Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey

Today marks the first day of Spring, the season of hope and renewal - and we can’t wait to celebrate with you at our premier fundraising event "Visions of Spring: An Evening of Music and Inspiration"! Why You’ll Love It: -A live performance by The Filomen M. D’Agostino Greenberg Music School -A cocktail reception where you can mingle, connect, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere -An exciting silent auction filled with treasures you’ll love ?? Date: April 24, 2025 ?? Location: The Mansion at Mountain Lakes, NJ We cordially invite you to a night filled with joy, inspiration, and community. Use this link to secure your tickets and/or sponsorship and be part of this special evening: https://bit.ly/413la6l Looking for more information? Contact Jennifer Singer at 973-627-0055, ext. 2, or email her at [email protected]. Image description: The graphic promotes the event "Visions of Spring: An Evening of Music and Inspiration," scheduled for April 24, 2025, from 6:30 to 9:30 PM at The Mansion at Mountain Lakes, NJ. The text reads: "Live Music, Cocktail Reception, Silent Auction. Tickets & Sponsorships in our link in bio!" The foreground features yellow sunflowers in the top corners and purple flowers on the bottom. The background is purple with subtle shapes resembling trees. The event title, "Visions of Spring: An Evening of Music and Inspiration," is displayed in a rectangular banner at the bottom center, and the Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey logo is in the bottom-right corner. #VisionsOfSpring #VLANJ #LiveMusic #FilomenDAgostinoGreenbergMusicSchool #FMDG #Events #Music

We’re excited to announce our next VLANJ Tech Talks will be occurring on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 7 PM EST. This free and virtual session will feature a returning fan-favorite: Sam Seavey of "The Blind Life"! Sam will be sharing all the exceptional features of the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, exploring how this technology can enhance accessibility and independence. Register here: https://lnkd.in/e-m4wqCT ?? Date: Wednesday, March 26, 2025 ?? Time: 7 PM (EST) ?? Where: Online via Zoom Thanks to the generosity of grant funding, VLANJ Tech Talks is a free and virtual monthly event where experts share insights on accessible technology, helpful apps, smart home innovations, and more. If you’ve already registered for VLANJ Tech Talks, no need to re-register! You’ll receive your Zoom link before the event. Explore more free, virtual programs here: https://lnkd.in/gaHAqTMq For questions about VLANJ programs or assistance registering, please contact Vicki Lowrie at [email protected], or call (973) 627-0055, ext. 4. Image description: Yellow text on a purple graphic reads "VLANJ Tech Talks," with details about the upcoming event in white and yellow. An image of Sam Seavey is featured, and the Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey logo is in the bottom right corner. ?? Help us spread the word by sharing this program with others who would find it interesting and useful. We can’t wait to have you join us! #VLANJ #TechTalks #Accessibility #AssistiveTechnology

Adjusting to vision loss can be overwhelming, but individuals don’t have to face it alone. VLANJ’s Independent Living Skills Program is designed to help navigate life with vision loss. Our caring and experienced instructors provide participants with the tools and techniques necessary to guide them towards achieving independence and self-confidence. In this program, we offer the following opportunities: - Home safety and fall prevention in our Back-to-Basics Class - Adaptive cooking skills in our Healthy Options Cooking Class - On-site Orientation and Mobility (O&M) training with a Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist - Opportunities for community Orientation and Mobility excursions to learn how to practice and reinforce skills, accompanied by a Certified Orientation Mobility Specialist and VLANJ staff - An introduction to Assistive Technology and helpful devices ...and more! With the right support, independence with vision loss is possible. We're here to help. For details about VLANJ’s programs and resources, contact Program Director Vicki Lowrie at (973) 627-0055, ext. #4, or email [email protected]. We’re here to support you every step of the way! Image description: The text reads: "Empowering Independence with VLANJ" in bold white letters, followed by "Practical skills for everyday confidence." in yellow. The background features a purple overlay with faint accessibility-themed icons, including a white cane, Braille dots, an eye symbol, and a smartphone with a speaker. In the foreground, a young woman with long red hair, sunglasses, and a white top sits on outdoor steps, smiling while talking on the phone and holding a white cane. The Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey logo appears in the bottom left corner. #VLANJ #VisionLossAllianceOfNewJersey #VLANJPrograms #Program #Programs #NewJersey #NJ #USA #Skills #Independence #LowVision #Blindness

