?
“In the suite with friends.”
“Chilling with Joel and Geo, because I wouldn’t be seeing them after the program. So I’m going to miss this experience overall.”
Would you recommend this program to others who might be interested in attending?
“Yes, I would”
“Yes, the program was designed for people who aren’t ready.”
“At the beginning, I’ve said no. But now? Yeah, I would say so. I guess it’s because of the way the staff handled us, and treated us, like equals.”
Lavelle Scholars Achieve Success in College Goals
VISIONS, with funding from the Lavelle Fund for the Blind, has implemented a new training program for recipients of the Lavelle Fund’s Brother Kearney Scholarships who attend local universities and colleges. The program helps blind college students identify internship opportunities and job placements in fields of their choosing, and offers productive training and skills development to help the scholars achieve their goals.
During the first year of the Brother Kearney Scholars Program, VISIONS worked with 20 scholars ranging from sophomores to graduate students to monitor academic progress and offer remedial rehabilitation services if necessary. Staff help them identify appropriate employment opportunities and internships for spring and summer 2017.
Of the 20 scholars that took advantage of all program services, three graduated with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, two with a Masters-level degree, and one with a four-year Bachelors degree. The remaining 14 scholars are still in school. VISIONS assisted these scholars to secure successful internships at UPenn, United Technologies, New Jersey Transit, RespectAbility, as well as VISIONS VCB summer sessions and VISIONS Manhattanville pre-college program.
For the graduating scholars, VISIONS will maintain contact until they are settled and oriented to their new jobs. Returning scholars will continue to receive counseling and guidance as they move towards graduation and future careers. And for the newly entering sophomores, they will receive the full array of services necessary to secure a meaningful and successful career.
VISIONS thanks the Lavelle Fund for the Blind for its assistance and support for this program. Khadija Hasan, Student Career Coordinator, expressed her pride in the students’ success.
First Day of fall is Prevention Day
The VISIONS Center on Aging celebrated the 10th annual Falls Prevention Awareness Day on Sept. 22, 2017. In recognition of Falls Awareness VISIONS is providing these important tips to safeguard seniors and their homes to prevent falls.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one-third of adults 65 and older fall each year in the United States. People with vision loss are almost twice as likely to experience multiple falls as those with normal vision. The good news is that by making simple changes to the home environment, you can dramatically lessen the chances of a dangerous fall. These changes will also help to enhance your independent lifestyle. Adaptations to your home can be done easily and inexpensively by you, or members of your family.
- To prevent falling, use contrasting hand rails that go beyond the steps for a safer grasp and easier walk down the stairs.
- Don’t store the things you need in high places that would require the use of a step stool to reach.
- Arrange your furniture so that there is a clear path for walking, and keep clutter out of walkways. Avoid using furniture on wheels.
- Clap-on/clap-off lights in the living room and in your bedroom will keep you from having to get up from your chair to adjust the lighting.
- Store items that you use frequently, such as pots, pans, and utensils, close to your work area or work surface.
- Place your supplies and equipment between eye level and hip height to avoid unnecessary bending, reaching, and lifting.
- Store heavier items on your countertops or within easy reach.
- Return all equipment and supplies to their appropriate storage areas when you finish.
- Avoid lifting or carrying heavy objects. Instead, try using equipment with wheels, such as shopping, laundry, or microwave carts to transport heavy items.
- Push or slide heavy objects along your counters or floors.
- Allow yourself sufficient time to perform tasks in order to reduce stress and fatigue. Try to balance work with rest.
Please contact Elizabeth Lee at elee@visionsvcb.org for a checklist in large print.
Teaching Blind Adults to Work Creatively
Teaching Artist Dave Johnson,
New York, NY
Teachers & Writers Collaborative + VISIONS
“No matter what mood you are in when you arrive, you leave incredibly inspired,” poet and playwright Dave Johnson says of the workshops he has been leading at VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, a City-wide organization that provides services for the blind and visually impaired. Teachers & Writers Collaborative, located in Brooklyn, New York, partnered with VISIONS to offer three workshop series in poetry, songwriting, and playwriting to adults 55+ as a part of Aroha Philanthropies Seeding Vitality Arts national cohort.
