The Beacon - Issue 2 / 2004
A Publication of the Association for the Blind and
Visually Impaired (ABVI)-Goodwill Industries of Greater Rochester, Inc.
Scouting For Food & Clothing: a "Mound"umental Success
On March 27, 2004, the sky was gray and the clouds were relentless with cold rain but that didn't stop the thousands of Boy and Girl Scouts, troop leaders, parents and volunteers from showing their community support for the first annual Scouting For Food & Clothing Drive.
The poor weather was no match for over 12,000 people because we collected more than 78 tons of clothing for our four Goodwill retail locations. All of the donated clothing items collected at the 16 collection sites throughout the county will translate into thousands of dollars in revenue that ABVI-Goodwill will invest into programs, jobs and services for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Paul Thompson, Director of Retail, was overjoyed with the turnout from our first annual donation drive. "Our partnership with the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of the Great Rochester Area is one that I value very highly. It is a pleasure to be partnered with such enthusiasm and a 'can-do' spirit. I am also so grateful for the generosity of the Rochester community which really showered us with such goodwill." It's taken Goodwill employees and volunteers well over a month to sort through all of the donations and prepare to put them on the shelves of our stores.
In addition to the 78 tons of clothing, the Scouts also collected over 102 tons of food, which was sorted and distributed to more than 75 food kitchens and cupboards throughout Monroe County. This event was truly a gift to so many in our community.
A great deal of time and planning went into making Scouting For Food &
Clothing the success it was. Many thanks to all the ABVI-Goodwill employees,
volunteers, parents, Boy and Girl Scouts and especially those who donated
items. We would like to give a special thanks to Sindy Cantor who worked for
almost a year on this event and coordinated all of the collection sites, volunteers
and general operations of this community-wide drive.
Without the combined effort of everyone, Scouting For Food & Clothing wouldn't have been the "mound"umental success that it was! Mark your calendars for March 12, 2005 when the Scouts will distribute donation bags for the March 19, 2005 collection day. We look forward to repeating this beneficial pairing again for many years to come.
Photo Caption: Clothing overflow from March 27, 2004 Scouting for Food & Clothing drive.
Breaking Records at a Goodwill Near You
By Paul Thompson
Our employees are the lifeblood of our organization. To recognize them, ABVI-Goodwill initiated a new program in 2003 that celebrates Goodwill's achievements in record-breaking sales and funds raised for our mission. The award, created by A. Gidget Hopf, ABVI-Goodwill's President/CEO, is actually an LP album, yes, that "primitive" way of recording music onto a thin flat vinyl disc used in the last century! The album is purchased in our stores, and then customized with a new "record" label for the achievement award of the store.
Record Breakers are given to the team at each Goodwill retail store when
it exceeds its highest ever single sales day, exceeds its highest ever sales
month, or when it achieves its entire year's budget before the end of the
fiscal year. While each store views this as a competition
to achieve the most records, the individual store is really only competing
against its own records. Every time a new level is reached and a record is
broken, the team earns another award.
Since this program began last fall, each store has achieved at least one Record Breaker, and some have more than eight! This could be the reason Goodwill retail stores have been producing record-breaking sales with revenue that funds programs, services and jobs at ABVI-Goodwill. It is certainly an important part, and one that we are very proud of!
Next time you're in one of our four Goodwill retail stores, be on the lookout for our Record Breaker awards and be sure to congratulate the staff, and especially the customers, who helped make these record-breaking achievements possible.
Photo Caption: Shirley Codington, Julia Casteneda, Curt Chaltain, President/CEO A. Gidget Hopf, Vicky Abril, Chris Rielly, Goodwill staff at Bay Centre Plaza.
From the President:
There's a saying that everything old is new again. For generations, the current
building that houses ABVI-Goodwill was a knitting mill. Perhaps some of you
are old enough to remember Max Lowenthal & Sons-a long-standing knitting
mill that made clothing. The pictures we have of the mill show a facility
that was automated for its time. From what we know of the factory, it also
was quite innovative and produced quality knitted products for decades.
Success in manufacturing or the delivery of not-for-profit services requires the same creativity and innovation. It also takes a supreme amount of effort, and with the world moving so rapidly, it is imperative that we are positioned for change.
