The Beacon Issue 2, 2005 A publication by the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI)-Goodwill Industries of Greater Rochester, Inc. www.abvi-goodwill.org (585) 232-1111 Out and About… Vision Loss: 0, Heart: 1 Angelo D’Ambra had a lifelong dream—to throw out the first pitch at a Rochester Red Wings game. Thanks to the Red Wings organization, Angelo was able to fulfill that dream when he threw out the first pitch at the May 9th game against the Columbus Clippers. Angelo is a resident of Irondequoit, and since he was in his forties his eyesight has gradually deteriorated to a point where he is now legally blind. Yet, although Angelo has lost his sight, he has not lost his spirit. Blindness was not an end to his life but a new beginning. Angelo still enjoys the many things in life that make him and his family happy, including a profound love of baseball. More Than Just a Business Trip In March, Dan Malone, a member of our manufacturing team, and other representatives of ABVI-Goodwill attended a National Industries for the Blind (NIB) conference in Washington D.C. Before heading back to Rochester, Dan and the group went to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. With the help of his sighted co-workers, Dan was able to feel his brother’s name on the wall for the first time. Not only was the conference professionally useful but this was a personal trip that Dan will never forget! Don’t miss out on the most exotic fundraiser this summer. ABVI-Goodwill is holding our annual celebration on July 13 at the Country Club of Rochester. African Safari is a chance to support the work and mission of our agency as well as mix and mingle with ABVI-Goodwill staff, colleagues, and business leaders. Have a roaring good time from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, July 13. Sample authentic African wines and imports, hors d’oeuvres and entrees and place bids on fantastic silent and live auction items. Spend the evening with Doug Emblidge from 13WHAM, our emcee and auctioneer for the event. Get your tickets today by calling Cindy Semrau at (585)697-5713 or e-mail her at csemrau@abvi-goodwill.com. Guest tickets are $60 per person and Patron tickets are $100 each. All proceeds from African Safari will benefit ABVI-Goodwill. Help support your community and people who are blind or visually impaired by joining us at African Safari on Wednesday, July 13. It will be an event you won’t want to miss! The month of May was Healthy Vision Month, and ABVI-Goodwill joined with the National Eye Institute (NEI) and other organizations across the country to educate the public about vision rehabilitation and eye health. At ABVI-Goodwill, we celebrated this occasion with a visit from the Honorable William A. Johnson, Jr., mayor of the City of Rochester. On May 12, Mayor Johnson visited the agency to present a Mayoral Proclamation to the staff in celebration of Healthy Vision Month. Not only were we honored to have the Mayor visit our agency, but we remain grateful to him for his overall support of healthy vision and the importance of vision rehabilitation services. “While vision rehabilitation cannot restore lost sight, it can equip people with skills and strategies that will enable them to maintain an independent lifestyle,” said A. Gidget Hopf, Ed.D., president and CEO of ABVI-Goodwill. “Most people are not aware that numerous vision rehabilitation services are available to help them cope with low vision. Vision rehabilitation helps people with visual impairments maximize the use of remaining vision, travel safely, take care of their home, meet career objectives, and continue to enjoy hobbies and other leisure activities.” Anyone experiencing vision loss is encouraged to talk to their eye care professionals to learn about what can be done to make the most of their remaining vision. Those at risk for vision loss should have regular dilated eye exams because early detection and intervention may prevent further vision loss. To learn more about low vision services at ABVI-Goodwill,call our Information and Referral office at (585) 697-5722. FROM THE Medical Director ... In April, the Royal National Institute for the Blind co-hosted one of the world’s largest conferences on low vision and sight loss,“Vision 2005.” The meeting was co-hosted by Action for Blind People and The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association in London,England. I was fortunate to attend and privileged to participate. There were over 1,200 attendees from 69 countries around the world. Issues pertaining to blindness and vision loss were discussed and presented. The major themes of the conference included: clinical care integrating rehabilitation; epidemiology and world blindness; visual function assessment and visual performance; education across the lifespan; advances in