5th Annual VLANJ Day of Giving

Save the Date! The 5th Annual VLANJ Day of Giving will begin on Thursday, October 8th and continue until Friday, October 9th! Our goal is to raise $10,000 in 1 day, 9 hours, and 43 minutes – in honor of our founding year of 1943.

Save the Date! The 5th Annual VLANJ Day of Giving will begin on Thursday, October 8th and continue until Friday, October 9th!

Our goal is to raise $10,000 in 1 day, 9 hours, and 43 minutes – in honor of our founding year of 1943.

The VLANJ Day of Giving brings our community of program participants, alumni, staff, and friends together in support of our mental health initiative and history of providing services to people with vision loss.

Our Goal: Our goal of raising $10,000 honors our home and history where our program participants have spent time together learning skills to lead an independent life and where generations of alumni, families, friends, and staff have helped to shape VLANJ.

Our History: It all began in 1943, when a group of individuals met to address societal bias against people who, like themselves, were blind or had vision loss. They formed the New Jersey Association for the Blind and started the state’s first summer residential
camp program for women in Denville, NJ. The founders focused on women’s needs because they had fewer options for leading an independent life at that time. Under the name NJ Foundation for the Blind, the summer camp expanded its offerings to provide
life-skills training to help those with vision loss live more independent lives. Over time, it became evident that providing tools to promote independence was key to helping individuals with vision loss. VLANJ recognized this growing need and expanded its
mission to focusing on teaching basic and essential life skills, as well as providing health and wellness activities year-round for both men and women. Currently, VLANJ offers a full continuum of center based, community based and virtual classes.

VLANJ’s Mental Health Programs:
*In the United States, adults with vision loss are 2-3 times more likely to experience depression compared to those with no vision loss.
*Individuals with vision loss experience a higher prevalence of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.

*Numerous studies have shown that people are more afraid of losing their vision than cancer, stroke, heart disease, loss of hearing, memory, speech, loss of a limb, or even premature death.
*At VLANJ, we know that metal health conditions are on the rise. Our mental health programs address this issue in a variety of our programs.

Honor: Make your donation in honor of or in memory of a person with vision loss or a person who has provided services to help people with vision loss.

Can’t wait until October 8th? You can make your Day of Giving gift today and help support our mental health programs.

Donate

Visions of Spring 2026—An Evening of Music and Inspiration

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 as we celebrate 83 years with a celebration of music, cocktails, and dinner.

The Mansion at Mountain Lakes April 16, 2026, 6:00-9:00PM 

With a memorable performance by Bryan Woolbert.

Bryan is a fully independent pianist, vocalist, songwriter, producer, and live sound engineer from Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. Legally blind from birth, Woolbert uses his God-given gifts of perfect pitch and Chromesthesia to comprehend and compose music completely by ear. He has been performing music for nearly 20 years in many genres and styles, ranging from classic pop/rock to contemporary, from Christian praise & worship to new age, country, jazz, soundtrack, and much more.

Annual Appeal - Elisha's Story

The cover of Elisha's Annual Appeal card
Image of Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey’s Annual Appeal card. The left side features Elisha’s quote about living with limited sight and advocating for awareness and accessibility. A small portrait of Elisha appears above the text. The right side shows an artistic watercolor of a serene woman with eyes closed, surrounded by flowing blue and green tones, with the words “Finding Joy in the Beat.”

Elisha's Story

Thirty years young, with a bright future ahead. If only I had known how quickly the light would dim.

It was May 2017. I was working two jobs, one as a dietary aid and the other as a bus driver. I had full vision, independence, and momentum. But everything changed in a single moment. After finishing my bus route on a beautiful spring afternoon, I noticed a gray spot in my right eye. I rubbed it, certain it would vanish, but it didn't.

Concerned, I saw my eye doctor. Blood filled my eyes from hemorrhaging vessels. A specialist ordered emergency laser procedures. Then came the words that stopped me: "You could go blind."

How would I survive in a sighted world? Will I still be me? After six laser surgeries and four additional procedures, including bubble insertions for retinal detachments, doctors traced my vision loss to silently progressing diabetes. With the medical storm behind me, I knew it was time to begin healing emotionally.

Annual Appeal: Elisha's Story
Image of the back side of Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey’s Annual Appeal card. The text shares Elisha’s personal story of sudden vision loss, her emotional recovery, and how joining VLANJ’s virtual and in-person classes helped her rebuild confidence. The page features watercolor art of an eye surrounded by green and blue hues, with the words “I began to reclaim my voice.” written in a blue box.

I began to reclaim my voice

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I was introduced to Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey (VLANJ). I began by participating in their virtual classes, which provided vital support and connection during a challenging time. In Spring 2022, I transitioned to in-person sessions, deepening my engagement and benefiting from the hands-on experience and community atmosphere.

Two classes transformed my life in ways I never expected: Self-Advocacy and Drumming.

Self-Advocacy opened a door I hadn't known existed. It allowed me to explore my vision loss beyond the surface, peeling back layers of fear and uncertainty. With Liz's guidance, I began to reclaim my voice and rebuild my confidence­one honest conversation at a time.

VLANJ empowered me!

Drumming was intimidating at first. I struggled to find the rhythm and frustration came easily. But the moment I released my grip on perfectionism, something shifted. I found joy in the beat, and the drum became more than an instrument-it became my sanctuary.

VLANJ pulled me out of my comfort zone, empowered me to advocate for myself, and reminded me that I am not alone. The staff at VLANJ have never placed limits on me. Even as I navigate life with vision loss, they've consistently empowered me to pursue my goals with confidence. Their unwavering support has transformed challenges into opportunities. Without VLANJ, I wouldn't have the sense of purpose and excitement that keeps me moving forward.

