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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

Integrated Project Management
Modera Wealth Management
Lee & Associates
The Bleach Sisters
The McCann Family Foundation
Commplus
Dyer Landscaping
Dex Imaging
Mutual of America
NJM Insurance Group
New Jersey Natural Gas
McIntee Fusaro Del Corral, LLC
Norman Dean Home for Services, Inc.

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.

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.

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.

The "Vision" Of Life's Possibilities

VLANJ's 2022 Annual Appeal letter (excerpt)

Who Is Lisette?

Lisette is a vibrant artist, mother, wife, and teacher. She loves her life. She is also functionally blind.

Becoming a mother had always been her plan. But the unthinkable cannot be planned. Complications during Lisette’s pregnancy with twins led to a stroke and significant vision loss. Brokenhearted, she thought, “Will I be able to care for my children without my sight?” To add to her pain, Lisette was now also an artist without sight. Feeling hopeless, she put down her brushes for twelve years.

Lisette’s return to art

Twelve years ago at VLANJ, Lisette sits before a blank canvas, crying. With gentle encouragement from the art therapist, she tentatively makes a few strokes. The therapist outlines the strokes with an epoxy glue gun, creating a 3-D surface. Lisette, feeling the outline, starts to fill the spaces with color and texture, creating her first painting.

Fast forward to today, Thursday morning art classes at VLANJ with Lisette now the teacher. She encourages the group to explore colors by linking them to senses of taste and smell. Like the color purple... plums are purple. How does a plum smell, taste, and feel? Sweet, sticky? Purple is now sweet and sticky!

They proceed to create beautiful works of art!

“With vision loss, art is seen with the mind’s eye and then expressed through color and texture.”

What Is Art?

Art is paint, textures, colors. Images that can be felt, touched, and seen...

A story of life and loss. A rebirth of mother and artist. For Lisette, the journey was not easy - but she will be the first to tell you, that along with the tools and skills she gained at VLANJ, came the confidence and motivation to live the life she always dreamed of.

“Be my friend,” Lisette invites her students, “and we will create together.”

Vision loss is devastating, and services for adults are limited. For almost 80 years, VLANJ has empowered people with vision loss or blindness by providing support, education, and training in independent living skills and assistive technology. Here, thousands have been given the “vision” of life’s possibilities.

To support our Annual Appeal, please visit our donate page: click here.

Your gift will continue to grow programs and services at VLANJ. Thank you!

Honoring Claudia Schreiber - Giving Tuesday 2022

For Giving Tuesday this year, we honored Claudia Schreiber, a former VLANJ program participant, advocate, and Board of Trustee. Claudia lost her vision completely in 2005, and diligently figured out ways to adapt. At the time, she was in her mid-40s and had two children in elementary school. When Claudia learned about Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey (then called New Jersey Foundation for the Blind) 11 years ago, she had her driver take her the 50-plus miles from her home in Marlboro Township to the program in Denville. “At first it was strange. I’d never met a blind person before,” she said. Claudia explained: “I’d always tried to pass as a sighted person because I was ashamed of being blind.”

Claudia began attending VLANJ weekly, learning skills to reclaim her independence and rekindling her passion for art. The first pieces she created were self-portraits with clay. Her VLANJ instructor “gave me the courage to get back into my life,” said Claudia, who’d earned a degree in art and sociology from New York University in 1982. “I fell in love with this organization.”

Claudia devoted her time to empowering others who lost their sight, and was dedicated to lightening the burden of others. Claudia died May 26, 2021 from colon cancer at age 61, leaving behind dear family and friends, and a legacy that will fortify VLANJ programs for years to come. Days before her death, she established The Claudia Schreiber Program Fund. She asked that friends and loved ones continue to contribute to the VLANJ fund in her memory.

For Giving Tuesday 2022, we supported Claudia’s fund and honored her legacy.

VLANJ On CBS News!

Thank you to CBS News and journalist Elise Preston for featuring VLANJ in honor of Blindness Awareness Month. As our President and CEO Bill Schuldt noted, “Too often people who are blind or have low vision tend to be isolated, and we want to make sure they’re part of a community and they’re getting the skills they need.”

For more information on in-person and/or virtual programs, resources, and/or support for those living with blindness or low vision, reach out to our Program Director, Linda Groszew, at (973) 627-0055, prompt 4, and Linda will assist you.

