The Beacon: Spring 2003

 

A Publication of the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI)-Goodwill Industries of Greater Rochester, Inc.

 

www.abvi-goodwill.org

 

(585) 232-1111

 

Career and Training Center ReNamed for Benefactor

 

ABVI-Goodwill’s history is rich with stories of personal triumph over adversity, but rarely does a story top that of Mr. and Mrs. Shirley Skinner, both visually impaired, who recently made a generous contribution. We are pleased to be able to name the Career and Training Center in honor of the Skinners. From humble beginnings as a chicken farmer, Mr. Skinner, age 75, has truly led a life of diverse experiences.

 

Blind from childhood due to an accident and sympathetic ophthalmic, Mr. Skinner overcame multiple ineffective medical treatments and surgeries to own a chicken farm, a trucking company, work as a computer programmer at the University of Rochester, and become a successful real estate investor.

 

Working through the New York State Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVH), Mr. Skinner attended college to learn, of all things, poultry husbandry. “I learned a trade and went home to raise chickens,” quipped Skinner during a recent interview. Never one to sit still for very long, after more than a decade of raising chickens, changes in the industry made it clear that it was time to move on. So, what did he choose? Trucking—an unlikely choice for a man unable to drive. Despite his visual impairment, Mr. Skinner earned a living by hiring drivers to haul goods. A crash changed everything, and signaled that it was time to change. Not seriously injured, he decided to get out of the business.

 

At the age of 42, Skinner began learning computers. It was this love of technology that ultimately introduced him to the love of his life, and his next vocation. In 1969, Mr. Skinner met his would-be wife, Nancy, while attending a class at the Lighthouse in New York City. “Our first date was St. Patrick’s Day in 1969,” mused Mr. Skinner.

 

In 1970, Mr. Skinner, ripe from having completed his computer training, began work as a programmer at the then-named Association for the Blind in Rochester. Shortly thereafter, he was promoted to manager of the computer department. By 1977, Mr. Skinner was on the move again with a job change to Stocastic Systems Research—a brief stop on a journey that ultimately landed him a position in computers at the University of Rochester, where he stayed for the next 17 years. He retired in 1995.Now 75, Mr. Skinner looks back on his circuitous career  with great pride—his time on the ABVI-Goodwill board of directors, his long-standing interest in computers, and his 24-year stint as a real estate investor. He attributes much of his success to his wife, Nancy, who contributed greatly to their prosperous experience in business. Born in Sicily, Nancy came to America at the age of three and settled in Auburn, NY.

 

“We are deeply appreciative of the commitment Mr. and Mrs. Skinner have demonstrated to ABVI-Goodwill and helping people who are blind or visually impaired develop job-readiness skills and advance in professional careers,” added A. Gidget Hopf, President/CEO. A summer dedication of the soon-to-be-renamed Shirley and Nancy Skinner Career and Training Center is planned.

_____________________________________________________________________

 

Xerox Copier Assistant is a Hit

 

Do you have difficulty reading the screen on the copier in your office? This difficulty will become a thing of the past with the release of the Xerox Copier Assistant, which launched April 1, 2003. This new software technology allows people who are blind or visually impaired the convenience of making their own copies using the assistance of the computer software and a Xerox copier.

 

The Xerox Copier Assistant can be installed on any PC and reads the copier features through a Microsoft screen reader. The software runs many Xerox copiers such as the CopyCentre™, WorkCentre® or WorkCentre® Pro, as well as the digital Document Centre 500 series. The text-to-speech software talks the user through the copying steps, including how to use advanced features such as stapling, collating and two-sided copying. The ease of moving through the options with the tab key makes this technology fast and simple.

 

Xerox developed this Copier Assistant with input from many staff members at ABVI-Goodwill. Many thanks to Brian Stroud, Angelo Ercolamento, Sarah Favro, Kim Kline, Dan Malone and Crandall LaPlante, who participated in the copier testing, and to Rene Latorre for coordinating our involvement with Xerox. Their input helped make this award-winning technology the success it is. Look for the new Xerox Copier Assistant software in a copy room near you!

______________________________________________________________________

 

From the President …

 

April 1, 2003 marked the beginning of our new fiscal year. Unlike other not-for-profit organizations, we don’t have to worry about what Wall Street says about our earnings, but we do want our “stakeholders” to feel good about our year-end performance. Therefore, it is gratifying for me to inform you that ABVI-Goodwill has just completed its most successful year in its 90-year history! Our financial and service area performances have been unprecedented, even at a time when so many other businesses and not-for-profits are struggling.