Historically, ABVI-Goodwill has prided itself on proactively looking for new and different approaches for delivering our mission. Manufacturing has played a big part in our success in providing employment opportunities for people who are blind while generating revenue to support our mission. A good example is our partnership with 3M Corporation to produce self-stick notes under the Skilcraft® label for the federal and NY State government. More recently, we identified a new niche, pursued it and began manufacturing CD-ROMs for government customers. With a can-do spirit and a lot of talented people, we continue to prove our innovativeness and demonstrate what people who are visually impaired are capable of doing.
Like all businesses, we face many environmental threats. When customers change the way they do business, our business is often affected, threatening jobs and our financial stability. Organizations today need to be continually scanning the environment for new opportunities and when they arise, move quickly-all essential aspects of innovation.
So, in the spirit of innovation, I am happy to tell you that in the next few weeks, ABVI-Goodwill will launch an entirely new enterprise. We call it the Textile Employment Initiative. Beginning this summer, ABVI-Goodwill employees will begin manufacturing physical fitness training uniforms (PTUs) for the U.S. Air Force. This important new initiative will provide skilled jobs for people who are blind or visually impaired, as well as provide revenue to fund the programs, services and jobs on which so many rely.
Although the textile industry has been significantly outsourced overseas, the military remains committed to purchasing American-made goods. They are eagerly participating, with the knowledge that the orders they produce are providing challenging jobs to people who are blind or visually impaired.
Innovation and creativity takes dedication and an entrepreneurial spirit, all of which are embedded deeply into the fiber of ABVI-Goodwill. Thanks to the commitment of our board, our outstanding staff and our generous community, we are confident and excited at what the future holds. It is ironic that so many years later the hum of sewing machines will once again resonate through the halls of this building that we call home.
From the Medical Director:
Macular degeneration is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in the
elderly. At least 1.75 million people in the United States have the disease
today. Due to the aging of the U.S.. population, this number will increase
to almost 3 million by 2020. As the baby boomers age, impaired vision caused
by macular degeneration will become increasingly common. People at highest
risk for developing macular degeneration as they age are women, smokers, those
with a fair complexion, those who are obese and those who have a family history
of the disease.
Two types of degeneration of the macula can occur. About 10 percent of patients have a variant of the disease called the "wet form" in which abnormal blood vessels form beneath the macula, a small area in the center of the retina responsible for detailed vision. These vessels then leak, causing damage to the light-sensing cells. The wet form of macular degeneration progresses rapidly, but it can be treated with lasers if the diagnosis is made early enough. Ninety percent of patients with macular degeneration have the "dry form," which progresses more slowly and does not respond to laser treatments.
Nutritional supplements are helpful in all forms of macular degeneration. Studies have shown that a combination of 400 International Units of Vitamin E, 500 mgs of Vitamin C, 15 mgs of beta-carotene (may be labeled as equivalent to 25,000 International Units of Vitamin A), 80 mgs of zinc as zinc oxide, and 2 mgs of copper as cupric oxide, reduce the risk of developing advanced macular degeneration and delay progression of the disease in 25 percent of patients taking these supplements. Other studies have suggested that eating lots of dark green, leafy vegetables containing lutein, like kale and spinach, as well as generous amounts of fish, may help reduce the risk of the eye disease.
Contrary to belief, macular degeneration does not cause total blindness. Peripheral vision-vision just off center and all the way out to the sides-is preserved. Even so, vision loss has a major impact on peoples' lives. Impaired vision is also associated with more depression than heart disease or cancer. The good news is that with visual aids and proper training, available at ABVI-Goodwill, most people with macular degeneration can use their residual vision to continue to read and enjoy their regular activities. Our experience shows that people who take advantage of low vision aids and rehabilitation are not as depressed, in spite of their vision loss.
Macular degeneration is not just about drugs, lasers and vitamins. It is
about living a full life and making the most of the vision that remains through
rehabilitation. If you, a friend or a family member have lost vision from
macular degeneration, ask your eye care professional about
vision rehabilitation services or contact ABVI-Goodwill at (585) 232-1111.
We can help.
Article reprinted courtesy of the Democrat & Chronicle.
