i n s i g h t s A newsletter of VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired Fall/Winter 2010 Laverne Tucker
The first person you meet when you walk through VISIONS’ doors is our receptionist, Laverne Tucker. Laverne began with VISIONS in September of 2009, and one thing you notice immediately about her is how serene, pleasant and gentle she is. What a pleasure it is to be greeted by her every morning!
Laverne is a life-long New Yorker, born and raised in Harlem. She lives in a tight knit community, and growing up, she was always the one taking care of the kids in the neighborhood, and sharing laugh- ter and her love of music with others. She is also known as the one who will “lend you a hand” when the going gets rough. Laverne Tucker
In February 1984, when she was just 15 years old, she started to get headaches and mysterious pains on her sides. Her vision began to blur, so she began the arduous process of visiting several doctors as her vision continued to deteriorate. Finally after several examinations, she was diagnosed with Pseudotumor cerebri. This condition increases the pressure (intracranial pressure) inside the skull for no apparent reason. Symptoms mimic those of a brain tumor, but no tumor is present. Pseu- dotumor cerebri can occur in children and adults, but it is most common in overweight women of child- bearing age. Although the condition can be treated, in some cases the increased pressure can cause swelling of the optic nerve and result in vision loss. And this is what happened to Laverne. In five short months, this fully sighted vibrant teenager became totally blind, just in time for her sweet sixteen birthday. Now, who would be there for her during her rough times? She was primarily raised by her Great Grandmother, Aunt and Uncle, who had responsibilities of their own. All were devastated, but all knew she had to push on. She attended a vocational high school, then on to PS199 where she learned Braille, and, true to her nature and academic acumen, she helped the other (Continued pg. 9)
GOING GREEN! Celebrating If you are interested in receiving future newsletters and appeals by 85 Years of Service! email, please contact Kaitlin Nelson at [email protected] or (212) 625-1616 x 143 and provide your full name, email VISIONS was recently listed as “ one of the best address and mailing address. agencies ” based on reviews in the Disability (As we transition, you may receive Awareness Campaign 2010 on the “Great email and print copies. Nonprofits” website (www.greatnonprofits.org). Thank you for your patience.) Visit the site and rate us too! 1
From the Desk of the Executive Director VISIONS is the agency that York City and its vicinity. Thank says “Yes” to over 5,000 blind you to the volunteers and staff consumers of all ages and their who organized our Westchester families. Blind people often Thanksgiving dinner and the hear “No.” No, we can’t restore Community Advisory Boards your vision. No, we can’t serve who ran the many luncheons you for free even if your income and events to raise needed is limited. funds and spread the word about VISIONS. Thank you to In this newsletter, you will read VISIONS Board of Directors about all the ways VISIONS Nancy D. Miller who provided many hours of says “Yes.” Yes, teaching peo- Executive Director their time, expertise and guid- ple to use their remaining vision round of funding cuts from both ance. Thank you to the Lions or other senses. Yes, hiring New York City and New York Clubs of New York State for people who are blind to work at State. We are challenged to your donations and volunteer VISIONS… Yes, assisting blind meet the increased needs of the efforts. Thank you to VISIONS people with finding jobs…Yes, people we serve every day. Yet incredible, committed staff. continuing to offer services free we continue to stretch the dollars Thank you to VISIONS consum- of charge at VISIONS Center to provide just one more meal for ers who worked hard to achieve on Blindness (VCB) and an isolated blind senior, one their individual goals. VISIONS at Selis Manor. more lesson for a child newly diagnosed with eye disease, one We have the formula for suc- VISIONS has cut expenses more class for blind people cess. Please give generously wherever possible and this past seeking jobs, one more counsel- so that we can continue the vital year we increased the number ing session to adjust to progres- work we do. I extend warm of people served by over 300 sive vision loss. wishes from all of us at individuals. How do we do it? VISIONS to you and your fami- With hard work and YOUR sup- Thank you to all of you for con- lies during this holiday season. port. tinuing to be there to help us Help us say “Yes” to blind peo- meet the needs of low-income ple in need… of training, oppor- We are bracing for another blind persons throughout New tunity, skill building and support.