technology; designing and constructing for an inclusive environment; and issues related to employment. Miles Hilton-Barber, in an inspirational speech at the opening ceremony, proclaimed that “the only limits in your life are those you accept yourself.” For him, after losing his vision, he has “seen no limits.” Dr. Raymond Kurzweil, the inventor who brought us text to speech synthesizing capabilities many years ago, appeared live from his New York office as a virtual computer-generated image, able to make eye contact with the audience in London. He talked about the origins of his speech synthesizer and future developments to assist the blind. Cutting-edge research was presented and Rochester, New York was well represented with researchers from the University of Rochester, Center for Visual Science presenting research on low vision. I had the privilege of participating in this study as well as the pleasure of presenting additional work on vision evaluation from a local population of seniors. Whenever I attend a national or international meeting on low vision I feel I have learned so much. I appreciate the wonderful services we provide locally at ABVI-Goodwill and the inclusive and supportive environment we work in, enabling collaboration within our community to enhance the lives of those we care for. FROM THE President ... As you read this edition of The Beacon, I’d like you to notice the abundance of “c” words. It became apparent to me as I thought about this column that “c” words are prevalent when we talk about ABVI-Goodwill. We start off with our comprehensive programs and services to people who are blind or visually impaired. We provide these services in a caring environment with capable and compassionate staff. And we do this by keeping our consumers at the center of it all. The power of “c” is also inherent in the collaborative spirit with which we seek to serve our community. ABVI-Goodwill is taking a broader and more proactive role in seeking out a wide array of collaborations with other organizations and businesses with missions that are synergistic with our own. We believe collaborations enhance our services and strengthen our community. For example, this year’s Scouting for Food & Clothing drive was extremely successful because of our cooperative and collaborative relationships with the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, New York State National Guard, several corporate sponsors, and hundreds of volunteers. We also have important relationships with Lifespan and the Transportation Consortium that offer a vital resource of volunteer drivers who meet the transportation needs of our consumers. Our Goodwill stores have partnered with Wilson Commencement Park to jointly meet the needs of both organizations. We have an important collaboration with the Monroe County Association for the Hearing Impaired to meet the needs of people who are both visually and hearing impaired. We are excited about our continued educational partnership with the Rochester Eye Institute at the University of Rochester Medical Center and the opportunities it provides for both organizations. These are just a few of the many collaborative efforts that reinforce our role as a leader in community partnerships. The power of “c” can also be found in our efforts to seek the highest consumer-focused quality standards possible. As you will read in this edition, we are proud of our recently renewed three-year accreditation through the Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF); another “c” word! This is an acknowledgement of our continued hard work to voluntarily meet the highest national standards of quality care, service delivery, administration, and governance, all with the goal of achieving and maintaining consumer-focused standards of excellence in everything we do. All of this leads to the power of “c” in the form of our organization’s credibility. At a time when many not-forprofit organizations across the country are coming under increased public scrutiny, all of us here at ABVI-Goodwill are proud of the integrity and credibility with which we operate. In this regard, we believe we are a role model for other organizations looking to operate successfully in a consumer-focused, mission-driven, collaborative, and credible manner. The power of “c.” Collaborations, consumer-focused standards of excellence, credibility. Three “C’s” that ABVIGoodwill is proud to have as a foundation for so much of what we do. Remember us in your wills and trusts. Tee Off for ABVI-Goodwill Round up your friends and get ready to tee off for the third annual Cypress Financial Consultants, LLC golf tournament to benefit ABVI-Goodwill. Join us on Monday, August 22 at Midvale Country Club in Penfield for a day of great golf, prizes and a chance to support ABVI-Goodwill. Four person Shamble: Best 2 out of 