Today, my vision is minimal-blurry and limited at night. Daylight is my best friend. I'm stable now, but navigating stairs and transitioning from light to dark remains challenging. I recently received my seeing eye dog, Mariah, who has given me the confidence to leave my home at night and the freedom to reclaim my independence.

Vision loss has taught me resilience and revealed a world I never truly saw before.

So, am I still me?

Yes. I am unique. I am confident. I am a survivor. And I am on a new journey-one filled with purpose, courage, and kindness in blindness.

Support VLANJ

Vision loss is devastating and services for adults are limited. For over 82 years, VLANJ has empowered people with vision loss or blindness by providing support, education, and training in independent living skills and assistive technology.

To support our annual appeal, please use this link to visit our donate page, or use the envelope enclosed. Your gift will continue to grow programs and services at VLANJ.

Thank you for supporting Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey.

2024 Annual Report

VLANJ proudly presents our Annual Report for 2024.

Annual Report 2024

VLANJ Celebrates Growth and Impact at Visions of Spring Fundraiser

Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey celebrated spring and the nonprofit’s own renewal — marked by a move to Morris Plains after 70 years in Denville— at its biggest fundraiser of the year on April 24.

“Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey is a growing and thriving organization,” VLANJ President and CEO Bill Schuldt told the 100 supporters, participants and volunteers who gathered at The Mansion at Mountain Lakes.

VLANJ’s move to Morris Plains in February “has been a spring-like transformation,” said Schuldt, noting the new space was designed specifically to accommodate needs of individuals with vision loss or blindness. “It will enhance the programs we offer and allow us to continue to grow and expand,” he said.

Kelly Bleach is presented the Founder's Award by Jennifer Singer, Vice President, Development and Communications.

Kelly Bleach is presented the Founder's Award by Jennifer Singer, Vice President, Development and Communications.

VLANJ honored Trustee Kelly Bleach with its Founder’s Award for her longtime advocacy. Bleach earned a doctorate in leadership and change, her research focused on practices for leveraging technology to advance inclusion of people with disabilities. She worked nearly 30 years with the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) in leadership roles.

“Having worked in the field for a long time, I recognize the importance of offering really high-quality services for people with vision loss,” Bleach said. “Whether it’s learning to cross the street safely, or reading a newspaper with a smartphone app, or joining a support group, the VLANJ programs can really make the difference between feeling fear and isolation versus confidence and belonging.”

Bill Schuldt and Senator Bucco are featured.

Bill Schuldt and Senator Bucco are featured.

Sen. Anthony M. Bucco and Alexandra Cerasiello from Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill’s office each presented Bleach with a resolution for her commitment to helping people with vision loss. Bucco called VLANJ “a tremendous organization. What you do for those who are visually impaired cannot be matched.”

‘You Will Never See Again’

Guests listened intently as VLANJ participant Antonio Horta described how he lost his vision in March 2020 after contracting the coronavirus. He paused several times in the telling to wipe tears from his eyes. When he woke in the hospital, he found himself in complete darkness. He tore at imagined bandages over his eyes. “I tried fighting something invisible,” he said.

Following a battery of tests, the head neurologist broke the news to him: “you will never see again.” The virus had caused brain inflammation that irreversibly damaged the occipital lobes responsible for visual perception.

Speaker Antonio is featured with his wife, Consuelo.

Speaker Antonio is featured with his wife, Consuelo.

The married father of two found out about VLANJ through a local support group. At VLANJ, he learned to prepare simple meals in the kitchen, and then to use the accessibility features on his iPhone. The staff, he said, is very dedicated and very patient. “They give all the time in the world to help us gain our independence back.”

Schuldt surprised Board of Trustees Chair Carl Augusto, whose 9-year-term ends in May, by announcing that the new VLANJ board room would be named in his honor. Augusto led the AFB for 25 years before retiring in 2016. “He brought that gravitas, expertise and national recognition to VLANJ,” Schuldt said. “Thanks to Carl's leadership we are serving more people in more parts of New Jersey than ever before.”

Founded in 1943, VLANJ offers in-center programs in 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.

Carl Augusto, Board Chair and Bill Schuldt, VLANJ President and CEO are featured.

Carl Augusto, Board Chair and Bill Schuldt, VLANJ President and CEO are featured.

Expanding Reach

Enrollment in VLANJ’s in-person programs grew 90 percent between 2019 and 2024, increasing from 74 to 141 participants. An additional 159 individuals took part in virtual programs. In 2024 alone, VLANJ reached 949 people through 40 educational and community presentations.

The VLANJ@Home program recently expanded its services area and now provides in-home low vision occupational therapy in Morris, Passaic, Bergen, and Hudson counties, and select sections of Middlesex and Monmouth counties.

During the event, “Visions of Spring,” guests enjoyed performances by visually impaired students from the renowned Filomen M. D’Agostino Greenberg Music School in New York City and bid on numerous items and experiences in the silent auction.

Thank you to our sponsors and supporters:

Donations to VLANJ are greatly appreciated, and can be made using this link: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E292070&id=1

Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey Moves to Morris Plains, Enhancing Accessibility and Expanding Programs

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.

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 Morris Plains facility’s hallways highlight VLANJ's progression over the decades.

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.

Annual Appeal - Trisha's Story

 

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.

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.

Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey Relocates to Morris Plains

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.

VLANJ launches the @Home program

This program brings the convenience of Low Vision Occupational Therapy services to a person’s home. This program focuses on addressing safety and independence in completing daily living activities and the Occupational Therapist can provide timely, specific individualized recommendations in strategies to adjust lighting, enhance contrast, improve household organization, and reduce the risk of falls and self-injury in the home.

Click here for more information.