In This Issue: VISIONS Insights - Laverne Tucker Page 1 A Publication of VISIONS/Services Executive Director’s Message Page 2 for the Blind and Visually Impaired Intergenerational Program/Art Workshops Page 3 The Eyes Have It Page 4 President, Board of Directors – Nancy T. Jones Appeal Page 5/6 Vice President, Board of Directors – Richard P. Simon Consumer Feedback Page 7 Treasurer, Board of Directors – Burton M. Strauss, Jr. VISIONS Community News Page 8 Secretary, Board of Directors – Howard A. Neuman Laverne Tucker Cont./Events & Happenings Page 9 Advocacy Corner Page 10 Executive Director/CEO – Nancy D. Miller Editor, Director of Development and Outreach – Mary Springer Staff/Board News Page 10 Newsletter Design, Development Associate – Kaitlin Nelson Thank You Page 10
Our Gratitude To/It’s a Date Page 11
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Intergenerational Program Visits the Intrepid!
On November 4, 2010, five seniors and five students went on a guided touch tour of the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in Manhattan. Museum staff described the role of an aircraft carrier, while allowing the group to visit the main operating sections of the ship. The group learned about the many trials of a life at sea during wartime, and experienced the living quarters on the ship first-hand. Model planes and ships were incorporated into the verbal descrip- tions, so the group left with a better un- derstanding of the types of military crafts used at sea during World War II. The trip ended with an actual “Kamikaze experience,” in which the group felt what it was like to be aboard the Intrepid, Seniors examining a model while it was under attack by Japanese airplane fighter pilots. Margaret Sloan, an Inter- generational senior, described the trip by saying, “The Intrepid trip was very enjoyable and informative. I had never been exposed to historical explanations like that before. It was wonderful.” VISIONS Intergenera- tional Program Manager, Carrie Lewy, observed, “The model aircrafts Seniors and Youth were an effective learning tool for both the seniors and the students. exploring together The group sat side-by-side examining the different parts of the models. It was truly an experience that bridged the generations.” Furrah Syed conducts art workshops at VISIONS VCB and VISIONS at Selis Manor
Last summer, international visual artist from London, Furrah Syed, conducted workshops for participants at VCB and at VISIONS at Selis Manor. Although she is not visually impaired, Furrah believes very strongly that art should be accessible for ALL to appreciate, including those who rely heavily on their sense of touch. She creates textured ab- stract canvases and encourages people to engage with her can- vases by touching and feeling the textures and movement of her art. This inspired her to develop her art Furrah guiding youth in art project appreciation workshop for blind and visually impaired people which she has conducted for various organizations in the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, India and Australia. VISIONS participants were thrilled to be given the opportunity to create their own abstract works of art under Furrah’s informative and caring tutelage. “It was very freeing to try art where there were no rules. I have never had any art training and was always intimidated to try art. This class gave me the freedom to try something Senior creating tactile new. I love the painting I created and showed it to my daughter. She art project loved it too!,” Janet Seth.