4. Registration begins at 12:00 noon with a shotgun start at 1:00 pm. Dinner and awards ceremony immediately following play (approximately 6:00 pm). Entry Fee: $160.00 per golfer or $600.00 per foursome. This includes greens fees, cart, lunch, dinner and prizes. Non-Golfers can attend at $60.00 per person, which includes dinner. We are currently looking for sponsors as well as golfers. If you or your company would like to be a sponsor, there are many levels: Hole Sponsor, Elite Hole Sponsor, Hole-in-One Sponsor, Beverage Cart Sponsor, Cart Sponsor, Lunch/Dinner Sponsor. Each sponsor will receive recognition in the program, and hole signage plus additional benefits based on the level of generous sponsorship. The deadline for golfers is August 8 and for sponsors July 22. Space is limited so get your registration in today! If you are interested in participating as a golfer or a sponsor, please contact Kim Greene at Cypress Financial Consultants by phone at (585) 475-8443 or by e-mail at kgreene@cypressfc.com. AGENCY News In a recent report entitled, “Options to Improve Tax Compliance and Reform Tax Expenditures,” the federal Joint Committee on Taxation proposed many options to “reduce the size of the tax gap” and address “other areas of noncompliance” with current tax law, one of which the report says is “valuation issues.” Because of this “noncompliance,” one of the recommendations would require a $500 annual limit per taxpayer on charitable deductions for donations of clothing and household items. Under current tax law, you are allowed to deduct the amount of cash and the fair market value of property donated to a charitable organization, like ABVI-Goodwill. If the total claimed for non-cash property is over $500, you must file Form 8283 (Noncash Charitable Contributions) with the IRS. If the donated property value is $5,000 or more, you must obtain a qualified appraisal and attach a summary to your tax return. Because “there is no objective method for determining the value of used clothing and household items,” the Joint Committee on Taxation feels overvaluations of donated items “are likely to occur.” As a result, it sees the proposed tax cap as an attempt to limit overvaluations by taxpayers. You may wonder how ABVI-Goodwill fits into this picture. As you know, we sell donated clothing and household items in our four retail stores with revenues helping to fund programs and services for people who are blind or visually impaired. We also support job training and career programs which benefit welfare recipients, people with other disabilities, low-wage workers and others in search of a new job. While it’s not entirely clear how this proposed tax cap will impact donations in the long run, we believe the cap will deter many people who wish to make regular donations. This potential decline in donations may ultimately threaten our ability to offer the full scope of services we provide to the community. We also have to consider the alternatives for clothing and household items that are no longer donated to organizations like ours. For those with no incentive to donate these items, one alternative is the trash, which could result in tons of goods ending up in landfills at an enormous cost to taxpayers and the environment. We Need Your Help! If you are interested in joining with us in opposition to this proposal, please contact your representative in Congress and both U.S. Senators representing New York State, 43 Proposed Tax Cap Could Have Consequences For ABVI-Goodwill. Local contact information is provided below. Call your elected officials today and let your voice be heard! Senator Charles Schumer - office: (585) 263-5866; fax: (585) 263-3173 Senator Hillary Clinton - office: (585) 263-6250; fax (585) 263-6247 Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (28th District) - office: (585) 232-4850; fax: (585) 232-1954 Congressman Thomas Reynolds (26th District) - office: (585) 663-5570; fax: (585) 663-5711 Congressman James Walsh (25th District) - office: (315) 597-6138; fax: (315) 597-6631 Congressman Randy Kuhl (29th District) - office: (607) 937-3333; fax: (607) 937-6047 Scouting for Food and Clothing: Tons and Tons of Success! ABVI-Goodwill and the Otetiana Council/Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts of Genesee Valley partnered again for the annual Scouting for Food and Clothing drive on March 19. Not only did we have another successful donation drive, but we far surpassed our collections from last year! In total, ABVI-Goodwill collected 101 tons of clothing donations and the Scouts collected an additional 105 tons of food. This drive was not only a great way to do some early spring cleaning, but it also helps hundreds of people in our community. Thanks to several groups of volunteers, both on the day of the drive and in the weeks following, we have