Dave describes VISIONS as “a very compelling community in the heart of Manhattan.” People travel, some for more than three hours, from all five boroughs to participate. “I have the utmost respect for the students at VISIONS. This is a population that never takes anything for granted,” admired Dave.
“One of the wonderful things about teaching at VISIONS is that the participants come because they really want to be in class and they are compelled to learn a new skill. They want to share and express how they feel,” says Dave. In turn, Dave is learning too. He is learning about life with visual impairment and how his students navigate the world. He is learning that his students do not see their visual impairment as a disability. Dave says he was “struck by the frankness of how they deal with the world and their desire to express that they be heard and seen just like everyone else.” These older adult students come to the classroom with their entire life experience to draw from and share. The group, which includes people from all over the world, has strength in its diversity. Some participants led full careers, including a woman who was an attorney, a woman who was a violinist at the Metropolitan Opera, and a few teachers, while others weren’t afforded many opportunities in life.
The students created poignant work, many addressing the issues in their lives, their experience growing up in New York while visually impaired, or their journey after becoming impaired later in life. Some addressed how they’ve been treated because of their vision impairment and some talked about where they find their inspiration to persevere. Together, they supported each other, grew to feel safe sharing their most intimate truths and became poets, playwrights and songwriters.
“It’s a beautiful, beautiful thing.” — Dave Johnson, Teaching Artist
*Reprinted from Aroha Philanthropies.
Food Bag Program: Fresh Food for Seniors
Every other week, 40 blind older adults benefit from City Council Member Corey Johnson and Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer’s Fifth Annual Food Bag Program at the VISIONS Center on Aging at Selis Manor. The program provides a full bag of fresh food including seasonal fruits and vegetables for just eight dollars. Mrs. B, who participates in the food program said, “I am able to bring home food that I probably couldn’t afford without this program.” The program is open to all seniors regardless of whether they are members of the senior center.
New York Nonprofit Media: Inaccessible New York City
August 22, 2017
By Nancy D. Miller
The recently released AccessibleNYC report – the city’s second annual snapshot of city agencies’ efforts to help residents who are disabled – misses an opportunity to be more effective and relevant by not fully addressing persistent intractable problems that exist within the disability community. And without assessing investment of planning, money and willpower, these issues will continue to remain unresolved.
A New York Times editorial on August 4, 2017, outlined the frustrations people with disabilities, and wheelchair users in particular, have with the transit system. Hard to find and broken elevators are a constant. The alternative paratransit system, Access-a-ride, is such a nightmare to is such a nightmare to use it is often called Stress-a-ride.
Every day VISIONS employees and thousands of employees at businesses around the city get to work late or wait hours for a scheduled pick up in the evening because their service is so unreliable. And even as New York City becomes more accommodating to bike riders through designated bike lanes and the Citi Bike program, it is becoming less accommodating for persons with disabilities. Incautious bicyclists pose a particular danger to those who are blind or use wheelchairs or are otherwise slower to cross a street.
Affordable housing is in short supply and accessible affordable housing is even harder to find. Section 8 housing for people with the lowest incomes is almost impossible to find. Waiting lists are oftern ten years or longer.
Recent reports and lawsuits chronicle the difficulties that parents of children with disabilities have getting the educational services they are entitled to by law. The poorly conceived system puts too much responsibility on the parent to find the specialists needed.
People with disabilities that want to work have an employment rate that is still about half that of the non-disabled community – even 26 years after the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act – and during this current time of near full employment. A major barrier is the attitude of employers who fear or lack comfort with people who are different from what they know. This is an area where the mayor’s administration can have a direct impact. The city should embrace and enforce federal government goals establishing that people with disabilities should represent a set percentage of its workforce, or the city government’s workforce, a goal of 11 percent is reasonable.
One of the greatest gifts Mayor Bloomberg bestowed on the disability community was creating a Commissioner level position for the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities now held by Victor Calise. We believed that having a commissioner to represent us would add clout to the cause and give us someone able to advocate more successfully within and without the city’s bureaucracy. We still believe this was a good move. We commend Mayor de Blasio and Commissioner Calise for their efforts to raise awareness about issues of concern both to the disability community and to every New Yorker that needs better access to housing, transportation, education, employment and the built environment. But we must do better.
