BVRS CELEBRATES CENTENNIAL What a Year It Has Been! and Rapidly Expanding Industrialization Security, and No Welfare
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Winter 2010—2011 Rich History Remembered, Centennial Medals Presented at Gala Celebration BVRS CELEBRATES CENTENNIAL What a year it has been! and rapidly expanding industrialization security, and no welfare. Injured In 2010, we have been celebrating was fraught with unsafe conditions. workers relied on the kindness of the 100th anniversary of one of For workers who were disabled or BVRS‟ founding agencies, the blinded on the job, the choices were Continued on page 7 Pittsburgh Blind Association (PBA). few. Centennial Celebration story on PBA was incorporated in 1910 to An estimated 7,000 blind adults page 4 prevent blindness and to provide lived in Pennsylvania and no social Centennial Medal Recipients jobs for people with vision loss. safety nets existed, no job retraining, on Page 6 At the same time, we‟ve been no workers‟ compensation, no social commemorating the rich history of The Greater Pittsburgh Guild for the Erika Arbogast Named BVRS President Blind, BVRS‟ other founding agency that was incorporated in 1959 to After conducting she makes is measured by whether it teach rehabilitation techniques to a national search, forwards the agency‟s mission and vision-impaired clients. Erika Arbogast, 31, how it affects the financial bottom The work of both agencies, that of Cranberry, was line. consolidated in 1997 to become hired by the BVRS She most recently served as the BVRS, has led to greater independence Board of Directors Vice President of Programs for for thousands of people with vision to replace Stephen Life‟sWork of Western Pennsylvania loss. Through training and/or S. Barrett, who where she supervised a staff of 75 employment services at BVRS retired in February. people and assisted the CEO in (See related story on managing a $6.5 million annual these individuals have been able to Erika Arbogast resume their lives, enjoy hobbies, page 2.) budget. On July 1, she began overseeing all continue working, and care for BVRS received 58 applications programs, services, and staff. themselves and their families. from experienced professionals “My top priority is to get the The story of the agencies that nationwide and Mrs. Arbogast‟s agency to a point financially where became BVRS began 100 years ago “skills and experience made her we are a little more comfortable in when immigration was booming the best person for the job”, said these economic conditions,” she said. Mike Romano, Chairman of the After that is accomplished, Mrs. Board of BVRS. BVRS to Receive New Arbogast wants to grow the agency. “We interviewed some pretty Mrs. Arbogast said every decision United Way Funding Continued on back page BVRS has been chosen by United Way of Allegheny County to Extraordinary Volunteer Nancy Schepis implement an exciting program that Receives Prestigious Senator John Heinz Award addresses the needs of vulnerable seniors and adults with disabilities. Nancy Favo estimated $750,000. As volunteer co- In 2008, United Way developed a Schepis, BVRS‟ ordinator, Mrs. Schepis has recruited new strategic initiative aimed at dedicated volun- and trained hundreds of volunteers to meeting critical community needs teer coordinator work with vision-impaired clients, and making the best use of funding who has worked including sighted guide training. dollars. At that time, a shift was tirelessly to “For her years of devotion and the made to create an RFP (Request benefit clients impact she has made on the lives of for Proposals) process that stresses and programs, people and their families, the committee collaborations between community has been selected Nancy from the 59 stellar agencies and achievement of awarded the nominations that we received…her measurable outcomes. Agencies prestigious unwavering selflessness made her that receive funding from the Senator John the clear choice for this award,” said United Way through this process Nancy Schepis Heinz Award for Scott Lammie, Chief Financial Officer are considered to be high quality “outstanding community service.” of UPMC Health Plan who co-chaired organizations that address a popu- On her behalf, BVRS received a the Heinz Award Nominating Committee lation with great needs, utilize a $10,000 award from United Way. with his wife, Susan. sound approach in programming, A volunteer for 38 years, first as a Mrs. Schepis said she is honored and achieve measurable results. mobility aide and later as the volun- to receive the award and that the In April 2011, BVRS will begin to teer coordinator, Mrs. Schepis has work has always been about serving receive funding for a three-year logged more than 30,000 volunteer clients. Continued on page 7 hours. Her services are valued at an Continued on back page Stephen S. Barrett, former BVRS President, loses long battle with cancer Stephen S. Barrett, BVRS increase client recruitment and national awareness of president from September 2003 BVRS‟ programs and services. until his retirement in February "He had a very quiet but