sorted the clothing and have begun sending it off to our four Goodwill retail locations. Stop in at one of our Goodwill stores and check out the great donations Scouting for Food and Clothing have brought into the stores. As always, all the revenue from sales of gently used clothing and household items comes back to ABVI-Goodwill to fund programs, services and jobs for people who are blind or visually impaired in the Greater Rochester area. This unique collaborative effort, which has become one of Monroe County’s largest community service projects, would not have been possible without the dedication of ABVI-Goodwill staff, especially Michelle Cavalli who orchestrated the entire event. Tons and tons of thanks go to the New York State National Guard and the Army and Navy Reserves who not only donated their time and workforce but also their vehicles. The National Guard trucks helped with collecting and transporting the clothing back to ABVI-Goodwill’s new warehouse. We would also like to thank you, the generous donors, who cleaned out your cupboards and closets to support this event. We couldn’t have done it without you! New Note Pad Contracts “Stick” ABVI-Goodwill’s note pad division has expanded its catalog of products for our state and federal customers. Our expansion came about in an effort to become a “one-stop shop” for all our customers’ needs. By the end of 2005, we will add four new products to our note pad division that will include graph paper easel pads, 1” by 1.7” flag dispensers, and new dimensions of selfstick note pads: 3” x 4” yellow pads, and 2” x 3” neon pads. Providing different dimension note pads will give our state and federal customers flexibility to find the products they’re looking for at ABVI-Goodwill. Not only do these new products mean an expanded customer base for the future, but it will also mean an additional 100 blind labor hours a year, as well as an opportunity to grow the sales of ABVI-Goodwill’s Self-stick note pad product line. Our ability to continue expanding our skilled labor and our customer base means we are able to fulfill our mission to assist people who are blind or visually impaired to achieve their highest level of independence in all aspects of their lives. If you would like to learn more about ABVI-Goodwill’s note pad division, please contact Joe Kells, director of sales, at (585) 697-5787. DISCLAIMER The products, services, and programs of other organizations mentioned in The Beacon are not endorsed by ABVI-Goodwill. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Jen Enright at (585) 697-5718, or send an email to jenright@abvi-goodwill.com. CARF Survey Results ABVI-Goodwill is pleased to announce that the agency has received a three-year accreditation from the Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), the nation’s accreditation authority in the areas of medical rehabilitation, behavioral health,and employment and community support services. ABVIGoodwill’s three-year accreditation represents the highest level achievable. “This three-year accreditation is a reflection of the high caliber operations we adhere to and our commitment to continuous quality improvement,” said A. Gidget Hopf,Ed.D., president and CEO. “By voluntarily participating in this review process, our consumers and the community at large can be assured that the quality of the services we offer and the manner in which they are delivered meet the highest national standards of excellence.” We received highly positive feedback in each of the categories reviewed by CARF surveyors during their on-site visit in March, including standards for individualized services, employment services, community services, and assistive technology. The following are just a few of the specific comments provided in the final CARF report: “Staff members of the organization are very committed to the mission and are well qualified for the positions they hold. They are dedicated to the persons served as demonstrated not only by very positive outcome measures, but also by the close, personal interactions with persons served that bespeak genuine mutual caring and concern.” “ABVI-Goodwill demonstrates a strong commitment to the persons served. This is clearly demonstrated by a philosophy that the person served always comes first, even after a case is closed and planned services have been completed. If persons served have a problem, ABVI-Goodwill will try to provide help and let the paperwork catch up.” “The organization has an aggressive approach in developing technology solutions to provide job opportunities. The call center services and voice technology at the stores’ cash registers are examples of technology solutions. These solutions are providing job opportunities for persons who are blind or visually impaired.” Congratulations to all the staff and employees of ABVI-Goodwill