VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired

An amazing time was had by all at VISIONS Staten Island Advisory Board’s Friendsgiving Bingo & Baskets event at Raymour & Flanigan Furniture and Mattresses’ Staten Island store! This was a true partnership thanks to Store Manager Christopher Vendemio and his team, with Starbucks Partners of SI serving their signature drinks and pastries, a powerhouse volunteer crew of students from the CUNY College of Staten Island Macaulay Honors College, and Elaine Messi, board member and emcee. Thank you to our sponsors, Williams Eye Works, Richmond University Medical Center, New York Center for Interpersonal Development, Al Lambert Entertainment, Jacqueline Armani, and Staten Island Giving Circle. Our gracious hosts Raymour & Flanigan Furniture and Mattresses even presented our Staten Island Coordinator Gina Schlagel and the board with a generous check donation which will enable VISIONS to help more blind and visually impaired Staten Islanders. #SeeWhatIsPossible #Fundraiser #Volunteer #Friendsgiving #Holiday

Some of our Older Adult Center (OAC) participants were honored to be part of INTERTWINE ARTS' 2024 fundraiser at the Caelum Gallery, highlighting amazing pieces done in partnership with organizations they've worked with throughout the year, including VISIONS. Pieces on display and for sale at the event included pillows, crossbody bags, hats, and even pieces that were framed to be used as wall art. One of our OAC participants, Wayne McKenzie, even spoke at the event. Overall, it was a great night, and we are so proud of the amazing pieces on display, and look forward to even more beautiful artwork to come from our participants through this amazing partnership with Intertwine Arts.

'B4' you finalize your holiday plans, join us on November 22nd at Raymour & Flanigan's Staten Island showroom for a fun Bingo night to support VISIONS. Tickets cost $30, and include pizza, soda, dessert and coffee, along with 5 rounds of Bingo! Space is limited, so register ASAP. To register, visit https://buff.ly/4hIndCK #SeeWhatIsPossible #Fundraiser #Bingo #Games #StatenIsland

VISIONS participant, Nisha Falcigno, shared her story about coping with vision loss and the impact of vision rehabilitation services with the Washington Post! We are so proud of you Nisha and thank you for including VISIONS as a part of your journey!

It’s never too early to start planning for the future! This was the theme of our Next Steps Symposium, a conference connecting youth to professionals to discuss career and educational options after high school. Special thanks to NYSCB (NYS Office of Children and Family Services), Medgar Evers College, CUNY SEEK, The City University of New York, and Bridges From School To Work. We look forward to future collaborations. #SeeWhatIsPossible #CollegeReady #SEEK #CUNY

A special thank you to Brooklyn advisory board member Cynthia Robinson-Bioh for connecting us to Artshack, a nonprofit ceramics studio in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn. Over the past few months, members of our Older Adult Center have created wonderful works of art and formed great connections with the rotation of artists who assist with each session. The manipulation of the clay is an oasis of calm in a world where things can seem rough. We are grateful for this partnership and our participants continue to look forward to making new creations. #SeeWhatIsPossible #HealthyAging #Artshack #Clay #Art

Today, our Workforce team, in partnership with ACCES-VR, hosted our annual National Disability Employment Awareness Month (#NDEAM) Celebration, recognizing companies who went above and beyond to make their workplaces more accessible for people with any kind of disability. We thank these companies for actively working to foster a more inclusive workplace. #SeeWhatIsPossible #Workplace #Accessibility #Inclusion

VISIONS is thrilled to be working with the leadership team at MANE to help make their organization even more inclusive! A huge thanks to their team for welcoming our staff. #SeeWhatIsPossible #DEI #Inclusive

Last night, members of our Brooklyn Advisory Board enjoyed a spectacular evening of conversation and delicious food, hosted by the Latino Sports Club. If you're interested in joining one of our fun events, visit https://buff.ly/3BVyDmt Photo 1: Pictured Left to Right: Ene Crooks, Nayeem Siddique, Cheryl Saunders, Nan Appana, Bailey Binke, Jessica Rivera, staff member Amy Gordon, Ty'East Alleyne-Bobb. Photo 2: Advisory Board Chair Nan Appana and Chef Raheem Wallace #SeeWhatIsPossible #Fundraising #Nonprofit

Gina Schlagel, our Staten Island Borough Coordinator was honored to represent VISIONS at the 100th Anniversary celebration of The New York Community Trust (NYCT), which has been a committed supporter of VISIONS services throughout the years, specifically with our workforce development and residential rehabilitation programs for blind children and young adults. Staten Islanders have been able to receive these amazing services at no charge thanks to NYCT's support. Happy Anniversary! #SeeWhatIsPossible #NewYorkCommunityTrust #Celebration #Anniversary