 

We measure our achievements with what we call our “mission measures.”  Mission measures include the number of people we serve, the diversity of the consumer base (i.e., are we adequately reaching the minority community?), the efficiency of our services (i.e., do people get service soon after they call us?), and the effectiveness of service (i.e., are our consumers and referring doctors happy with our services?). In addition, we measure our financial performance by the number of people we employ who are blind or visually impaired, the wages we pay those folks, and employee satisfaction. Finally, we measure customer satisfaction in our retail stores and food service.

 

Let me share with you some highlights of our mission measures this year:

 

Vision Rehabilitation:

          • 2,099 people served—an increase of 12% over last year.

          • 342 children served—an increase of 17.5% over last year.

          • 67% increase in the Hispanic and/or Latino population served over last year.

          • Met or exceeded contractual outcomes with the NYS Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped in all service areas.

          • 82% of callers received service within 30 days—

          47% within 15 days.

          • 100% of people served rated their service at ABVI-Goodwill as good or excellent!

 

Manufacturing:

          • 9,881 orders shipped—99.56% on time!

 

Goodwill Donation Centers:

          • 96% of donors rated their overall donation experience as either good or excellent.

 

Employee Satisfaction:

          • ABVI-Goodwill participated in a nationwide employee satisfaction survey involving other organizations associated with National Industries for the Blind (NIB).Our employees rated their satisfaction significantly higher than employees in manufacturing and other businesses across the country in all categories.

 

Employees Who are Blind:

          • Last year, ABVI-Goodwill employed 85 people who are blind or visually impaired—70 people in direct labor positions and 15 people in salaried or professional positions.

 

Financial Results:

          • We had our best financial year in history. Manufacturing sales were very strong, partially because of our military sales during the buildup to the war, which resulted in a positive bottom line.

 

As we look back on an outstanding year, I must express my deep appreciation to our talented team of employees and board of directors. This organization is blessed with a group of people who are mission driven and have the skills, energy, and dedication to make things happen every day. I want to take this opportunity to formally thank them and let them, and our readers, know how much I appreciate all that they do for people who are blind or visually impaired.

______________________________________________________________________

 

From the Medical Director …

 

One of the struggles ABVI-Goodwill faces is the perception that only those people who are legally blind or seriously visually impaired can be served here. So often I see patients with advanced conditions for which they are seeking treatment, advice, or accommodations late in their disease. We understand how much anguish the patient has gone through before we have the opportunity to intervene and provide care, particularly when we know there is much that ABVI-Goodwill could have done early on to make this road easier.

 

It is not uncommon for people to develop diseases and conditions that may present mild symptoms at first but progress to cause more impairment as the disease advances. In the case of a newly diagnosed diabetic with visual acuity of 20/50 or 20/60, the patient may experience mild visual symptoms. Even though visual acuity may not be significantly decreased, the patient may still be having problems, recognized or unrecognized, that we can assist with.

 

Symptoms as signs. While patients may not think they need help, these patients may experience symptoms such as increased sensitivity to light and glare, and blurriness when reading fine print. In addition, the patient may experience difficulty in going from the bright sunshine to the interior of a less brightly lit environment. A patient's natural inclination is to think of these symptoms as just an inconvenience, and they are for the most part. Regardless, the patient’s visual function is reduced and their quality of life may be diminished.

 

Timing is key. Patients should begin seeking care sooner rather than later, when visual impairment is seriously impacting their lives. While we may not be able to halt vision loss, there are many things that we can do to enable a person experiencing visual impairment to visually function more efficiently. As with the pathology of so many diseases, the key is early identification. Proactive treatment can allow patients to maintain their independence and minimize the frustration that comes from changes in visual function.

 

Solutions. Solutions can be simple and can change lives. Lenses and magnifiers can be prescribed to assist the patient in reading the newspaper, bills, and labels. Telescopes and binoculars can make going to a play or concert more enjoyable. Non-optical aids such as big-button telephones and large-print thermostats are just a few of the simple accommodations we can offer. Our Consumer Shoppe stocks dozens of similar items.

 

The key is early diagnosis and understanding the progressive nature of some diseases. Patients must be willing to ask for help and to accept it; doctors must encourage their early referral.

______________________________________________________________________

 

Outside Advertisement:

 

Rochester Based.

Birds Eye Foods

Nationally Known.