who do such tremendous work everyday to help fulfill our mission and better serve our consumers and community, and do so with the highest level of quality and credibility. Get To Know Goodwill If you haven’t been to one of our four Goodwill retail locations lately, you don’t know what you’ve been missing! From a new look and new items, to a new checkout system and new warehouse, there’s always good news at Goodwill. POS System: Our retail locations now have a new point of sale (POS) system which provides us with faster checkout, more accurate inventory records and more accessible jobs. Not only is this a very effective way to maintain records and cash out shoppers, but a computerized system means greater ease for an employee who is blind or visually impaired because the adaptive technology verbalizes information to the cashier. Through extensive evaluations and planning, this new POS system makes it even easier to keep track of items sold, discounts and totals, and translates into accessible jobs for people who are blind or visually impaired. New Look and Items: Our stores have had a few facelifts. Not only will you find brighter lighting and brand new items, but you’ll also find that all our apparel has been sized so customers can find their sizes easily. As regular shoppers know, our stock is changing all the time so be sure you come back regularly to see what’s hanging on our racks and stacked on our shelves. New Warehouse: ABVI-Goodwill is excited to announce a new off-site warehouse on Champeney Terrace in Downtown Rochester. This 26-bay warehouse is a much needed addition for our retail division. We secured the space just in time for the Scouting for Food and Clothing drive (see page 4 for more details). This warehouse will also enable us to store off-season items so we can have more of the items you want, when you want them. New Donation Center: Attention Westside donors! You can now donate your gently used clothing and household goods at our new Donation Center next to Tim Horton’s Donuts on the corner of Elmgrove and Spencerport Roads. This is in addition to our Donation Center in Perinton at 7450 Pittsford-Palmyra Rd. Visit one of four Goodwill stores at the following convenient locations: Bay Centre, 1217 Bay Road, Webster Jefferson Plaza, 376 Jefferson Road, Henrietta Stone Ridge Plaza, 1516 W. Ridge Road, Greece Downtown, 451 South Clinton Ave., Rochester Goodwill. Good Clothes. Good Prices. Good Cause. Agency News Continued ABVI-Goodwill and the Low Vision Center are happy to announce the addition of Dr. Ray Gottlieb as our fourth low vision eye care specialist. Dr. Gottlieb trained with our doctors for several weeks and began seeing patients on his own on March 17. With the addition of Dr. Gottlieb, patients can now be seen on Thursdays. We are very grateful to add Dr. Gottlieb’s expertise to our Low Vision Center. ABVI-Goodwill is pleased to announce that Nitra Hillyer, OTR/L has joined our staff as our first occupational therapist. Nitra is a registered and licensed occupational therapist and has been providing rehabilitation services for more than eight years. She has extensive experience working with older adults in a variety of settings,including hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, outpatient programs, and in-home care. At ABVI-Goodwill, she is responsible for developing an occupational therapy program to further enhance services ABVI-Goodwill offers to individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Prior to joining ABVI-Goodwill, Nitra was coordinator of the Caregiver Support Program for the Yates County Office for the Aging. Milling Machine Gets New Lease On Life ABVI-Goodwill’s manufacturing division has received a generous donation of a used milling machine from Empire Precision Plastics. This new machine enables our manufacturing employees to be more efficient and effective in the design and production of needed tools, equipment and accessories for a variety of areas and projects. Specifically, this new machine has enabled one of our visually impaired employees, Bob Schudel, to work safer and with a higher degree of precision and quality. We’ve also been able to do work inhouse on some projects that would have been outsourced before. The equipment, valued at approximately $5,000, was donated to ABVI-Goodwill during Empire Precision Plastic’s recent relocation to its new facilities. As part their move, Empire Precision Plastics upgraded their equipment and decided to donate the milling machine to an organization where it would be put to good use. Through the generosity of companies such as Empire Precision Plastics, we are able to continue providing jobs and comprehensive services to people who are blind or visually impaired. Retail Volunteers Needed! Are you interested in the world of retail sales and want to help