by Carly Eden Stokes | Mar 2, 2025 | Blog, Feature, News, Press Releases
Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey celebrated the grand opening of its new Morris Plains location with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Feb. 27, welcoming community leaders, supporters and participants to experience the vibrant, accessible space designed to empower people with vision loss.
“This beautiful new home will allow for the continued development of exciting programs that foster our mission of helping each individual live an independent and fulfilling life,” VLANJ President and CEO Bill Schuldt told the nearly 30 guests. New Jersey Sen. Anthony M. Bucco and VLANJ Board of Trustees President Carl Augusto cut the ribbon, and Morris Plains Council President Sal Cortese presented VLANJ with the keys to the town, nicknamed “The Community of Caring.”
“We are honored that representatives from across the community took the time to join us in recognizing the important endeavor of improving services for people who live with vision loss,” said Jennifer Singer, VLANJ Vice President for Development and Communications.
Among the guests were New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired Executive Director Bernice M. Davis, Morris County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Meghan Hunscher, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill staff member Megan Waters, Morris Plains Police Chief Michael Koroski, and five VLANJ trustees.
A Space for Growth and Community
The 6,600-square-foot center, built to meet the growing needs of people with vision loss, buzzed with activity as guests peeked in on a cooking class, watched participants at work in the art studio, and listened to the rhythmic beats of a drumming session.
“I’ve always loved the energy and passion that VLANJ brings to the blind community,” Davis said. She praised the facility’s thoughtful design, noting, “it’s bright, and the dark purple doors provide good contrast.” She also admired the NaviLens system, which uses smart-device-detectable QR codes to aid navigation.
Morris Plains Council Member Nancy Verga shared a personal connection to VLANJ, recalling her grandmother’s time in the program when it was the New Jersey Foundation for the Blind. “When she lost her sight, it was so important to her to be able to continue to cook and make beds and keep house,” Verga said. “She was able to maintain her independence.”
Bill Schuldt gives a tour of VLANJ’s new Morris Plains location.
VLANJ, one of New Jersey’s longest-serving nonprofits for adults with vision loss or blindness, operated in Denville for 70 years before relocating. The new space allows VLANJ to accommodate a 90% increase in in-person enrollment since 2019 and meet the rising demand for programs that empower individuals with vision loss, Schuldt said. Vision impairment in New Jersey is increasing 2-3% annually due to an aging population.
“VLANJ’s new home is exclusively ours, designed specifically to meet the needs of people with vision loss or blindness,” added Vice President of Programs Elsa Zavoda. The facility features an art and pottery studio, a yoga and fitness room, a training kitchen, and dedicated spaces for technology classes, support groups, and self-advocacy programs.
Longtime VLANJ participant Ursula Rucki was impressed. “It’s nice and bright, and the setup is good,” she said. “People are excited to be in a new place.”
Honoring VLANJ’s Legacy
Black-framed photos along the new facility’s hallways highlight the nonprofit’s progression over the decades. VLANJ’s roots date back to 1943 in Newark, where adults with vision loss formed a social club to support each other and challenge societal biases. By 1955, the organization moved to Denville as New Jersey Foundation for the Blind and launched a summer camp for blind women.
VLANJ expanded from life-skills training to wellness programs and technology education. Adopting its current name in 2016, VLANJ added low vision occupational therapy. During the pandemic, it successfully transitioned to virtual programming, which remains a valuable resource for those who are homebound.
Black-framed photos along the new facility’s hallways highlight VLANJ’s progression over the decades.
Today, VLANJ continues to innovate and expand its reach:
• In-person participants grew from 74 in 2019 to 141 in 2024, with an additional 159 individuals engaged in virtual programs.
• Education and community programs reached 880 people through 40 presentations in 2024.
• The VLANJ@Home program, launched in September 2023, had provided in-home low vision occupational therapy to 36 individuals by January 2025.
VLANJ offers in-center programs Monday through Thursday, including independent living skills, assistive technology, home safety, adaptive cooking, orientation and mobility, and self-advocacy. It also provides virtual education and support groups, in-home low vision occupational therapy, and real-world excursions to help participants navigate their surroundings with confidence.
“VLANJ offers classes that say to me, you are more than your physical challenges,” said Liz Edwards, a participant and self-advocacy group facilitator. “It reignites the fire and the fight within me.”
New and Expanded Services in 2025
VLANJ will collaborate with the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired to host three in-person events connecting participants through intergenerational mentorship. The nonprofit recently hired a full-time technology coordinator to offer more group and one-on-one coaching. With a third orientation and mobility specialist, VLANJ will expand center-based training and real-world outings to help participants gain confidence in navigating their environments. This spring, VLANJ is also launching a creative writing and poetry class focused on self-expression.
Support VLANJ at ‘Visions of Spring’
VLANJ’s biggest fundraiser of the year, “Visions of Spring – An Evening of Music and Inspiration,” will bring supporters together for a night of celebration and impact. The event, set for April 24 at The Mansion at Mountain Lakes, will help sustain VLANJ’s vital programs. For tickets and sponsorship options, click here. Questions? Contact Jennifer Singer at jsinger@vlanj.org or (973) 627-0055, ext. 2.
by Pat Austin | Jan 29, 2025 | Events, Feature, News
Spring is a time of new beginnings, hope, and possibilities. At Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey, we experience new beginnings every day as we provide the support and training needed to begin building rich and fulfilling lives with vision loss.