 

www.birdseyefoods.com

 

Birds Eye Foods is proud to sponsor the ABVI-Goodwill 2003 Annual Celebration and 90th Anniversary

 

Ad ends

______________________________________________________________________

 

Mystifying Madness

 

The seventh graders at Brighton Twelve Corners Middle School have been busy this school year cutting people in thirds, levitating their classmates, and disappearing from their teachers. This is not an unruly class or a scene from the Harry Potter novels, but rather a middle school magic club that teaches science, magic, and community awareness.

 

Vince Mancuso, a science teacher at the school, began the seventh grade Magic Club a few years ago to help encourage students to learn, and also to incorporate his interest in all things magical. Before moving back to his hometown of Rochester, Mr. Mancuso spent five years in Las Vegas as a magician. He now combines the two things he enjoys most—teaching science and magic.

 

This year, the Magic Club, consisting of over 60 students, performed a two-day magic show,Mystifying Madness, at the Twelve Corners High School on May 9 and 10. The proceeds from this show benefit next year’s Magic Club and ABVI-Goodwill’s children’s programming. Last year, the show raised $1,700, half of which benefited a local children’s organization. This year, Mr. Mancuso and his magical students gave $815 to help children who are blind or visually impaired.

 

Vince Mancuso and the Brighton Twelve Corners Middle School students are a wonderful example of learning made fun. With his guidance, the students not only learn science, but they learn the magic of helping others in their community.

 

Photo and photo caption: The Magic Club students at the Twelve Corners Middle School

______________________________________________________________________

 

Outside advertisement:

 

Rochester Binding and Finishing, Inc.

 

Proud Supporter of ABVI-Goodwill’s 2003 Annual Celebration

 

Happy 90th Anniversary!

______________________________________________________________________

 

CD-ROMS Soar for Air Force

 

ABVI-Goodwill’s CD-ROM manufacturing department “Crossed into the Blue” in September of 2002 when we received our largest, and most high profile, contract in our two- year history. Joining with the United States Air Force, we created a multi-version set of recruitment CD-ROMs for an important government client. This project was unique in many ways for ABVI-Goodwill in that we created our first mini discs, produced our largest quantity of CDs (209,000), and authored our first project.

 

In order to author a project, ABVI-Goodwill used the Air Force’s video footage and designed the entire project around that. Working with little else from our customer, the rest was up to us. We contracted with a local multi- media firm to integrate the video footage and links to the Air Force Web site into the CDs. This was a new and rewarding opportunity for manufacturing because in the past we received the completed CDs and our job was to replicate them. Not only was this project a valuable learning experience but it also provided jobs to many people who are blind or visually impaired.

 

We produced 209,000 CDs, which equals approximately 2,090 hours of employment for our employees. Since this project was so involved, we drew resources from many different divisions of our manufacturing department. In total, at least ten people who are blind or visually impaired played a key role in making the Air Force project the success that it was. Our employees were involved every step of the way from actually creating the CDs to replicating, bundling, packaging, and shipping the final product. The result was a high-quality, interactive set of recruitment CD-ROMs of which we are pleased and the Air Force highly approves.

 

This CD-ROM project not only boosted our sales, but also improved our ability to handle this type of project. With the experience we gained on this project, we look forward to creating similar projects in the future and providing more jobs for people who are blind or visually impaired.

______________________________________________________________________

 

Preferred Format

 

Do you prefer to receive reading material from ABVI-Goodwill in large print, e-mail, tape, or Braille? If you are not receiving information from us in your preferred format, please call Sindy Cantor at (585) 697-5713.

______________________________________________________________________

 

Call Center Gets Facelift

 

In the past few months, ABVI-Goodwill’s Career and Training Center has undergone some exciting changes! In February, twelve state-of-the-art call center workstations were installed, preparing our Call Center for future growth and expansion. As one of the agency’s newest business lines, we are very excited about the potential growth in

customer service employment.

 

ABVI-Goodwill currently holds the customer service contract for National Industries for the Blind. This contact helps support our mission by employing people who are blind or visually impaired in the Rochester area. With the new renovations, we can train more individuals and be better equipped to handle additional Call Center contracts.

 

In addition to the workstations, the outside of the building is set for a makeover. Through a generous donation from Mr. and Mrs. Shirley Skinner, our Career and Training Center building will receive new windows, paint to better match the Goodwill store, blue awnings, contemporary lighting, and signage to identify the building.

 

We are grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Skinner for their generous gift, without which this would not be possible. We are excited about the improvements to our Career and Training Center, both inside and outside. If you would like more information about our Career and Training services or our Call Center, please call Carol Borsa at (585) 697-5755.