effective leadership style," 2010, died Saturday, April 17, said Tom Buchanan, former BVRS board chairman. of esophageal cancer. "Steve tended to roll up his sleeves and worked Mr. Barrett, who was 60, shoulder to shoulder with his managers." spent the majority of his 38 Mr. Barrett began his career as a rehabilitation year career working in the field teacher and counselor for the Texas Commission for of deaf-blindness in several the Blind in Dallas. He served as the Executive Director states, along the way earning of the Pinellas Center for the Visually Impaired in widespread national recognition Largo, Florida, and as Executive Director in agencies for his leadership in the field. in Anchorage, Alaska and Galveston, Texas. Stephen S. Barrett "There will be a great void He is survived by his wife, Bobbie; two daughters, in the deaf-blind field," said Heather Barrett of Dallas, TX, and Jennifer Tamol of Cynthia Ingraham, the regional representative for the Jacksonville, FL; two brothers, Edward of Pratt, KS, New York based Helen Keller National Center that and David of Philadelphia; and two sisters, Frances serves people who are deaf-blind where Mr. Barrett Ann Coleman of Silverhill, AL, and Mary Barrett of once served as Executive Director. Shreveport, LA. Under Mr. Barrett‟s direction, BVRS consolidated its A Mass was celebrated in Wylie, Texas. Gifts may services in Homestead and sold its former buildings in be made in Mr. Barrett‟s memory to BVRS by calling Oakland and Bridgeville. Mr. Barrett also led efforts to 412-368-4400. Eileen Bender Named Recreation Professional of the Year Eileen Bender, BVRS Rehabilitation being an outstanding role model, Instructor, has been awarded the leader, and advocate,” wrote prestigious 2010 Therapeutic Marjorie Wuestner, President of Recreation Professional of the the association. “You are joining an Year award. impressive list of previous award The award was presented by winners.” the Pennsylvania State Association At BVRS, Mrs. Bender teaches for Health, Physical Education, sensory training, techniques of Recreation, and Dance, a professional daily living, provides instruction in association to which Mrs. Bender health, wellness, and exercise, and has belonged for 45 years. organizes leisure time activities for “You are to be commended for clients. Eileen Bender assisting clients BVRS Seeks Adult Mentor Volunteers for Vision Impaired Youth Announcing the Newest Vision impairment can be isolating, into enhancing job exploration, and Members of our Chuck Noll so BVRS‟ Employment Opportunities help the young person develop a Road to Independence Society Project (EOP) has launched the positive self-image and realistic goals. Jeffrey and Erika Arbogast Insights Mentoring Program to Mentors will be asked to make a Lisa M. Cibik, MD FACS match young people aged 14-21 one-year minimum commitment. Gus & Annie Hanna Engel who are blind or vision impaired Additionally, volunteer mentors will Debra Fox & Dr. Jules Rosen with a successful and confident adult attend BVRS relationship building Dick & Lynn Hoak who also experiences limited vision. activities, meet with the young Dr. & Mrs. Louis A. Lobes, Jr. David A. Lovejoy, Esq. & The goal is to offer young people person at least once a month, Sandra L. Demas a friend and advisor who has faced contact the person at least once a Ms. Rita M. McGinley and overcome challenges associated week by phone or email, and provide Edgar & Norma Michaels with vision loss. BVRS with monthly feedback. James P. Mondzelewski, M.D. Mentors may provide guidance in If you have questions or are Kay & Art Rooney, Jr. dealing with attitudes about blindness, interested in becoming a mentor, Faye Sampson becoming an active member of the contact: Sandy & Edgar Snyder community, and identifying resources Sue Lichtenfels Tom & Sandy Usher for assistance. They may also offer EOP Training Specialist Dr. Mark & Roseanne Wholey Ann P. Winkelstein tips and techniques for living 412-368-4400 Michael & Judy Zaken independently, provide valuable insight [email protected] This society pays tribute to Chuck Noll who served as Chairman of BVRS‟s Board BVRS Employment Opportunities Project from 1997-2004. Members of this prestigious The Employment Opportunities Project is a school to work program group have pledged unrestricted gifts of at designed to prepare students for employment. Blind or vision impaired students least $1,000 per year for five years. aged 14-21 who receive services through the Allegheny Intermediate If you are interested in learning more Unit are eligible. BVRS offers job readiness classes, job shadowing, about this society and how you can community-based work experiences, mentoring, and job coaching. Students become a member, please contact Laura also enjoy weekly guest speakers who include business professionals and Liggett in the Development Department successful adults who are blind or vision impaired. at 412-368-4400 x 2232. 2 WHAT CAN A BLIND PERSON DO? Hint: You just might be surprised. LIFELONG ARTIST LYNDA LAMBERT DISCOVERS HOW TO CREATE ART WITH VISION LOSS When she lost her vision, artist Mrs.