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The Eyes Have It
Protect Your Eyes From The Winter Sun! ing, redness, extreme sensitivity to light and the feeling of grittiness in the eyes. Although the sunny summer months are behind us for this year, it is still important to protect our Longer term exposure has eyes from the sun’s harmful UV (Ultraviolet) rays. been linked to an increased Even in the shade and when there are clouds, chance of developing, cata- anyone who spends time outside is at risk for eye racts, macular degeneration, problems related to UV radiation and other com- pingueculae and ptergia. ponents of solar radiation because UV is invisible The risk of damage to ones radiation that can penetrate clouds. As we ap- eyes increases over time as proach the winter, it is important to note that fresh one spends more time in the snow can reflect 80 percent of UV rays which sun over the span of a life- doubles ones exposure to solar UV radiation. time. It is especially impor- tant for children to wear sun- If exposure to the sun causes discomfort to your glasses because they tend to eyes, visit your eye doctor for a sun lens evalua- spend more time outdoors A VCB Participant tion. Sun lenses are uniquely designed to pro- than adults. protecting his eyes! vide the optimal conditions for each individual’s specific needs. What to do: UV Radiation Checklist When choosing sunglasses, look for UV- If you can answer “yes” to one or more of the protection details on product labels. Larger following questions, you could be at higher risk lenses or those which wraparound are suggested for harm to the eyes from UV radiation: and wearing a brimmed hat can help maximize protection. Sunglasses should block 99 to 100 • Do you spend a great deal of time outdoors? percent of both UVA and UVB rays and it’s often best to skip sunglasses that are labeled • Do you spend time skiing, mountain climbing "cosmetic." When choosing sunglasses, there or at the beach? are different options such “blue-blocking lenses,” “polarized lenses,” and “photochromic lenses” • Do you use a sunlamp or tanning parlor? which can be opted for according to your own • Are you a welder, medical technologist or do personal needs. Most standard prescription eye- you work in the graphic arts or in the manu- glasses can be treated to provide UV protection. Some contact lenses provide UV protection, but facture of electronic circuit boards? it’s still important to wear sunglasses to protect • Do you take prescription or over-the-counter the entire eye area. If you’re not sure about the drugs that can increase your sensitivity to UV protection your current glasses/sunglasses/ radiation (check with your optometrist, phar- contact lenses provide, check with your eye doc- tor for an evaluation. macist, or physician)? For more information contact: • Have you had cataract surgery in one or both - American Academy of Ophthalmology: www.aao.org eyes? - American Optometric Association: www.aoa.org UV Exposure: - National Eye Institute: www.nei.nih.gov Short term exposure can cause photokeratitis - Prevent Blindness America: www.preventblindness.org which is like “sunburn of the eye” also known as Information for this article was collected from the American “snow blindness.” Although temporary, the con- Optometric Association., the Mayo Clinic, All About Vision, and the Environmental Protection Agency’s program, Sun- dition can be painful and cause excessive tear- wise . -Kaitlin Nelson
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______
85 Years--- serving thousands of people who are blind or visually impaired, their caregivers and family.
85 Years--- of being the agency that says “YES!”
“… the services at VISIONS are really fantastic! The counseling is superb. I am a better
______person for having been served by VISIONS.” P.W., VISIONS at Selis Manor participant
“The instruction I received from VISIONS allowed me to learn how to cook on a stove and in the oven safely from a wheelchair.” L.G., Vision Rehabilitation Therapy client
Pleasecut here “I appreciate having this program available because it is respite for me. Coming here
today, and talking to you felt like something was lifted off my shoulders.” S.M., VISIONS Caregiver Program
______“Because of the Interpreter Services, it was like opening the door to learning about S’s eye condition and disability. I love to continue receiving services that help S. to become independent.” Parent of 4 year old S.A., VISIONS Center on Blindness, VCB family
“I didn’t think it was actually going to happen but, now that it has, I feel glad that I’m not stuck at home. I’m more confident now.”
S. M., newly hired cook, VISIONS Job Placement client
VISIONS:
Providing services free of charge each year for over 5000 primarily low income individuals ______and families
Doing more with less, spending 88 cents of every dollar on programs with only 12 cents on administration and fund raising
Chosen in November 2010 as one of the best disability agencies in the U.S. by Guidestar and Great Nonprofits.
Please give as much as you can. With your generous support, VISIONS will continue to say
YES !
5 Wishing you a joyous holiday season!
$2500 pays for a blind multi disabled child to have a week of vision rehabilitation therapy and confidence building activities at VISIONS VCB.
$1000 pays for a prescribed long cane and mobility lessons for a blind senior to learn how to safely get around their neighborhood.