______________________________________________________________________

 

Calling Volunteers: We Want You!

 

Mark your calendars!  The 2003 Volunteer Recognition Luncheon has been scheduled for September 17, 2003. Hope you can join us in celebrating YOU, our hard-working and dedicated volunteers!

 

Volunteers needed!  As demand for our services continues to increase, ABVI-Goodwill is in critical need of volunteers who can spare a couple of hours a month to provide roundtrip rides to and from medical appointments and counseling groups. If you have a reliable car and are interested in making a difference, please call Jen Enright at (585) 697-5718.

______________________________________________________________________

 

Career Opportunities

 

Do you or does someone you know want to work for a community-based not-for-profit that serves people in the Rochester area? Look no further because ABVI-Goodwill has openings that may be just right! We are expanding our programs and need dedicated individuals. 

 

Our current opportunities are:

 

1.     Vision Rehabilitation: Orientation and Mobility Instructor

2.     Call Center: Customer Service Representative

3.     Call Center: EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Technician

4.     Retail: Full and part-time help needed

5.     Manufacturing: Machine mechanic

 

For more information or to request an application, call Michelle Guerra at (585) 697-5747, or e-mail her at mguerra@abvi-goodwill.com. ABVI-Goodwill is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

______________________________________________________________________

Fore! a Good Cause

 

Get out your clubs and join Cypress Financial on Monday, September 15 at Midvale Country Club in Penfield for a day of great golf, prizes, and a chance to support ABVI-Goodwill. Join us for lunch at noon and a shotgun start at 1:00 p.m. Dinner and awards to follow.

 

Get your friends, neighbors, or co-workers together and form a team! Individual golfers can play for $160, which includes lunch, 18 holes of golf and dinner. The cost of a foursome is $600. If you’d like to bring a 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—numbers will vary based on the level of sponsorship.

 

If you are interested in participating as a golfer or a sponsor, please contact Kim Greene at Cypress Financial, (585) 475-8443, or e-mail kgreene@cypressfc.com for more details and a registration form. For information about the golf course, visit www.midvalecountryclub.com. The deadline for sponsors is August 15th and for golfers, August 29th. Space is limited to 72 participants so get your registration in today!

______________________________________________________________________

 

New Employee Spotlight

 

ABVI-Goodwill is constantly growing! We would like to welcome all of our new

employees and staff who have joined us since January 1, 2003:

 

Jen Enright            January 6               Marketing and Communications

Judy Kane             January 20             VIA Technologies

Christine Lynch     January 27             Goodwill Fashions

Evelyn Boone        February 1             Goodwill Fashions

Joseph Mattes       February 3             Rehabilitation Services

Greg Saulpaugh     February 3             VIA Technologies

Patricia Terranova  February 14           Goodwill Fashions

James Anderson    February 20           Goodwill Fashions

Theresa Walker     February 24           Food Service

Kathleen Harty       March 18               Goodwill Fashions

Sara LaSalle          March 22               Goodwill Fashions

Laura McDonald    March 24               Goodwill Fashions

John Shakeshaft     March 25               Information Technology

Joseph DeCarlo Jr.  April 1                 Goodwill Fashions

Robert Graff                   April 3                   Goodwill Fashions

John Brown           April 3                   Goodwill Fashions

 

Welcome aboard! We’re so pleased to have you here.

______________________________________________________________________

 

Notice! Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Compliance Notice

 

We understand that information about you and your health is personal and confidential. ABVI-Goodwill is committed to safeguarding all protected health information for anyone who uses our services. A copy of our Notice of Privacy Practices informing you about the ways in which we may use and disclose medical information about you is available upon request. Please contact our Privacy Officer at (585) 232-1111.

______________________________________________________________________

 

Consumer News You Can Use …

 

Talking Pill Bottle

 

Medivox Rx has developed a recordable pill bottle that allows people who are blind or visually impaired a safer way to make sure they take the right pills at the right dosage. The medication information can be recorded at the pharmacy, or consumers can buy their own recorders and record dosage information at home.

 

Once recorded, the bottle is simple to use. Push the button and the bottle reads the recorded message. Release the button and the message stops. Each bottle lasts approximately six months, or 300 thirty-second plays.

 

Locally, only Tops Markets have the bottles and recorders available. However, they can be ordered directly from Medivox Rx by calling (585) 381-0566, or e-mailing info@medivoxrx.com. The bottles are $11.00 each, 3 for $24.95, or the starter kit of 3 bottles and a recorder for $54.95. Shipping and handling costs not included.