Please join us for our premier fundraising event:
Visions of Spring – An Evening of Music and Inspiration
With a memorable performance by The Filomen M. D’Agostino Greenberg Music School.
A school which empowers individuals of all ages to pursue their interest and study of music, while addressing the challenges posed by vision loss.
The Mansion at Mountain Lakes April 24, 2025 6:30-9:30 3 Hour Cocktail Reception and Silent Auction
For tickets and tables or to become a sponsor, click here. For a listing of sponsorship details, please click here. For any questions, please reach out to Jennifer Singer, Vice President of Development at 973.627.0055. Jsinger@vlanj.org
by Pat Austin | Nov 19, 2024 | Blog, Feature, News
An image of the front side of VLANJ’s annual appeal card is featured. It contains the text outlined below in addition to a headshot of Trisha Ebel in the top left corner. To the right is an animation of a woman with flowing hair standing outside with her back to us. She is wearing a blue skirt whipped by the wind with white flowers on the bottom.
Throughout our 81-year history, Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey has been a leader in delivering innovative programs and services for individuals with vision loss. What began as a summer residential camp for women with vision loss has grown into an organization offering unique, state-of-the-art programs that continue to empower and transform lives.
Trisha’s Story
Trisha Ebel, VLANJ’s Outreach Specialist, shares her story below:
It was a Monday evening and Mom was heating up gravy on the stove. It was leftovers – boy how I loved her cooking!
I was nine years old, watching The Brady Bunch on TV, when suddenly I felt the need to cover my right eye with my hand. I realized I couldn’t see out of my left! I told my mom and she put her hand over her heart and gasped for air – something was terribly wrong.
Cataracts in my left eye led to Glaucoma at ten years old. And within a year, my right eye had cataracts as well.
I had seven surgeries to remove the cataracts and stabilize Glaucoma and high pressure. I was so frightened in the hospital – these memories have stayed with me, making me feel unsafe.
I got through middle and high school, until senior year when I was unable to read regular size print. Nobody wanted to hang out with me. I was put down. I was called names. I became isolated and thought all was lost.
Later, I studied to be a travel agent but lost every job due to my vision loss. I felt defeated. My feeling of unworthiness was getting worse.
In 2006, a whole new world opened up for me when I found VLANJ and began classes. Being part of peer support, Orientation and Mobility, JAWS Technology, cooking, and advocacy helped me overcome my fears and ultimately, accept my vision loss.
Upon completing my programs, I felt a sense of total freedom, independence, and dignity. I was wearing a blue denim skirt with white flowers along the bottom. The skirt flared out and up when I spun around. I thought to myself, “The flowers feel like they are dancing!” I raised my arms and smiled.
Since that day, my smile has never left my face. I learned – vision does not affect how you feel!
Today, I have limited sight in my right eye, so I wear glasses to define objects in the right eye and balance the left. Cloudy days are the best days with no sun or glare. I can still struggle, but my life is full!
An image of the back side of VLANJ’s annual appeal card is featured. It contains the text outlined above and below in addition to an animation of a child in a red sweater and a blue skirt seated on the floor watching television in the top left corner. To the right, on the bottom, is an image of white daisies.
Support VLANJ
Vision loss is devastating and services for adults are limited. For over 80 years, VLANJ has empowered people with vision loss or blindness by providing support, education, and training in
independent living skills and assistive technology.
Your gift will continue to grow programs and services here at VLANJ.
To support our annual appeal, please use this link to visit our donate page.
Thank you for supporting Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey.
by Pat Austin | Nov 18, 2024 | Events, Feature, News
We are thrilled to share exciting news—Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey has moved to a new location! Our new home at 201 Littleton Road, Suite 150, Morris Plains, NJ 07950 marks a significant milestone in our journey of growth and commitment to serving individuals with low vision and blindness.
This milestone wouldn’t have been possible without your incredible support. Our expanded space allows us to enhance our programs, foster deeper connections, and deliver an even more enriching experience for our program participants.
Our new location is also perfectly suited for our growing team and the vibrant community we proudly serve. In short, it’s a place where our mission to empower individuals with low vision and blindness truly comes to life.
We warmly invite you to visit and witness firsthand the lasting impact your contributions are making.
To schedule a visit or learn more, please contact Jennifer Singer, VP of Development, at Jsinger@vlanj.org or (973) 627-0055, Ext. 2.
Thank you for being a vital part of VLANJ’s journey. Together, we’re continuing to empower individuals with low vision and blindness.
by Pat Austin | Oct 18, 2024 | Blog, Events, Feature, News
Thanks to you, we exceeded our goal of raising $10,000 for our 2024 Day of Giving to support vital mental health initiatives!
We had such an incredible celebration with our wonderful program participants, our dedicated VLANJ team members, and a special meditation session led by the amazing Diane Lang.
We are so grateful for all the support. Together, we can continue to uplift, support, and empower those living with blindness and low vision.
A huge thank you again to everyone who helped us reach our goal!
We look forward to all that next year has in store – stay tuned for next year’s celebration!
Participants of VLANJ’s 2024 Day of Giving event are seated around a table, smiling, and enjoying a meal together.
Participants wave and smile warmly at the camera.
Diane Lang presents a meditation session to an attentive group of participants.
VLANJ staff standing in front of a mural, celebrating the successful event.
Did you miss our Day of Giving? You can still donate and make an impact. Thank you!