$500 pays for lessons from a blind computer instructor to teach each blind person how to use a talking computer and prepare for a job.
$250 pays for lessons and adaptive equipment for safe cooking for a blind youth.
$100 pays for Braille supplies and audiotapes for classes at VISIONS at Selis Manor
Yes, I want to help with my contribution of: □ $2500 □ $1000 □ $500 □ $250 □ $100 □ Other FOR: □ Holiday Wishes □ Birthday □ Anniversary □ Get Well Soon □ Memorial □ Other (Please specify occasion) Name of Person to be Honored:______Send Card To:______□ Pay Online at www.visionsvcb.org □ Check enclosed OR □ Please charge to my credit card: Card Type: ______Expiration Date: 4 Digit ID #: _____ Card Number: Signature: Name: Address:
Mail to: VISIONS, 500 Greenwich Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10013 1354 A copy of our most recent financial statement is available by writing VISIONS or NYS Dept of Law Charities Bureau, 3rd Floor, 120 Broadway, NY, NY 10271. Contributions to VISIONS are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. VISIONS/Services for the Blind & Visually Impaired meets all of the BBB Wise Giving Standards and is an accredited charity and member of the BBB seal program for Charity Accountability.
In our effort to help make the world a greener place, we would like to send you our upcoming newsletter and future appeals by email as either a PDF or MS Word file. If you are interested, please fill out the following information and return it to us with the enclosed envelope: Name:______
Email Address:______6
No one tells the VISIONS story better then our consumers. Below are the types of letters we receive on a regular basis. They inspire us, and put a smile on our faces. Hope they do the same for you!
Dear Manju, Dear Carmen, and his group.
Thanks for hosting us at VCB this year!!! It was a I am noting these things because I want to bring wonderful experience. My son enjoyed himself to your attention how much of an impact VCB so much that I thought it would be nice to drop has made on Emmanuel, and for you to feel hon- you a few lines to let you know the impact it has ored for all the hard work you have put into the made on him. (smiles) planning and managing the week's activities and for the warmth of the staff. First of all the pool was a hit for him. He was indeed motivated and is anxiously look- It was freezing, but ing forward to next year. He sends warm hugs he enjoyed the to all and a big, big thank you. warmth of Teddy's loving and tender Emmanuel Ford and care!!! He enjoyed Audrey Ramnaraine the spa treatment floating around in the A Rehab Session in the pool with Emmanuel and his mom noodle boat. VISIONS staff member Teddy enjoying a ride in a paddle- Kern and Emmanuel boat with a VCB staff
Since he came back he has gained strides in inde- member. (right) pendence. He goes to the bathroom unknown to me, cleans himself and washes his hands with The letter below exemplifies how the use of in- soap while carefully adjusting the water!!! I snuck terpreters has enabled VISIONS to provide ser- up on him and observed him and was indeed im- vices in the language preferred. Ms. R benefited pressed. I see some maturity because in the past from the assistance of an interpreter in Russian: this was hard for him .....getting his fingers dirty. I am hoping he continues with this mo- Dear Ms. Nancy Miller, mentum. I would like to show my appreciation to you. I He said he is becoming an adult and he has to am an elderly woman with very poor eyesight. A copy of our most recent financial statement is available by writing VISIONS or act like an adult so it means "I have to get out Your company has provided me with the things I from under you Mommy, all the other kids are need to live my life. I am touched by your kind running around by themselves." "You are too actions and very happy to see that there are much with me." Great for him and for me too. people out there that think about others and
He does not give me any resistance anymore make it easier for them to live their lives. about feeding himself,. He remembers Jessica I would especially like to thank Bill and Iolanta serving at the table and he kindly eats by him- for being so caring, hardworking and helpful. self. What an impression. He wants me to call her and let her know he is eating by himself and Sincerely, all his food. God bless her. He also wants us to make muffins, the muffins he made with Grace Mrs. R
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VISIONS Community News
Golf VISIONS held it’s 25th Annual Charity Golf Outing benefiting VISIONS Center on Blindness on May 25, 2010 at the Fairview Country Club in Greenwich, CT. The event was extremely well supported and raised the most money ever at this event. Next year’s event will be held at the same location on Tuesday, May 24, 2011.