 

Let Your Opinion Be Heard

 

The Interagency Committee on Disability Research (ICDR) is conducting a needs survey on their Web site, www.icdr.us. The organization is seeking input from people who are blind or visually impaired, their friends, family members, and service providers. The goal of this survey is to gather feed-back regarding access barriers.

The survey has five categories for participants to comment on: access to technology, access to education, access to employment, access to community life, and access to health care. There is also an “other” category for additional issues not listed. Each heading contains a check box and a space for your open-ended answers.

 

The ICDR web site is W3C, UsableNet, and Bobby-approved, so it’s easy to use. When you select the “Comment Form” link within the body of the Web site, a new window will open with the survey questions. Don’t miss this opportunity to let your opinions be heard. Fill out a survey today!

______________________________________________________________________

 

Remember us in your wills and trusts.

______________________________________________________________________

 

In Her Own Words …

 

Read The Newspaper With A Touch-Tone Phone

 

By Rene Latorre

 

People who are blind or visually impaired can now easily choose which newspaper to read with their morning coffee. The National Federation of the Blind, NFB, has designed a system called NEWSLINE® that receives daily digital transmissions from national newspapers. By dialing a toll-free number, dozens of newspapers are available over any touch-tone telephone using synthetic speech.

 

NEWSLINE offers newspapers such as USA Today, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, and The Wall Street Journal, to name a few. Dozens of other national papers are also available each day to subscribers.The reader needs no computer or special training. All they need is a personal identification number (PIN) from NFB and a touch-tone phone. It’s simple, quick, and free!

 

The automated system is user-friendly and makes navigation easy by reading main headings so the callers can decide what to listen to, moving them from one article to the next, skipping ahead in the article, returning to a previous article, or spelling out words. This service allows an adult to stay current on the news, or a child to research his or her own civics assignments and do homework independently.

 

Anyone who is blind or visually impaired is eligible for this free service. By calling the toll free number, new subscribers will get directions about filling out a simple application and submitting proof of legal blindness. Soon thereafter, he or she receives a PIN and then can enjoy the community affairs in the newspaper.

Using NEWSLINE is simple. Call 1-888-882-1629 from any touch-tone phone and follow the prompts. The system will ask callers for their PIN and security code, and then ask them to make their newspaper selection. Once in the paper, callers choose the section of the newspaper they wish to read: sports, news, business, and more.

 

Lifetime learning, including detailed awareness of current events, is part of what makes a good citizen, a successful employee, and a valuable participant in community life. NEWSLINE is making it possible for people who are blind or visually impaired to access information in newspapers at the same time as their sighted colleagues, friends, and family members.

______________________________________________________________________

 

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 Sindy Cantor at (585) 697-5713 would be most appreciated. We will give your concern our immediate attention.

______________________________________________________________________

 

Rays of Light …

 

By Laura S. Townsend

 

In memoriam.  The impact a person’s character has on our lives can change the footsteps within our dreams and redirect our pathways. Alberta Mietus was just such an individual. For the past seven years, Alberta quietly served as a volunteer librarian at ABVI-Goodwill, ensuring that all people who were blind or visually impaired had full access to Braille materials. As the library gatekeeper, hardly a week went by when library patrons wouldn’t run into her busily typing on her Perkins Brailler in the front room. 

 

Surrounded by large print books and books on tape, she always made time to welcome every single visitor. As a Library of Congress Certified Braillist, Alberta devoted countless hours outside of ABVI-Goodwill to Brailling materials for school children and others who needed additional access to written materials. She was also passionately devoted to her husband and children. Sadly, Alberta passed away on March 1, 2003. For those who knew and loved her, this friend and volunteer for ABVI-Goodwill will be greatly missed.

 

It is her legacy that will carry on as inspiration for the next generation of volunteers who enter our halls and carry ABVI-Goodwill’s mission forward.

______________________________________________________________________

 

Golden Opportunities

 

Do you have vision loss or are you progressively losing your vision? Are you feeling alone and looking for ways of increasing your independence? ABVI-Goodwill’s Adjustment to Vision Loss Counseling Groups may be right for you. If you are interested in participating, call Rene Latorre (585) 697-5721, or Crandall LaPlante (585) 697-5722.

 

Come share and grow with us.