Agency News
Delivering on the Mission: a Year in Review
At the end of each calendar year (December 31), ABVI-Goodwill steps back and looks at the year in review. We measure our successes by figures we call "Mission Measures," which is a way to compare five main categories from one year to the next. When looking at our mission measures, we evaluate the number of direct service hours, the number of consumers served, our contract performance, employment trends and stakeholder satisfaction.
Below are some of the findings from our 2003 Mission Measures report:
Congratulations to all ABVI-Goodwill staff, employees and donors who helped make 2003 another successful year of service for ABVI Goodwill and the Greater Rochester Area.
CD-ROM Contracts Continue to Thrive
In April of 2004, ABVI-Goodwill's Manufacturing Division expanded yet again to include an exciting new contract with the New York State Comptroller's Office. For this contract, ABVI-Goodwill will replicate 75,000 CD-ROMs for the Comptroller's Office. These CDs contain information about retirement packages for New York State employees. The state is hopeful that CD-ROMs will be an effective way of distributing this important information to their thousands of employees.
This contract is more than just a great addition to our manufacturing portfolio; it also opens a door for us as our first contract with the State of New York. Until this point, our contracts have been with the federal government, so expanding into state government is a positive venture for us.
Not only will these CD-ROMs provide useful information, but they will also provide 750 hours of work for people who are blind or visually impaired at ABVI-Goodwill. Our employees will replicate, package and ship these CD-ROMs to the state office for distribution.
We are looking forward to undertaking this project for New York State and future opportunities that this contract may bring to ABVI-Goodwill. If you would like more information about ABVI-Goodwill's CD-ROM Replication Division, please call us at (585) 697-5787.
If you have a reliable car and are interested in making a difference by being a volunteer driver, please call Jen Enright at (585) 697-5718.
Have You Noticed
Members of the Foresight Circle are now recognized alongside a new lighthouse print hanging in the reception area of ABVI-Goodwill's Low Vision Center. The Foresight Circle recognizes our special friends who, since 1994, have supported the continuation of services for future generations at ABVI-Goodwill. The names on the wall recognize the commitment of so many to ABVI-Goodwill's endowment fund through a bequest in their will or planned gift. Their commitment has earned them lifetime membership in the Foresight Circle. Their foresight and vision are sincerely appreciated.
Stop by our Low Vision Center to see the lighthouse print with adjoining names. This recognition is a small daily reminder of the generosity and dedication that so many individuals have for the mission of ABVI-Goodwill. Thank you for your foresight!
ABVI-Goodwill's Textile Employment Initiative is an exciting new sewing contract that is just underway. Stay tuned to the next issue of The Beacon to learn more about this contract, which we think is "sew" wonderful!
On Par for ABVI-Goodwill
Grab the sunblock and get ready to tee off for the second annual Cypress Financial Consultants, LLC, golf tournament to benefit ABVI-Goodwill. Join us on Monday, August 16, at Midvale Country Club in Penfield for a day of great golf, prizes and a chance to support ABVI-Goodwill. Registration and lunch begin at 11:00 am and a shotgun start at 1:00 pm. Dinner and awards to follow.
Get your friends, neighbors or co-workers together and form a team! A foursome can participate for $600 and an individual golfer can play for $160. Both options include lunch, 18 holes of golf, cart and dinner. If you would like to bring a non-golfing guest for the dinner portion only, the cost is $60 per person.
We are currently looking for sponsors as well as golfers. If you or your company would like to sponsor a hole, there are many levels, including Bronze, Silver, Platinum and Gold. Each sponsor will receive recognition in the program, dinner ticket(s), and golfer(s) admission, based on the level of generous sponsorship.
If you are interested in participating as a golfer or a sponsor, please contact Kim Greene at Cypress Financial Consultants, LLC by phone at (585) 475-8443 or by e-mail at kgreene@cypressfc.com. For information about Midvale County Club, visit www.midvalecountryclub.com. The deadline for golfers is July 30 and for sponsors July 16. Space is limited so get your registration in today!
Healthy Vision 2010 Reaches Out to Our Hispanic Neighbors
In January of 2004, The National Eye Institute (NEI) awarded ABVI-Goodwill a $10,000 grant entitled Healthy Vision 2010. This grant allows ABVI-Goodwill the funds to raise awareness in the Hispanic community in Rochester about visual impairments and what vision rehabilitation programs and services can do for people who are blind or visually impaired. In collaboration with Rochester General Hospital and other community agencies, this initiative seeks to reach and inform the Hispanic community on a number of services offered by ABVI-Goodwill and to stress the importance of overall eye health in the prevention of future eye conditions.