Read the full article and watch the full news segment here: https://www.newson6.com/story/63601f1ab0fd28070981d424/october-is-blind-awareness-month?bblinkid=264323330&bbemailid=43374872&bbejrid=-1800005131

VLANJ's Mission & Programs As Shown at Dining in the Dark 2022

Dining in the Dark 2022 was a truly immersive event through a world of smell, taste, and sound - a unique sensory experience like no other - in support of raising funds for our programs. The evening featured a cocktail hour, silent auction, dinner in the dark, and entertainment. Attendees also heard incredible words by VLANJ's President& CEO, William Schuldt, VLANJ Board Member, Ming Wu, the Saddle River Valley Lions Club, VLANJ program participant and creator of The Blind Vine, Debbie Azzarone, and VLANJ Board Chair, Carl R. Augusto.

Once again, to all who helped support this event and make it possible - and to those who continue to support Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey - THANK YOU! Please enjoy a video below highlighting VLANJ's mission and programs that was shown to attendees at Dining in the Dark 2022.

Dining in the Dark 2022 - One of VLANJ's Best Events Yet!

On Wednesday, October 26, 2022, we held our main fundraising event of the year, Dining in the Dark - and the support we received was truly wonderful.

Two attendees enjoy Dining in the Dark. One individual wears learning shades.

Dining in the Dark was an immersive event through a world of smell, taste, and sound, offering attendees a unique sensory experience like no other. The evening helped us raise funds for our programs here at VLANJ, and featured a cocktail hour, silent auction, dinner in the dark, and entertainment. It also included incredible words by VLANJ Board Member Ming Wu, the Saddle River Valley Lions Club, and VLANJ program participant and creator of The Blind Vine, Debbie Azzarone.

VLANJ Program Director Linda Groszew and Program Participant and author of the Blind Vine, Debbie Azzarone, speak at Dining in the Dark.

We couldn't be more grateful to each of our sponsors and donors, and to those who continue to support Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey - THANK YOU!

Thank you to our sponsors:

Williams Jones Wealth Management

The Church of the Saviour, Denville, NJ

Mary Ann and Brian Zino

New Jersey Natural Gas

Advanced Center NJ

Norman Dean Home For Services, Inc.

DCM Associates

General Vision Services

Thatcher McGhee's

Assemblyman Thomas P. Giblin

Modera Wealth Management

Dyer Landscaping & Lawn Care

Board Member Sponsors Lyndsey Lord, Kelly and Kevin Bleach, Carl and Sue Augusto, Carol and Jake Ray, and Dora T. Meler.

VLANJ Board Member Ming Wu speaks at Dining in the Dark.

The VLANJ Silent Auction is featured.

Didn't make it to our event this year? Not to worry - follow us on social media to stay up to date on all upcoming in-person and virtual events!

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Dining in the Dark 2022 Save the Date

THIS EVENT HAS SOLD OUT!

Due to overwhelming participation, we have met our capacity and will no longer be selling tickets to this event. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Please return to the site for information and stay tuned for upcoming events.

THIS EVENT HAS SOLD OUT!

Join us on October 26, 2022, as we celebrate our fifth annual Dining In The Dark!

Enter a world of smell, taste, and sound as you experience a unique sensory experience like no other. Help us as we raise funds to support our programs. The evening will feature a cocktail hour, silent auction, dinner in the dark, entertainment, and a wine pull.

Tickets, tables (of 10 guests), and sponsorship opportunities are available via the form below, or call Jennifer Singer at 973.627.0055, prompt 2, for more information.

VLANJ's First Annual Day of Giving: A Huge Success!

We're ecstatic to say: WE DID IT!

OUR FIRST ANNUAL DAY OF GIVING WAS A HUGE SUCCESS!

VLANJ staff members pose with Dave Steele, "The Blind Poet."

For our first annual Day of Giving, our goal was to raise $7,900 celebrating 79 years of VLANJ, in 1 day, 9 hours, and 43 minutes - in honor of VLANJ's founding year of 1943. Not only did we meet that goal, but with the help of our incredible donors and individuals and brands helping to spread the word, we exceeded it!