______________________________________________________________________

 

Reflections on a Lifetime of Commitment

 

Photo and photo caption: Shirley Preston, age 76, Volunteer

 

“It’s ironic how a seemingly small decision early in life can lead to a lifetime ambition. While in college I became involved in a sorority whose mission is sight conservation and aid to people who are blind. Later, I joined the local chapter. Our job was to lend a hand at the then Association for the Blind on Monroe Avenue. Back then, our projects included sprucing up the apartments in which people who were blind lived, taking employees shopping, and planning outings. For more than thirty years, I’ve volunteered as a driver, taking people to doctor appointments, meetings, etc.

 

In everything I’ve ever done with ABVI-Goodwill, I’ve always felt appreciated—deriving tremendous satisfaction from knowing that my contribution was valued by both the organization and the people served.

 

Now, with three grown children, giving back to the organization that has given me so much has become more important than ever. That’s why I’ve provided in my will for those organizations like ABVI-Goodwill who’ve given me so much personal satisfaction—in a way that will provide for them and the people they serve in the future. Creating a legacy is truly a gift—a gift of immeasurable value anyone can afford to give.”

 

To learn more about a bequest or planned gift designed to fit your unique circumstances, please contact: Tracy L. Schleyer, CFRE, Director of Development, at (585) 697-5780, or by e-mail at tschleyer@abvi-goodwill.com.

______________________________________________________________________

 

Children’s Programming and Services …

Sizzlin’ Summer for Children’s Vision

 

If your child is between the ages of 8 and 21, we want to give you a preview of what ABVI-Goodwill has to offer this summer!

 

Summer Sizzle

 

Back for its third summer, Summer Sizzle will take place Monday, August 18 through Friday, August 22, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at ABVI-Goodwill. This year’s program focuses on children between the ages of 8 and 14 and is aimed at teaching children life skills, socialization, and mobility in a fun atmosphere.

 

In addition to a trip to Camp Abilities at SUNY Brockport, we will venture out to Strong Museum where the children can participate in the interactive exhibits, order their own lunch, and learn exciting new things. We will also put a strong focus on computer technology and teaching children how to instant message friends to foster socialization, to safely surf the Net, and other computer skills that will allow them to do things just like their friends. Our goal is to teach children how to interact with and feel comfortable doing everything their sighted peers do.

 

Applications will be available in mid-June for this year’s program. If you would like to register your child or want more information, contact Sarah Favro, Children’s Specialist, at (585) 697-5746.

 

Career Vision

 

After last year’s successful program, Career Vision is back for youth ages 14 to 21. Our program’s theme of  “assertiveness” is aimed at helping young adults learn how to become advocates for themselves and know when and how to ask for help. The program runs on Wednesdays from July 9 to August 13, 9:00 am to 2:00 p.m.

 

Some of the activities for this session will include a trip to the Greater Rochester International Airport, assertiveness and decision-making training, and a Red Wings game. These activities are designed to help youth feel comfortable in public settings and to prepare for their future. In addition, for those who are eligible, we offer assistance in finding temporary summer employment.

 

For more information, call Christina Bakewicz at (585) 697-5756. Join us as we plan for careers, the future, and independence.

______________________________________________________________________

 

Kudos Corner …

 

A Bittersweet Experience

 

By Kimberly Lawrence

 

Many people take a routine eye exam for granted these days. This is not the case for Dennis and Francine Migliore. I met the Migliores in March of 2002 at St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center. Both Francine and Dennis have visual conditions that they cannot afford to treat. Project Eye Care was able to help the Migliores see more clearly.

 

Francine has had macular degeneration for about ten years and had never seen a retinal specialist. Project Eye Care provided Francine with a routine eye exam and a voucher for a pair of free glasses. In addition, she went to see Dr. William Chang, a retinal specialist, who agreed to see her for free.

 

Dennis has Retinitis Pigmentosa and dense cataracts in both eyes. His cataracts were bad enough that a pair of glasses could not help. We referred him to Omar Hanuch, MD, at Park & Siebold Eye Care, who also agreed to see him free of charge. It was then that Dennis was told he needed cataract surgery in both eyes.

 

Dennis works as a service station attendant and does not have health benefits. Francine works at Wal-Mart but cannot afford the health benefits they offer. They applied for Medicaid, hoping it would help with the cataract surgery. Unfortunately, they didn’t qualify because they made too much money. Subsequently, Dr. Hanuch agreed to perform the cataract surgery for free. Dennis couldn’t believe his luck and exclaimed, “I am actually going to be able to see again!”