The goal of Healthy Vision 2010 is to ensure that all people who receive information on vision rehabilitation, including low vision services, are then able to obtain the services they are seeking. ABVI-Goodwill already offers several of our informational resources in Spanish and English and we also have staff fluent in Spanish to answer any questions. We work closely with other community agencies to promote the best eye care practices possible.
ABVI-Goodwill acts as a conduit for other community services by providing and promoting a community link to access eye care, regardless of insurance. Rochester General Hospital is providing support to ABVI-Goodwill in this initiative by providing professional translation services for patients in the eye clinic located at the hospital.
In an effort to maximize the number of people reached, ABVI-Goodwill will be at several different locations in the community promoting Healthy Vision 2010. For more information, please call ABVI-Goodwill at (585) 697-5738.
A Personal Summer Camp Journey
By Anthony Slate
My name is Anthony Slate and I am 31 years old. I wanted to share with you the experiences and happiness I have had at camps for the legally blind for the past sixteen years. Through Christian Record camps, I have attended camp in Canada, California and Massachusetts. This year will be my 8th year at Camp Winnekeag in Ashburnham, Massachusetts.
Camp Winnekeag is by far the best that I've attended. There is so much to do and experience that the time just flies by. I look forward to going each summer. At Camp Winnekeag, you don't live in tents, but rather cabins named after Native American tribes. There is so much to do that it's tough to choose between activities such as water skiing, swimming, boat rides, crafts, gymnastics, archery and much more.
You aren't just one of the crowd at camp, either. During your weeklong stay,
the staff makes you feel welcome and part of the group. They even take you
out to eat! I can't say enough good things about them. Between the staff and
the other campers, I can think of so many great
people I've met over the years there that have become great friends.
Camp Winnekeag is free for all individuals who are legally blind aged 9 and older. There is also a bus available, which provides transportation for those in Buffalo and Rochester. For more information, you can contact me, Anthony Slate, at anthony_1973@earthlink.net or by phone at (585) 647-3467. I can answer any questions you might have or direct you to the appropriate person.
If you think Camp Winnekeag sounds like someplace you'd like to spend a week of your summer, please contact me ASAP for registration details and information. I hope that you will enjoy going to summer camp as much as I have.
New Employee Spotlight
The following new employees have joined ABVI-Goodwill since January 26, 2004:
Welcome to the team. We're so glad to have you with us!
Congratulations!
After months of dedication and hard work, Mary Ellen Lessord and Elizabeth Rodriguez, employees in ABVI-Goodwill's Vision Rehabilitation department, have completed The Lighthouse International Flexible Vision Rehabilitation Assistant training. They graduated on May 19, 2004 with seven other assistants from around New York.
Mary Ellen and Elizabeth are now qualified as paraprofessionals to assist Rehabilitation Teachers and Orientation and Mobility Instructors with daily living tasks such as working with consumers to assess their lighting needs, marking degrees on their stoves or teaching techniques for traveling with a human guide to name just a few.
Congratulations to Mary Ellen Lessord and Elizabeth Rodriguez on their accomplishments. We are fortunate to have their talent and skills as part of our team.
Children's Services
Summer Sizzle 2004
Mark your calendars for August 16-20 for the 2004 Summer Sizzle program! This program is for any CBVH-sponsored child between the ages of 8 and 14 who's interested in learning, having fun and making new friends. The theme for this year's program is "problem solving skills," which we will incorporate in the activities and trips that the sizzlers participate in.
Some of the fun activities your child can look forward to this summer are a trip to Camp Abilities at SUNY Brockport, a visit to the museum at High Falls to learn, interactively, about the history of Rochester, self defense for personal safety, and group problem-solving projects to name just a few.
Summer Seeds: Planting Experiences for the Future
Any child who is visually impaired between the ages of 8 and 14 and not sponsored by CBVH is invited to participate in our new summer program just for you! Join us August 2-6, 2004 for Summer Seeds: Planting Experiences for the Future and learn what ABVI-Goodwill has available to assist your child in his or her daily life.