?? Prioritize your well-being! VLANJ’s upcoming Mental Health & Wellness Day is a chance to relax, reflect, and connect with a supportive community. What to Expect: 1. Reflections of Vision Loss & Crystal Singing Bowls with Christine Capaci 2. Dream Building: Understanding Your Why with Liz Edwards 3. Mandala Making with Jordan Thomas 4. Finding Myself After Vision Loss facilitated by Jean Richardson, Christine Capaci & Sam Hendrickson from Circles of Courageous Commons When: April 10, 2025 | 10 AM – 2:30 PM Where: VLANJ's Morris Plains, NJ location: 201 Littleton Rd, Suite 150, Morris Plains, NJ 07950 Seats are limited – reserve yours today! ?? For questions or to RSVP: email [email protected] or (973) 627-0055, ext. 4. Thank you to Atlantic Health System, Novartis US Foundation, and the Mimi Washington Starrett Foundation for their generous support towards our mental health initiatives. Image description: A purple graphic depicts details of the upcoming Mental Health & Wellness Day event alongside an image of participants from a previous Mental Health & Wellness Day event. #VisionLossCommunity #VLANJ #mentalhealthawareness

This International Women’s Day, we're celebrating the incredible women—staff, volunteers, and community members—who help drive change and #AccelerateAction at Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey. Their dedication empowers individuals with vision loss to build confidence, independence, and a strong sense of community. Here at VLANJ, we believe in taking action to ensure that everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive. Through initiatives like technology training, wellness programs, and peer support, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, empowering space for those with low vision and blindness. Join us in recognizing and appreciating the women who make a difference every day! Want to learn more? Explore our programs and see how VLANJ can support you or a loved one. Contact VLANJ Program Director Vicki Lowrie at?(973) 627-0055, ext. #4, or email?[email protected]. Image description: A group of women who work with VLANJ stand smiling in front of the VLANJ logo at their Morris Plains, NJ location. A female guide dog is also featured. #InternationalWomensDay #AccelerateAction #WomenOfVLANJ #InclusionMatters #visionlosssupport

This spring season of hope and renewal calls for a celebration! We cordially invite you to our premier fundraising event, Visions of Spring: An Evening of Music and Inspiration. ?? What to Expect: - Live music performed by The Filomen M. D'Agostino Greenberg Music School - A 3-hour cocktail reception where new friendships and connections can bloom. - A silent auction with unique treasures. ?? Event Details: Date: April 24, 2025 Time: 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Location: The Mansion at Mountain Lakes Together, we can continue to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those with vision loss. Reserve your tickets or explore sponsorship opportunities today via https://bit.ly/413la6l Have questions? Reach out to Jennifer Singer at 973.627.0055, ext. 2, or send an email to [email protected] for more details about the Visions of Spring event! Image description: The graphic announces the event "Visions of Spring: An Evening of Music and Inspiration," taking place on April 24, 2025, from 6:30 to 9:30 PM at The Mansion at Mountain Lakes, NJ. The text reads: "Tickets available now!" At the bottom of the image is a banner with the event title, "Visions of Spring: An Evening of Music and Inspiration," in purple and gold with a musical note and butterfly icon. The background is gold with purple accents, and in the foreground, a woman with short, curly gray hair is speaking or singing into a microphone positioned close to her face. The Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey logo appears in the bottom-right corner. #VisionsOfSpring #VLANJ #LiveMusic #FilomenDAgostinoGreenbergMusicSchool #FMDG #Events #Music

Technology opens doors to independence, and thanks to the generous support of the Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, we’re able to open those doors even wider! The?$10,000 grant we received from the Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation?supports our?Technology Program, which equips individuals with low vision and blindness with the skills they need to?navigate assistive devices, use screen readers, and access digital resources with ease. From mastering magnification software to using accessible apps, technology fosters autonomy and connection.?We are thankful to the Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation?for their dedication to digital inclusion and empowerment! Interested in how our programs can help those with vision loss? Contact?Program Director Vicki Lowrie?at?(973) 627-0055, ext. #4, or email?[email protected]. Image description: The text reads:?"Thank you to The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation for supporting our Technology Program!"?The graphic has a purple background with a gold border. The phrase "Thank you to" is in gold italicized text at the top. The name "The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation" is prominently displayed in large, bold white letters in the center. The words "for supporting our" appear in gold italicized text, while "Technology Program!" is in a light purple gradient with a slight shadow effect at the bottom. The Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey logo is placed at the bottom right corner. #TheBlancheAndIrvingLaurieFoundation #Grant #Technology #TechnologyProgram #ThankYou