Golf Committee Chairs (left to right) Bill MaryLou DiIorio (right) of Resnick, Fredric C. Apter, Robbie Davis, and Legg Mason Investment Angelo Purcigliotti Counsel Golfing
“Celebrate the Senses”
On September 22, 2010, The Manhattan Advi- sory Board gathered at NYU’s Kimmel Center in Manhattan with valued guests to “Celebrate the Senses” and honor six individuals (pictured at right, left to right: David De Porte, Shu Sum Kwong, Brenda Marks, Johnny Nunez, Dr. Milton Delerme for Dr. John Palmer and Gretchen Stone) who have made significant contributions “Celebrate the Senses” Honorees to the field of vision loss and services. “Learning About Vision Loss”
Funders, Supporters, Board Mem- bers, staff and volunteers of VISIONS joined together on Octo- ber 21, 2010 to kick-off the 10th Anniversary of VISIONS at Selis Manor. Participants screened the amazing documentary “Going Blind” produced by Joseph Lovett and had the opportunity to get the real facts about blindness and vi- sion loss, and hear about VISIONS and how we help people with vi- Burton M. Strauss Jr., Richard Simon, Nancy D. Miller, Betsy sion loss. Jessica and Patricia Wil- Fabricant, Susan Olivo of Readers Digest Partners for Sight liams who were featured in the film Foundation, Steve Bernstein, Henry Saveth, Mannie Corman. spoke about their lives. (Photo by Jag Rao)
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Laverne Tucker (continued from front page) students with their studies as well. Her teachers often commented on how bright she was, and that she should be mainstreamed. With the help of family, friends, and some dedicated teachers, she was rebuilding her life. Laverne is a woman of many accomplishments and interests. Before coming to VISIONS, she worked for 20 years as a receptionist on a part-time basis at a Church in Harlem, and did a brief stint with a call center in Long Island. Her love of music and cooking has led her to D.J. at parties and cook up gourmet meals. She has also volunteered at a suicide hotline, and now is writing a book which is an autobiography. But one of her most important roles is acting as mentor and counselor to other blind people. Laverne had utilized the services of other organizations that serve people who are blind, but was es- pecially interested in VISIONS when she heard from colleagues about VISIONS job placement pro- grams. Her goal was to secure a solid, full-time job that would also provide her with benefits. When she learned that VISIONS had blind job developers on staff she was thrilled! This is just what she needed to give her the additional confidence toward reaching her goal. She worked intensely with a VISIONS job developer, honing her computer and interviewing skills, and updating her resume. She was so impressive, that when a receptionist job opened at VISIONS, staff recommended that she interview, and shortly thereafter, she landed the job. What better role model could Laverne be to anyone, blind or sighted? Everyone who meets her wants to talk to her and/or get to know her better. She now has regular VISIONS consumers who visit or call her to ask her advice, or seek her counsel and encouragement. She is a living testament to VISIONS mission showing that blind or visually impaired people can, and do lead independent and active lives in their homes and communities. Events and Happenings VISIONS is proud to announce the new addition of Caregiver Services to our programs. This past year, VISIONS was awarded a grant for the New York City Department for the Aging (DFTA) to provide services for Caregivers. Out of hundreds of New York City agencies applying for this funding, only 10 were picked, VISIONS being one of them. VISIONS Caregiver Program pro- vides services for caregivers who are assisting older adults 60 years and over who are blind or visu- ally impaired, and grandparents, 55 years and older who are the primary caregivers for a child under the age of 18 years of age where either the grandparent or the child is blind or visually impaired. The services include