This program is similar to Summer Sizzle in that children will develop new skills and make new friends while learning about daily living skills, orientation and mobility and adaptive technology.
Space is limited on a first-come, first-serve application basis. Help your child "flower" this summer and mark your calendars.
Both Summer Sizzle and Summer Seeds offer before and after care from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm during these week-long programs.
For more information or to sign up for ABVI-Goodwill's summer programs, contact Sarah Favro, Children's Specialist, at (585) 697-5746 or by e-mail at sfavro@abvi-goodwill.com.
Stay tuned to the next issue of The Beacon for details on children's programs for fall!
Feel the B.E.A.T.
ABVI-Goodwill and The Hochstein School of Music joined forces to provide a new music program for toddlers who are blind or visually impaired called the B.E.A.T. program: Body Awareness, Exploring Your Environment and Auditory development Through music.
This program ran every Friday afternoon at Hochstein School of Music from March until June. The program is designed for toddlers from 12 months to four years old who wanted to learn about music and themselves. The children interacted with others their age and learned about musical instruments and how their body moves, as well as built confidence in themselves and their abilities.
Ashley Eckman, mother of Eli, one of the participants, added, "Eli and
I looked forward to the class every week. It was a great social opportunity
but really it was more than that. Eli progressed so much with each class.
By the end he was laughing, clapping and singing with the other kids instead
of clinging to my side. The teacher, Jennifer, was wonderful with the kids,
too. She was very descriptive, respectful of each child's abilities and made
them feel comfortable by keeping a routine each week. It was great for me
too because I have met other parents who have a child who is visually impaired.
I'm grateful for the opportunity that we had and for how well the community
worked together to make this program a success."
The B.E.A.T. program is based on the Hochstein's Orff Method, which focuses on an activity-oriented environment that allows children to hone their natural skills of movement, exploration, listening, singing and making noises. Not only is this a great way to get children interested in music at an early age, it also helps in sensory development, which is key to a child who is blind or visually impaired. Learning the basic skills of rhythm and locating sounds are fundamental in laying the groundwork for future orientation and mobility training.
If you are interested in contributing to the future of the B.E.A.T. program, please contact Tracy Schleyer, CFRE, Director of Development, at (585) 697-5780.
Turn Your Annual Contribution into a Legacy of Perpetual Gifts
As you plan for family and loved ones, you might also consider the charitable organizations you value most, such as ABVI-Goodwill. One way to meet your personal philanthropic goals and ensure the future of ABVI-Goodwill is by making a gift to our endowment fund.
It's simple and easy. ABVI-Goodwill's endowment fund allocates certain contributions to an investment portfolio-a carefully managed and monitored portfolio of stocks, bonds and other investment vehicles where a portion of the return helps fund programs, services and jobs for people who are blind or visually impaired. As the value of the endowment fund grows through the donations of our many friends each year, so does the income available to fund our mission. Meanwhile, the principal remains safely invested to perpetuate the fund and, consequently, the stream of support so important to serving people who are blind or visually impaired.
A gift to our endowment fund can be made now or later. For example, a donor wishing to make a deferred gift can do so through a charitable bequest in a will, trust, or charitable life-income plan. Either way, a gift to ABVI-Goodwill's endowment fund can create a legacy of perpetual gifts.
Some simple math. Suppose you would like to make sure that ABVI-Goodwill receives $500 every year, even after your lifetime. Assuming that ABVI-Goodwill spends 5 percent of its endowment each year, this means that 5 percent of the agency's total endowment is spent annually, leaving intact the principal and any other earned interest.
To calculate the amount you need to donate to perpetuate your annual gift, divide your annual gift amount, say $500, by 5 percent (the rate at which the agency currently draws on its endowment) to arrive at $10,000. So, by contributing or bequeathing $10,000 to ABVI-Goodwill's endowment, you continue indefinitely your practice of donating $500 annually.
For more information on ABVI-Goodwill's endowment fund, contact Tracy Schleyer, CFRE, Director of Development at (585) 697-5780 or tschleyer@abvi-goodwill.com.
