Within Cincinnati’s diverse community of non-profit organizations, there is one that has been providing important services for more than 100 years to individuals who are blind or otherwise visually impaired.
The Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired was founded in 1911 and today serves more than 4,300 individuals in 11 counties each year through counseling, rehabilitation, information and employment services.
Recognized as "2011 Non-Profit of the Year" by the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, CABVI marked its centennial year with events centered on awareness, program services and community involvement.
Executive Director John Mitchell provides a glimpse into what the community can expect in 2012, including greater collaboration with community partners, an emphasis on staff and board development and a focus on technology, which is vital to those with vision loss. The organization’s commitment to community awareness continues through a variety of forums in 2012. Functioning as informational training sessions, these on-site forums are open to the community and reach out to the thousands of individuals living with vision loss. “Our goal is to break 5,000 clients served in 2012,” says Mitchell.
CABVI plans to focus on serving children and families, and educating both clients and their communities about ways in which those coping with vision loss can have the same advantages of children with sight. In addition, CABVI will focus on providing services to seniors and an aging population, serving individuals who have entered their 100th year of life.
Do Good:
• Volunteer. CABVI has more than 550 active volunteers – become one of them and help an individual coping with vision loss.
• Donate.
Log on to learn how.
• Run or Walk. Plan to take part in CABVI’s annual fundraiser in August, a 5K run/walk.
By Deidra Wiley Necco
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.