On Thursday, February 27, 2025, we had the incredible honor of celebrating the?ribbon cutting?at our?new home in Morris Plains, NJ! ? Morris Plains is a?“Community of Caring,”?and we already feel so fortunate to be part of such a?generous and supportive?community. As we continue our?81-year legacy, this beautiful space will allow us to?expand our programs?and empower even more individuals with?vision loss and blindness?to live independent and fulfilling lives. ? We were proud to have Carl Augusto, our Board Chair, and longtime supporter Senator Anthony Bucco cut the ribbon to officially open our new home!? ? A heartfelt THANK YOU to all who joined us to mark this special occasion: ? Dr. Bernice M. Davis, Executive Director, NJ Commission for the Blind & Visually Impaired Bryan McClain, NJ Commission for the Blind & Visually Impaired Frank Cafasso, VLANJ Board of Trustees Member Carl Augusto, VLANJ Board of Trustees Chair and?Sue Augusto Ming Wu, VLANJ Board of Trustees Vice Chair Lukas Franck, VLANJ Board of Trustees Member Chris Reichert, VLANJ Board of Trustees Member Senator Anthony Bucco, NJ Senator - 25th District Britni Orcutt, Morris County Chamber of Commerce Meghan Hunscher, President & CEO, Morris County Chamber of Commerce Megan Waters, from Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill’s office Council President Sal Cortese, representing Mayor Karr’s office (Morris Plains) Nancy Verga, Morris Plains Council Member Michael M. Koroski, Morris Plains Chief of Police ? Our?new location?has been designed to support the?growth of our programs, including but not limited to: ??The Fellowship Program?(in collaboration with NJCBVI) ??Mental Health & Wellness Programs ??Orientation & Mobility Training ??VLANJ @Home Program ? This is just the beginning! We are excited to continue?developing even more opportunities?that foster?independence, inclusion, and empowerment. ? Read more about the event and our exciting future here:?https://lnkd.in/gKN9wvGC ? Support our mission at VLANJ here:?https://bit.ly/48DqWNB ? If you’d like to learn more about our programs, contact our Program Director, Vicki Lowrie, at?(973) 627-0055, ext. 4, or email?[email protected]. ? Image descriptions: A carousel features images and video of those who came to support VLANJ’s ribbon cutting at our new home in Morris Plains, NJ. ? #NewBeginnings #RibbonCutting #VLANJ #VisionLoss #Inclusion #CommunityThatCares #Empowerment #MorrisPlains #NonprofitImpact

Reminder: Upcoming Virtual VLANJ Tech Talks! Don't forget to join us for our next virtual VLANJ Tech Talks session TONIGHT, Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 7 PM EST. Our speaker, Doug Gilbert, COMS, will outline assistive technologies that support Orientation & Mobility tasks as an essential resource for individuals with vision loss. ???Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2025 ?Time: 7 PM EST ??Cost: FREE, thanks to the generosity of grant funding Register here: https://lnkd.in/e-m4wqCT VLANJ Tech Talks is a monthly online event that covers everything from accessible tech and helpful apps to SMART home innovations empowering individuals with vision loss through knowledge and connection. Already registered? No need to sign up again! Your Zoom link will be sent before the event. If you don't see it, please check your spam folder or reach out to Vicki Lowrie at (973) 627-0055, ext. 4, or [email protected]. Explore more free virtual programs via this link: https://lnkd.in/gaHAqTMq We can't wait to have you join us! Feel free to share this session information with anyone who you think could benefit. Image description: An image of Doug Gilbert, COMS is featured along with upcoming Tech Talks details and the VLANJ logo in the lower left corner. #VLANJTechTalks #AssistiveTechnology #OrientationAndMobility #VisionLossSupport #AccessibilityMatters #InclusiveTech

?? Home should be a place where you can confidently foster independence, and thanks to the McGuinn Family Foundation, VLANJ is helping individuals achieve just that. With the?$5,000 grant we received from the McGuinn Family Foundation, we can continue to offer and grow our?@Home Program. This program is designed to provide?adaptive living strategies, home safety training, and essential daily living skills?that empower individuals with low vision and blindness to maintain independence in their own homes. From organizing spaces to mastering adaptive cooking techniques, our?@Home Program can help make a real difference in the lives of those with vision loss, and we are thankful to the?McGuinn Family Foundation?for making this impact possible! Want to learn more about how our programs support independence? Reach out to?Program Director Vicki Lowrie?at?(973) 627-0055, ext. #4, or email?[email protected]. Image description: The text reads:?"Thank you to the McGuinn Family Foundation for supporting our VLANJ @ Home Program!"?The graphic has a purple background with a gold border. The phrase "Thank you to the" is in gold italicized text at the top. The name "McGuinn Family Foundation" is prominently displayed in large, bold white letters in the center. The words "for supporting our" appear in gold italicized text, while "VLANJ @ Home Program!" is in a light purple gradient with a slight shadow effect at the bottom. The Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey logo is placed at the bottom right corner. #McGuinnFamilyFoundation #VLANJ #VisionLossAllianceOfNewJersey #Grant #VLANJatHome #Programs #Grateful #ThankYou #NewJersey #NJ