Technically Speaking
Adapt Your Technology with New Releases
By Kim Kline
Well, spring is in the air and there are a lot of things happening in the Adaptive Technology field. It seems like there are new versions of just about everything out there popping up with the flowers.
Ai Squared has released a new version of Zoomtext (Version 8.1), which now supports several steps of magnification between 1-power and 2-power for people who only need slight enlargement. Of course, their Big Shot® software has been created specifically for this market, but now Zoomtext can do it, also, which gives users more options.
Freedom Scientific® has rolled out two minor releases of JAWS®, version 5.00.812 and version 5.00.844. If you downloaded the first version, you may wish to upgrade to the second version since there are some known stability issues with version 5.00.812. Both of these releases add support for Microsoft Office 2003®, and are "bug fixes" for JAWS 5.00. These versions are free to download for JAWS users.
Also, for those using JAWS in a workplace where Citrix® is being used, watch for a new release, which has Thin Client support for Citrix. Freedom Scientific has also released a new version of MAGic, version 9.0. It is a free download for anyone running MAGic version 8.0 or greater.
Dolphin Computer Access® has jumped on the bandwagon, releasing a new version of Supernova® with a newly designed user interface that supports Citrix, and Microsoft® Remote Desktop and Terminal services. Supernova also includes new features designed for users who work in a network environment.
GW Micro® has supported Citrix and Microsoft Remote Desktop and Terminal
services since its fall 2003 release of Window-Eyes® version 4.5. GW Micro
has now just released Service Pack 2 and Pack 3. These Service Packs feature
additional bug fixes and stability enhancements for Window-Eyes 4.5 not covered
in Service Pack 1. The packs also include support for Microsoft Office 2003
and some new refreshable Braille displays. GW Micro is promising a newly redesigned
version of Window-Eyes with greatly improved support for all versions of Microsoft
Office, but this new version is still in development.
In keeping with the spirit of new releases, here at ABVI-Goodwill, we are planning some new classes on Adaptive Technology and Microsoft Windows®. These classes are still in development and are expected to be ready in the early summer, for a nominal fee. If you are interested in taking classes, you may contact Jennifer House at (585) 697-5754, or Kim Kline at (585) 697-5753.
Remember us in your wills and trusts.
IN HER Own Words ...
Wegmans Creates Accessible Template
By Rene Latorre
In response to customer feedback, Wegmans has created a template for their checkout purchase terminals, which will allow people who are blind or visually impaired more independence when checking out. The checkout terminal is where customers swipe their Shopper's Club card, pay by check, debit or credit card and other features such as check cashing.
The template, while simple in design, is quite beneficial. This portable template covers the flat touch screen marking out the spaces for independently entering a PIN. The need for this template comes about because the current terminals have a flat touch screen that creates a problem for customers who are blind or visually impaired. The style of the previous terminal had raised buttons that could be operated much like a telephone, which created more independence for the user.
The flat screens have no tactile differences between their selections and provide no opportunity for independent usage. Many Wegmans customers who are visually impaired have expressed their concern regarding its inaccessibility. Customers had no alternative other than to request assistance from the cashier when making their purchase.
I recently met with Gerri Winbush, Director of Consumer Relations, to discuss the template and its design practicality. The templates are portable and are designed for the sole purpose of privately entering your PIN. However, the template does not aid the customer with other key functions such as the withdrawal, checking, or credit options. The cashier would still need to assist customers who are visually impaired with those options. Once prompted to enter their PIN, they place the template over the terminal and independently enter their number. The template can then be removed and the transaction completed by the cashier.
Wegmans is looking for customer input on the new template and they would like ABVI-Goodwill to assist in the distribution and improvement of the design. Templates are available for anyone interested in trying them. For more information or to pick up a template, please contact Rene Latorre at (585) 697-5721 or by e-mail at rlatorre@abvi-goodwill.com.
"One Day at a Time"
WXXI Reachout Radio Available on the Internet
By Ruth Phinney
In April 2004, WXXI Reachout Radio stepped into a new frontier and began archiving audio files of two very special programs on its website. Point your browser to www.wxxi.org and select "Reachout Radio" then "Schedules." From there, you will be able to listen to "Enabled," which airs Sundays at 12:30 pm and "New Beginnings," which airs the first Sunday of each month at 1:00 pm.