out? Have some extra time on your hands you don’t know what to do with? ABVI-Goodwill has a variety of volunteer positions available at our four Goodwill stores and we’re looking for someone like you! If you’d like to learn more, call the Volunteer Coordinator for an application and more information at (585) 697-5718. Share your good will today! PREFERRED FORMAT Do you prefer to receive reading material from ABVI-Goodwill in large print, email,tape, or Braille? If you are not receiving information from us in your preferred format, please call Cindy Semrau at (585) 697-5713. WE'RE UPDATING OUR MAILING LIST We apologize if you have received this newsletter in error, if your name is incorrect, or if you do not wish to receive The Beacon. A quick phone call to Cindy Semrau at (585) 697-5713 would be most appreciated. We will give your concern our immediate attention. Tweaking the Bashful Screen Reader By Kim Kline Having to use a program in the workplace that doesn’t work well with screen reading programs like JAWS® or Window-Eyes® is an altogether too familiar situation for the worker who is blind. Don’t panic just yet; even though a program doesn’t work right the first time with a screen reading program, it may still be accessible. For those who are skilled at customizing screen reading programs, there is often much that can be done to adapt the screen reader for the workplace program. There are several techniques used to train your screen reader to read the vital information on the screen. First, most screen reading programs can adapt a silent prompt by attaching a spoken label to it. Second, most screen reading programs have facilities for marking off screen regions, watching for specific actions to occur in those regions, and speaking when they take place. Finally, a few very sophisticated screen readers have a built in scripting language that allows a skilled computer programmer to actually write programs that tell the screen reading program what to say and when to say it. A good basic test of whether a program can be made accessible is to try to read through the screen with the mouse cursor or JAWS cursor to see if anything is spoken. If text is being read using these techniques, even if it is all jumbled together, there is a good chance that the program can be made accessible. New advancements in the JAWS program are even making it possible to customize how it responds to certain web sites that would have been previously inaccessible. At ABVI-Goodwill, our Adaptive Technology Center staff is skilled at both analyzing whether or not a program can be made accessible, and actually customizing the screen reading program to make it work with the program that does not want to speak. Resolving these screen reading problems translates directly into employment opportunities for workers who are blind. The bottom line is if you need to work with a program and it doesn’t read what it should when you tab through, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the program is inaccessible—your bashful speech program might just need a little tweaking! You’ve Got To Have Heart By Ruth Phinney Reachout Radio, WXXI’s 24-hour reading radio service for the print-handicapped, is now operating from a newly renovated studio. These renovations include enhancements to the station’s computerized digital and audio processing system and increased networking capabilities, plus a new voice booth and control room. Support for these renovations was made possible through the generosity of Bausch & Lomb, The Davenport-Hatch Foundation and individual donors. To the 100 active community volunteers who read for the closed-circuit service, the renovations mean a new, comfortable, sound-proof voice booth and a designated area to prepare their readings. To Reachout Radio operator Andy Shields, who is blind, the renovations mean new challenges. His biggest challenge, one that he’s not about to let stand in his way, is the new digital audio console that uses LCD displays, LED indicator lights and has multiple stereo sources—all of which are inaccessible to a person who is visually impaired. ABVI-Goodwill and the New York State Commission for the Blind and Visual Handicapped (CBVH) are working together to design custom software and hardware for Andy to use with the new console. In the meantime, Andy is enrolled in special training at the Regional Center for Independent Living (RCIL) to help make the transition to the new adaptive equipment as smooth and effortless as possible. For more information about WXXI Reachout Radio’s radio reading service, please call (585) 258-0333. CHILDREN’S Programs & Services... More Than Fun and Games Thanks to a generous grant from the Thiem Foundation and funding through the Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped (CBVH), April 21 through 23 saw the birth of a