The Accessible NYC report is a great first step toward acknowledging the disability community and presents many innovations initiated by this mayor’s administration that in time may yield strong results. But solutions for the most pressing problems remain unaddressed. The greatest gift that Mayor de Blasio and Commissioner Calise can now give to the disability community would be to make an honest appraisal of how far we still need to go to make the city more accessible – and the money it will cost to get us there.
Nancy D. Miller is the Executive Director/CEO of VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, a social service and vision rehabilitation nonprofit serving nearly 7,000 people annually. She is also a co-founder of the Disabilities Network of New York City, an information and referral service.
*Reprinted with permission from New York NonProfit Media
VISIONS Participant: A Manhattan resident
Meet Muriel, an active 89-year-old Manhattan resident. Muriel contacted VISIONS as she struggled with vision loss due to macular degeneration and glaucoma. Muriel has also had two knee replacements and numbness in both legs requiring her to use a type of rolling walker. She often traveled to the United Nations as a member of the International Longevity Center Global Alliance. On one U. N. visit, Muriel fell and suffered a severe gash to the head and a concussion. She developed a fear of traveling on her own. Muriel had been an avid reader but now couldn’t read books due to her limited vision.
Muriel worked with VISIONS Senior Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist, Licensed Occupational Therapist and Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist to achieve all her goals.
VISIONS helped Muriel apply for a digital audio book player from the library. She was trained on how to use the player, despite her moderate hearing loss, and loves listening to books. Following an eye exam with a low vision optometrist, a prescribed globe magnifier helps her with spot reading. She is now able to see telephone numbers and call without assistance.
Muriel received a large-print calendar and address book, a talking watch, a floor lamp, bold line paper and 20/20 felt-tip markers. These simple modifications made a big difference in her attitude about vision loss. Muriel also uses a simple device called a “say when” that beeps when liquid poured into a cup nears the top. Muriel loves it.
Muriel is able to safely get down the step to exit her building and regained her confidence to travel to her meetings at the U.N. She is very proud of her regained independence.
VISIONS assists hundreds of people like Muriel, and people of all ages with vision loss. Muriel (below) in red cap
VISIONS Participant: A Queens resident
Meet Xerxes, 7 years old, Queens resident and successful mobility traveler.
Xerxes’ foster mother knew it was time to seek out help for her active 3-year old. Xerxes has a condition called Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis. He sees only light and cannot recognize faces or identify objects with his limited vision. He was not developing properly for a three year old, and was acutely sensitive and uncomfortable with being touched or touching objects. Since these are primary methods for teaching a child with vision problems, he was falling behind in achieving the goals every three year old should master. He would not hold a mobility cane and would wander around bumping into objects waiting for his two brothers to move him in the correct direction. Xerxes also had difficulty communicating, often repeating rather than responding to questions, a condition called echolalia.
Xerxes’ mother brought him to VISIONS four years ago. Xerxes can now answer questions and ask for what he needs. His mobility skills have improved so much that he is able to get around familiar environments on his own. Xerxes received VISIONS services both at home and at VISIONS Center on Blindness (VCB), during a residential week each summer for families with children with vision loss and other disabilities.
Xerxes now routinely travels using a long white and red folding mobility cane. He has excellent mental mapping skills and problem solving skills, essential for his development. Xerxes is able to use clues and landmarks. He can climb up and down stairs with confidence. Xerxes also learned to ask appropriate questions about reaching his desired location and now requests his brothers to give verbal direction rather than the physical push they used to provide.
He loves going to the Queens mall with his two brothers and his Mom, who has formally adopted him. He stops in several of his favorite shops where the clerks always say hello. He is very excited to follow his brothers around while mom sits on a bench observing and waits for their return. Considering how far behind he was, he now gets an A+ on communication and mobility.
The Art of Employee Retention
What made you stay with VISIONS for so long?
Some feel they can only grow in new environments, but I’m like a redwood tree: I focus on growing up, I don’t need to grow out. My roots go deep. If VISIONS wasn’t such a good fit, maybe I would have moved on but, especially after having left for five years, I realize now, even more than before that this is the right place for me. The size of VISIONS is a perfect match, which after working for two very large non-profits, I appreciate more now. With larger organizations there can be a corporate or bureaucratic atmosphere, but the size of our organization helps keeps us close to the mission and doing right by our clients.