information and referral, supportive counseling, day and overnight respite, support groups, training and education and other activities. VISIONS paid a special tribute to the late Senator Morahan, on Sunday, August 1 st at VISIONS annual Lions sponsored Family Recognition Day at VISIONS Center on Blindness (VCB) in Rockland County. Senator Morahan was a strong supporter of VISIONS, and chaired the Senate Com- mittee on Mental Health and Development Disabilities. VCB named its main road “Morahan Way” with a special ribbon cutting ceremony. More than 200 Stephen J. Powers, NYS Lions joined us for that day to show their support and donate funding $7000 Assemblyman Kenneth Paul scholarships for consumers to attend VCB free of charge. Zobrowski, Stephen Pappas Join us for a Special FREE Afternoon at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum (145 Brooklyn Ave., Brooklyn, NY) open ONLY to Blind & Visually Impaired Chil- dren & their Families. Saturday, January 29, 2011 2-5pm. To RSVP or for informa- tion contact Carmen Thorne: 212 625-1616 ext. 107 or [email protected] 9
Advocacy Corner
Advocating at City Hall Distinguished Service Award VISIONS consumer David De Porte VISIONS was recognized with a Distin- (right) spoke at a rally in front of City guished Service Award by the New York Hall this summer with Seniors, Advo- State Division of Human Rights “in grateful cates, Service Providers and Elected recognition of the many contributions to the Officials advocating for continued city noble cause of civil rights” at a celebration funding for intergenerational programs. of the 65th Anniversary of the New York Regrettably, funding ended June 30, State Human Rights Law held at John Jay 2010. College.
Dawn Suvino and Betsy Fabricant appeared on Larry Seiler’s “Special People Special Issues” program on BronxNet in October in to provide awareness about the services VISIONS and visions loss. Staff News Board News VISIONS welcomes the following new staff VISIONS acknowledges Ronald C. Delo on his members: resignation from VISIONS Board and welcomes Allegra Barlow, Language Interpreter (French) him to the Advisory Council. Louise DeCesare, Vision Rehabilitation Therapist VISIONS thanks all our Board and Advisory Intern, Orientation and & Mobility Specialist Board Members and welcomes the following Intern, Executive Assistant NEW Board and Advisory Board Members! Diane Felix, Rehabilitation Administrative Assistant VISIONS Board: Teresa M. DeLuca, MD Carrie T. Lewy, Intergenerational Program Brooklyn: Carla Lewis-Irizarry - Brooklyn College, Manager Gwen Sumter - Brooklyn Children's Museum Gaelle Martin, Visions Center on Blindness Bronx: Michael Stimola, Mark Angeli - Citibank, Administrative Assistant Pauline Cruz - Urban Health Plan, Dan Bernstein - Carmen Rivera, Intake, Interpreter, Community Fordham Road BID, Rick Lepore - TD Bank Coordinator Thank You!
VISIONS Westchester Advisory Board and The Westchester Reform Temple hosted its annual Thanksgiving Dinner November 18, 2010 for VISIONS participants who are blind or visually impaired and live in Westchester. Around 60 guests enjoyed an evening of delicious food, musical perform- ances and lively conversation.
Thank you Dan Leone and Queens Public Television (QPTV) for all they have done for VISIONS including running public service announcements helping to educate the people of Queens concern- ing vision loss and how to obtain services. VISIONS is grateful for QPTV’s continued generous sup- port of VISIONS annual Queens Luncheon and Wine Tasting events.
VISIONS thanks John Bonizio of Metro Optics and Mike Santelli of Carmella Printing for under- writing our new referral pads that have been distributed to eye care professionals and other potential referral sources throughout New York City.
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Our Gratitude To... VISIONS would like to thank the following Fiduciary Trust Company friends for providing funding of $10,000 or Gifts From My Father/Mother Inc. more: Goldman Sachs & Co.