great new children’s program at ABVI-Goodwill—Computer Camp for Kids. This three-day intensive computer training was taught by ABVI-Goodwill’s adaptive technology instructors and provided youngsters between the ages of 10 and 14 who are blind or visually impaired a chance to learn about computers and how to maneuver through programs using adaptive technology. The group learned about Windows®, surfing for information on the Internet, using e-mail programs, Microsoft® Word techniques, general computer maintenance, and most importantly, various adaptive technology tips and tricks to help them use the computer effectively and efficiently. Each child received their own computer to take home at the end of the three day program! Not only are the kids equipped with knowledge and skills which they can use now and in the future, they also have the technology to continue learning. Seeing a program like this come to fruition is a wonderful testament to the hard work and dedication of our innovative staff, who not only created the program but also secured the necessary funding to make such a useful program possible. Summer Sizzle Heating Up This August mark your calendars and get ready for some summer fun this August! ABVI-Goodwill is holding its annual Summer Sizzle program for any CBVH-sponsored child between the ages of 8 and 14. Learn new skills, meet new friends and just have fun August 15 through August 19 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at ABVI-Goodwill. To find out more or to sign up your child, call Sarah Favro, Children’s Specialist at (585) 697-5746. Don’t miss this “hot” program! I WISH I COULD Give More People have said “I wish I could do more” many times. They want to support ABVI-Goodwill but aren’t sure of all their options. The following are just a few of the ways in which your help could provide so much to people who are blind or visually impaired in our community. • An annual donation to support crucial vision rehabilitation services. • A tribute gift in memory or honor of a family member or friend. • Donate a used car to Charity Fundings and designate the net proceeds to benefit ABVI-Goodwill. • Corporate giving through your employer to support ABVI-Goodwill’s mission. • Attend ABVI-Goodwill’s Annual Celebration on July 13, 2005 (See page 1 for more information). • Sign up for our CARING (Comforting Acts Recurring Investment No hassle Giving) Program, our monthly giving program that offers you the convenience of an automatic monthly transfer of funds from your checking account, savings account or credit card to ABVI-Goodwill, so you can make a regular investment in our mission. • A life income donation such as a gift annuity or charitable trust provides an excellent supplement to your long-range financial plans. A gift of cash, stocks or other assets through an agreement with ABVI–Goodwill that, in return, provides fixed payments for your or your loved one’s lifetime. • An endowment fund gift by naming ABVI-Goodwill as a beneficiary in your will, insurance policy or retirement plan. • Donating your home or other property to ABVI–Goodwill may allow you to obtain an income tax charitable contribution deduction equal to the property’s full fair market value. • A gift of stock to ABVI–Goodwill allows you to invest in the continued success of our organization. And in some cases, you are entitled to a charitable deduction on your taxes for the full fair market value, rather than the original cost. • Donate your gently used clothing and household items and shop at our Goodwill stores. Donations and sales from these items help fund much-needed programs and services at ABVI-Goodwill. • Provide employment for a person who is blind or visually impaired. Our Career Vision & Training staff can assist in meeting your company’s employment needs. • Volunteer your time and talent to touch the lives of people who are blind or visually impaired. For more information on ways to support ABVI-Goodwill,please contact Tracy Schleyer, CFRE, Director of Development at (585) 697-5780 or tschleyer@abvi-goodwill.com. Wish List The following items have been received since our last issue of The Beacon: ¦ Refrigerator for Call Center The kindness and generosity of our friends and donors help us offer the best and most up-to-date services possible. Thank you for your support! If you or someone you know can donate the dollars to fund the necessities or items below, please contact Tracy Schleyer, Director of Development, for more information at (585) 697-5780. There is always something that needs fixing here and every dollar we spend on major repair items takes away from our ability to fund programs, services and jobs. Funds for Reachout Radio receivers. ABVI-Goodwill and WXXI Reachout Radio partner to provide a closed-circuit radio reading service for people who are blind or