What are some of your biggest obstacles?
Possibilities is a word I use frequently because helping the visually impaired population and the general public see all the possibilities available to them is my biggest obstacle and biggest opportunity. With the right tools, the right training, the right belief—anything is possible. You don’t have to be slotted into certain types of jobs because you’re blind. Whether I’m working with a client or an employee, I provide tools and encouragement, but they go out and do the work. That old adage about teaching a person to fish is never truer than in this line of work. We give every tool, training for every skill, but people make their own success. I want everyone to see what’s possible. The word “see” is key. See as in using remaining vision, see as in learning the possibilities, and see in terms of the general public seeing how much is possible for blind people.
What are some specifics about your corporate culture?
That culture of inclusivity has been a powerful tool in keeping our turnover rate at 7%, very low compared to the average of 19% for NYC non-profits. I talk to employers about the blind employee as one employer to another. I tell them why I hire blind people and speak from experience because over 25% of VISIONS workforce is blind. With any job opening, it can be hard to find a good fit but once you find a good fit, there’s loyalty. The jobs at VISIONS filled by blind employees range from customer service, outreach, program director, youth services, technology instructor, senior director, everything! Blind people have the same capabilities as sighted people—people just have to believe it and it will be proven true
Do you think employee retention is more challenging in the non-profit sector?
Our goals are different in the non-profit sector. All VISIONS client services are provided free of charge. We’re looking to cover costs through contracts from government, grants from foundations and donor contributions. If we make a profit in any particular program, we reinvest it in our services and develop new services to meet new needs, but profit in and of itself is not our goal. As an employee, you get to be part of that mission. You’re not just contributing to a bottom line; you’re working toward our powerful mission at VISIONS. We might not have the resources that for-profit organizations do, but I hope our staff knows they are appreciated and enjoy and look forward to coming to work every day just like I do!
Why is employee retention a priority to you?
I want quality service for our clients and the only way to provide that is with quality employees. Hiring and keeping talent is crucial to offering exceptional service. One reason it’s particularly important for VISIONS is because our workforce is not just generalists. We offer specialized services, so we require specialized employees to deliver those services.
To read more go to www.sbgbenefits.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Nancy-2.pdf
VISIONS Staff
New Full-time
David Herman, Full-Time Employment Specialist
Dale Layne, Temporary Full-Time VRC Technology Instructor
Dawn Sanchez, Bilingual Social Worker (LMSW)
Veronica Shipilov, Temporary Full-Time VCB Department Manager
New Part-time
Rachelle Fernandez, Caregiver Services Program Associate
Volunteer Intern
Graham Norwood, Part-Time
Promotions
Cathleen McGuire, CVRT/Outreach Manager
Job/Title Change
Constantina Kapeleris, Senior Licensed Clinical Supervisor
Khadija Hasan, Student Career Coordinator
Farewell
Qian Cheng, Hina Graves, Kayleen Heron, Naveem Rahman, Evelyn Ramos, Patricia Talisse
Doreen DiLeonardo, Senior Director Fundraising in Queens with honoree Lion Charles W. McBride at the Queens Dinner at Douglaston Manor on September 26, 2017
Gary Bagley of New York Cares, Mark J. Kator and Isabella Geriatric Center, Nancy T. Jones, the President of VISIONS Board of Directors, and Marc Kutner of Akuity Social Enterprises at the Manhattan Dinner at AIG Headquarters on September 14, 2017
Save the Dates
Applebees Breakfast
Saturday, February 10, 2018
Atlantic Terminal Market
139 Flatbush Ave., Level 2,
Brooklyn, NY 11217
Cost: $10
Local & Vine
Sunday, February 11, 2018
282 Hudson St, New York, NY 10013
Cost: $60 Advanced Ticket Price
$70 At the door
Bronx Dinner
Thursday, March 8, 2018
Tosca Marque
4034 E Tremont Ave, Bronx, NY 10465
Cost: $100 a ticket
Golf and Tennis Charity Outing
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
1241 King Street, Greenwich, CT 06831
Brooklyn Dinner
Wednesday, June 6, 2018
Marco Polo Ristorante
345 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Cost: $100 a ticket
For more info email tfactor@visionsvcb.org
VISIONS Board News
VISIONS welcomes Gloria Fu, Theodore Klingos, Denise Rabinowitz to VISIONS Board of Directors
New Advisory Board Members
Brooklyn
Verna DuBerry Ademu-John, Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation
Manhattan
Lauren Schneider, Vision Educator
Tom Calvo, AIG, Judy Mendez, Isabella Geriatric Center
Testimonials
Hello Bill,
I was very impressed with your level of expertise. VISIONS is an organization that does some truly incredible things for people that need the help. I will be letting my friends and family know all the good that VISIONS does.