"Enabled" is a weekly program, hosted by Anne Meredith, that delves into visual impairment, and issues and advances that are relevant to people dealing with low vision or blindness. Recent topics include visual impairment and the visual arts, the affects of visual impairment on personal relationships, parenting a visually impaired child, awareness of diabetic retinopathy, and much, much more.
"New Beginnings" is a cooperative program produced monthly by ABVI-Goodwill that includes information and interviews about things going on at the Agency and topics of particular interest to our consumers. Recent topics include low vision support groups, consumer resources, macular degeneration, and the services of CBVH.
Thanks to this new technology, if you missed the broad-cast of one of these programs, you can tune in again, by logging on to www.wxxi.org and selecting "Reachout Radio" then "Schedule." Also, don't forget to tune into the original broadcasts of "Enabled" which air every Sunday at 12:30 pm and "New Beginnings" which airs the first Sunday of the month at 1:00 pm.
As always, if you have any questions about the programming you've heard on WXXI Reachout Radio or on our web- site, please contact Reachout Radio at (585) 258-0333.
RAYS of Light ...
By Jen Enright
Being part of a group and feeling as if you make a difference makes participation worthwhile. As a member of the Volunteer Transporta-tion Consortium at Lifespan, I represent ABVI-Goodwill and feel as if I am part of a group that is making a contribution. The fruits of our labor have blossomed.
For those of you unfamiliar with the Consortium at Lifespan, let me give you a brief history. Lifespan received a $122,000 grant from Preferred Care to create the Consortium. The goal of this new initiative is to "significantly increase the capacity of volunteer transportation in our community by building on, and expanding beyond, the foundation of existing programs." ABVI-Goodwill is part of the 15 member group of other volunteer transportation programs such as FISH and Elderberry Express.
I am pleased to announce that since an article that appeared February 25, 2004 in the Democrat and Chronicle's "Our Towns," ABVI-Goodwill has received 11 new volunteer drivers! This is a 125% increase from our existing driver base. I am very fortunate to have so many people interested in volunteering their time to us to drive for medical appointments, grocery shopping and other tasks. Having a larger group of drivers affords me the chance to expand our transportation services.
If you are no longer able to drive and are in need of transportation for a medical appointment or services at ABVI-Goodwill, please call me, Jen Enright, at (585) 697-5718, to schedule an appointment. We ask for at least one week's notice prior to your appointment. This will help improve the chances that a volunteer will be available. When you call, please have the date, time and location of your appointment available, as well as your name, address and phone number.
I look forward to expanding the volunteer transportation services at ABVI-Goodwill
and am extremely grateful to the 11 new volunteers who offer their time at
ABVI- Goodwill. Without their dedication and willingness to help, hundreds
of people each year would not be able to get to the medical appointments they
need. Thank you again to everyone who has been a ray of light
to ABVI-Goodwill and the community at large.
CREATIVE WAYS To Give ...
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
To A. Gidget and John Hopf for the purchase of 2 Disney Sing-Along DVDs in memory of Carl Noller.
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 these necessities or the items themselves, please contact Tracy Schleyer, Director of Development, for more information at (585) 697-5780.
Children's Program Items
With the Children's Program constantly growing, we are always in need of books, toys and other items to stock our Children's Center.
Miscellaneous Items
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.
NEW!
Spruce Up For Summer. ABVI-Goodwill is in need of some landscaping materials
such as shrubs, flowers, mulch and more. Help us flourish on the outside as
we do on the inside. Estimated cost: $300.
Braille Printer.
Our Vision Rehabilitation Department and Adaptive Technology Center are in
desperate need of a new, up-to-date Braille printer. This new printer would
not only benefit our employees but we would be able to train students as well,
which is something
we can't do on our old equipment. A new printer would cost around $4,000.
MEMORIAL AND HONORARY Gifts ...
Please note: Due to a new database system, we only have a partial listing of memorial and honorary donations at this time. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience during our transition. Thank you.
By giving to ABVI-Goodwill in memory or honor of a family member or friend, many charitable 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 20, 2004 to May 20, 2004:
Honorary Gifts
A memorial or honorary gift is a wonderful way to celebrate special occasions, honor a loved one, or pay tribute to the memory of a deceased family member 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.