visually impaired. The frequency is only available on special receivers. We are asking for funds for 30 receivers. Total cost: $2,700. Even one receiver would be appreciated at $90 each. Funds for WAMS Senior Group. WAMS is a monthly gathering of those over 60 years of age who are blind or visually impaired. A fund of $1,200 will provide lunches, speakers, health and wellness seminars, and musical performances throughout the year. Every dollar makes a difference. LCD TV for Manufacturing. An LCD TV will enable employees who have some vision to use the shrink wrapper machine in our manufacturing division. We have a donated camera that will feed the TV, but we need to use a full CRT-style TV. The cost of the LCD TV is about $800. Lobby Display Cabinets. Have you noticed the display cabinet in the main lobby at ABVI-Goodwill? If you haven’t, then that is the exact reason why we need new ones. We are looking to purchase two (2) new oak curio cabinets to display some of our low vision aides as well as other products and information about ABVI-Goodwill. Estimated total cost: $1,000. BEQUESTS ABVI-Goodwill would like to thank those who named us in their will. We are honored to carry on our work in their names. Estate gifts have been received from the following between February 11, 2005 and May 13, 2005: Frieda S. Cohen It is always our pleasure to welcome those who choose to provide for ABVI-Goodwill through bequests, trusts and other life income gifts to become members of ABVI-Goodwill’s Foresight Circle. If you have planned or are planning to include ABVI-Goodwill in your estate plans, and would like more information, please contact Tracy Schleyer, CFRE, Director of Development, at (585) 697-5780. IN MEMORY OF By giving to ABVI-Goodwill in memory of a family member or friend, many generous people have found a way to express their caring spirit while helping to ensure the success of ABVI-Goodwill. Thank you to the following friends who made contributions from February 11, 2005 to May 13, 2005: Muriel D. Ackroyd Anne Wolff Alfred Church Sandra S. Carl Marilyn S. Spencer Joann Stirpe Leona Connelly Marie Bunce Patrice M. Cantwell David L. Connelly Doris M. Connelly Joyce H. Connelly Anonymous John M. Frederick Katherine L. Hoefen Patricia Kelpin Judith King Anonymous Madeline McWilliams Janice Pardo Patricia Silveria Louise R. Covert Dorothy B. VanDyke Vincent DiLella Ruth E. Andrews MEMORIAL AND HONORARY Gifts ... Rachael Jarrett Carolyn Riley Frederick T. Luchsinger Anonymous Margaret Messenger Rita Barry Angeline Fecco Anne E. Galloway Barbara A. Messenger Rand Reithel Stella J. Michaels Barbara J. Mueller June L. Michelson Hank Bromley Giant Eagle June Harris Caroline M. Howe Lloyd M. Peasley Kathleen Miller Paul Magliocco Michael J. Montagno Michael Montagno Kenneth P. Schirmuhly E. Ann Varley-Pursel Anonymous Helen Zamboni Dominic R. Quattrocchi Anonymous Benjamin Gonyea Eldon Randall Cora E. Durkin Joyce A. Ebertz Florence Phillips Jeanette Randall Elsie Sheridan Anonymous Michael Bradley John Collins Sheila Dunnington Frances L. Fugate Sandra Hutchinson Lynne S. Leonard Carol A. Martin Vincent S. Parks Marshall E. Tyler Robert P. Weis Carol A. Yunghurth Doris R. Stumpf Louise Owellen Maureen Warren Jean Ferris Robert Ferris Emily Wood Emma M. Filiault Susan Paprocki Madonna Tamari Margaret L. Wackerman Women Gynecology & Childbirth Assoc. Rose Wunder Betty Bugni Phyllis L. Davis Henry DiSanto Doris I. Rockwell Catherine Wilson IN HONOR OF: Celebrate a birthday, an anniversary or other momentous occasion by making a donation in honor of a special person. The following people have been honored by family or friends from February 11, 2005 to May 13, 2005. Sylvia S. Cohen Jack Spitulnik Eli Eckman Howard and Diana Warren Aaron and Leslie Daily Wendy S. Micca Jeannette Tumminelli Ruth E. Tetlow Linda M. Enochson Virginia H. Graham A memorial or honorary gift is a wonderful way to celebrate special occasions, honor a loved one, or pay tribute to the memory of deceased family members or friends. Your name and the names of those who you are honoring will be listed in The Beacon. ABVI-Goodwill will also send a note acknowledging your gift according to your wishes. For more information about making a memorial or honorary gift donation for a family member or loved one, please call (585) 697-5713. ABVI-GOODWILL’S INFORMATION SHARING POLICY It is our policy to provide information and resource referral to anyone who contacts us. Interested parties may contact us Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm by telephone at (585) 232-1111, by TTY at (585) 232-1698 or by e-mail at info@abvi-goodwill.com. The BEACON is published four times a year. For additional copies, in print, in Braille, by email or on tape, contact Cindy Semrau at (585) 697-5713, or email csemrau@abvi-goodwill.com.