Thanks again.
Josh
Dear Mr. Hixson,
I researched services to help my mother cope with her new loss of vision. In that process I came across VISIONS.
I want to say thank you. I was blessed by VISIONS. The help that is offered for FREE is so professional and you can tell great care is put into the hard work that goes into becoming independent. Thank you so much!
Anita
VISIONS would like to thank the following donors 07/01/17 – 10/31/17
$10,000 or more:
Estate of Irene H. Cohn
Lucius L. and Rhonda N. Fowler
Nancy T. Jones
Lavelle Fund for the Blind, Inc.
Robert A. Schonbrunn
The New York Community Trust
William G. & Helen C. Hoffman Fdn.
$1,000 – $9,999:
1919 Investment Counsel
American International Group
Anonymous
Mr. & Mrs. Mal L. Barasch
Sandra Bass
Kristen Caroselli
Estate of Eli & Diane Rudolph
Franco Chiaramonte
Gertler & Wente Architects, LLP
Isabella Geriatric Ctr., Inc.
Donna Karlson
Steven E. and Catherine G. Kent
Marc Kutner
Lions Club of the Bronx
Dr. James and Jane C. McGroarty
Metzger-Price Fund, Inc.
Nancy D. and Gerald Miller
New York Community Bank
New York-Presbyterian/Queens
Margaret M. Nordlinger
Gayle Oneil
Israel O. and Precious Williams Owodunni
People’s United Bank/Sheldon I. Berg
Jon and Anne Postyn
Denise G. Rabinowitz
S&P Global
Henry Saveth
Sight Improvement Center, Inc.
Harriette K. and Burton M. Strauss, Jr.
The Randi and Clifford Lane Foundation. Inc.
John and Libby Winthrop
Special Thanks To . . .
NYC Department for the Aging
NYC SEFA (New York State Employees Federated Appeal)
NYS Commission for the Blind
NYS Preferred Source Program for People who are Blind
Assembly member Richard Gottfried
Manhattan Borough President
Gale Brewer
City Council Member Corey Johnson
We also want to thank the following for their donation of goods and services:
Acquista Trattoria
Kirk and Roslyn Adams
Arthur Avenue Caterers/David Greco
Avli Little Greek Tavern
Barclay Center/Roland Guevara
Bowlmor AMF/Jessica Davenport
Bronx Tax Man/John Cerini
Brooklyn Nets/Joe Grande
Camp Ballibay/John Jannone
Carnegie Hall/Matthew Scarella
Chandni Salon & Spa
Christie & Co Salon/Lois Christie
City Winery/Ross Garton
Crosstown Diner/Bill Tsibidis
Donovan’s Tavern/Martin Picone
Elliot Horowitz & Company LLP/Bruce Balsam
Empire City Casino/Taryn Duffy
F & J Pine Restaurant/Dominique Maitta
Fairway Market
Roberta Gjonaj
Jenifer Goldman
Greek Family Kitchen
Goldie Hertz
Ali Hodin-Baier
Iavarone Bros.
Inspired Chiropractic/John McAtamney, D.C.
Joan Kaplan
Donna Karlson
Doriane Lazare
Local & Vine/Nicole Rudolph
Mary Kay Cosmetics/Jeanette Christie
Nancy D. and Gerald Miller
Neo Fifth/ Susie Prieto
New York Country Club/Garrett Hirsch
New York Mets
New York Yankees/Carol Laurenzano
Nothing Forgotten, Inc.
NYBG/Elizabeth Figueroa
Push Fitness
Jim Quent
Riverspring Health Plans/Neldy Martinez
Sight Improvement Center, Inc. / Charles S. Hollander
Totem Tamers/Julie Stampler
Turner/Alanna Olken