CVS Pharmacy Inc. The Frederick J. Haug Family Foundation Health Advocate, Inc. Sarah K. de Coizart Charitable Trust Jesselson Foundation Blanche T. Enders Charitable Trust J.P. Morgan Chase Bank Lavelle Fund for the Blind Legg Mason & Co., LLC Lions Clubs of Multiple District 20, NYS and Marble Fund Bermuda McGraw Hill Companies / Writers to the Rescue New York Community Trust Meredith Corporation Foundation Moses L. Parshelsky Foundation Metzger Price Fund, Inc. Reader's Digest Partners for Sight MTA New York City Transit Employees Foundation New York Cares Allene Reuss Memorial Trust New York University Norman and Bettina Roberts Foundation Johnny Nunez Eye Can Foundation Olive Garden Thanks Also To: Pace Advertising
American Express Charitable Fund Pfizer Foundation Arnold K. Davis & Co., Inc. Ridenour Endowment Fund Baker & McKenzie LLP Samsung America, Inc. The Baumann Family Foundation Solid Benefit Guidance, LLC Blake and Todd Standard & Poors Edith Blum Foundation Martha Washington Straus - Harry H. Straus Foundation Brookdale Foundation (Clothing Donation) TD Bank Chubb Federal Insurance Company Tekserve, Inc. Citibank United Way of New York City City Market United Way of Rockland County Davis Vision VALIC Deutsche Bank Americas Foundation Voluntary Association for Senior Citizens (VASCA) Express Scripts, Inc. Wellpoint Holding Corp. Fan Fox and Leslie Samuels Foundation Westchester Reform Temple It’s a Date! January 29, 2011….…………………………………..…..VISIONS afternoon at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum March 4, 2011………………………….…...……………..…… Bronx Luncheon (FJ Pine Restaurant, Bronx, NY) April 15, 2011………..……………….…………...…… Brooklyn Luncheon (Michael’s Restaurant, Brooklyn, NY) May 11, 2011.……………………...………………….….. Queens Luncheon (Terrace on the Park, Queens, NY) May 24, 2011..………………...…………...... VCB Golf Fundraiser (Fairview Country Club, Greenwich, CT) August 7, 2011………………….…………………..…Lion’s Family Day at VCB Celebrating 85 Years of Service Call VISIONS for more information (212) 625-1616 11
About VISIONS How to Reach Us
VISIONS’ services are partially funded by the New York State VISIONS Main Office: Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped; support from the Borough Presidents of the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhat- By Telephone: (212) 625-1616 or (888) 245-8333 tan, and Queens; New York State Senator Thomas K. Duane; By Mail: 500 Greenwich Street, 3rd Floor New York State Assembly Members Ann-Margaret Carrozza, New York, New York 10013-1354 Richard N. Gottfried, and New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and Councilmembers Maria del Carmen Ar- By Email: [email protected] royo, Margaret Chin, Leroy G. Comrie, Jr., Inez E. Dickens, Website: www.visionsvcb.org Daniel R. Garodnick, Rosie Mendez, Annabel Palma, Melissa By Fax: (212) 219-4078
Mark-Viverito, Thomas White, Jr, and Jumaane Williams. VISIONS is a member of the Council of Senior Centers and VISIONS at Selis Manor:
Services of NYC, the Disabilities Network of NYC, the New York Vision Rehabilitation Association, the NY Citizens Com- By Telephone: (646) 486-4444 mittee on Aging, the New York Women’s Agenda, and Vision- By Mail: 135 West 23rd Street Serve Alliance. New York, New York 10011 VISIONS was incorporated in 1926 and is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions to VISIONS are tax deductible to Email: [email protected] the maximum extent allowed by law. A copy of our most recent financials and IRS 990 are available by writing to VISIONS or Blindline® (212) 625-3301 or (888) 625-1616 to the Office of the Attorney General, Charities Bureau, 120 www.blindline.org Broadway, NY, NY 10271 or on-line at www.guidestar.org.
VISIONS meets all of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Standards and is an accredited charity and member of the BBB seal program for Charity Accountability. VISIONS is a seal-holding member of the GuideStar Exchange. 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.
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