For our first ever Day of Giving, we raised $10,200, surpassing our goal of $7,900 by a landslide! We also received 72 gifts and participation from 69 donors, 21 of whom were new donors, and 21 donations made generously by VLANJ program participants.

A graphic depicts VLANJ's incredible results from their first annual Day of Giving.

We want to say a huge, resounding "thank you" to all those who helped us spread awareness, gave a donation, and/or came to visit us in person during our 1 day, 9 hour, and 43 minute event.

For this event, support came from all over the world - literally! A huge highlight on our Day of Giving was a special in-person event featuring Dave Steele, "The Blind Poet," during which he came to speak at our Denville, NJ location (all the way from the UK!). Dave shared about his inspiring journey with vision loss, performed an amazing in-person poetry reading, and, afterwards, met with VLANJ community members. Many VLANJ program participants traveled to celebrate our Day of Giving with us in person, enjoying in-person programs, events, and of course some celebratory cake and balloons.

A white cake with purple frosting reads: "Happy 79th Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey!"

Thank you to Dave Steele, CONQUERing, WagALot Pet Shop, local Denville, NJ businesses such as Inspiration Roll, The Pasta Shop Denville, Thatcher McGhee's Denville, Bold Blind Beauty, and individuals including but not limited to Anne, Claire Sisk, Monica Pruitt, Sadi Taylor, and Katie's Vision for donating unique gifts and/or helping us to spread the word!

We are so grateful for such a generous display of kindness and support! Because of it, we are able to continue offering services, aid, and resources to those living with vision loss who need it.

We look forward to all that next year has in store - stay tuned for our 80th year celebration!

VLANJ Participants Use Canes to Navigate Morristown Streets and Businesses

MORRISTOWN, NJ (May 26, 2022) — Guide dogs are part of Morristown’s fabric, but on Monday, participants from Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey used white canes to traverse the town’s sidewalks and intersections.

An individual holds a white cane while another has a guide dog at the checkout counter of a Morristown, NJ business.

Three orientation and mobility specialists from The Seeing Eye and VLANJ’s O&M expert provided one-on-one instruction to participants on a route that included several blocks of Maple Avenue and South Street. While one group of participants received instruction, the other toured a local business, and after lunch, they swapped roles.

“It’s so important for people with vision loss and blindness to learn mobility skills and practice how to safely navigate indoor and outdoor public spaces, as well as sidewalks, and crosswalks,” VLANJ Vice President of Programs Elsa Zavoda said. “It provides them greater self-confidence to venture out in their own communities and beyond."

The O&M outing was the third in a series, generously funded by grants from the William G. and Helen C. Hoffman Foundation and the Lydia Collins deForest Charitable Trust. The O&M specialists from The Seeing Eye, including VLANJ trustee Lukas Franck, volunteered their services.

Two individuals stand at a street corner in Morristown. One holds a white cane.

Peggy Kane went out with The Seeing Eye’s Kristin Lake, who first fitted her with a global positioning system that alerted Kane to upcoming intersections. As they walked along Maple Avenue, Lake noted uneven sidewalks in places, and reviewed cane techniques. Kane knew the importance of listening to traffic flow to know when it’s safe to cross an intersection that doesn’t have a walking signal.

“I don’t travel out in the community by myself as much anymore, so it was good to have the opportunity to practice my outdoor navigation skills,” Kane said.

Franck, a senior consultant at The Seeing Eye, worked with Marvin Morgan. At the traffic light at Maple Avenue and Miller Road, Franck coached Morgan to raise his pole to signal his intention to cross before stepping into the crosswalk.

Inside Braunschweiger Jewelers on South Street, owner Gretchen Braunschweiger stood at a circular display case and took out highly textured estate pieces for the VLANJ participants to handle.

Feeling a thick gold chain, Matthew Graves said, “This feels like a glow stick.” He tapped on a thick, smooth sterling silver bangle and said,“it feels and sounds like glass!”

Two individuals stand at the counter of Braunschweiger Jewelers in Morristown. A woman greets them behind the counter.

After examining more than a dozen pieces of jewelry, the VLANJ participants showed Braunschweiger mobility techniques they learned. Mary Ann Zino demonstrated trailing, using her cupped hand to feel her way around the circular jewelry display. Nicole Klein showed her different cane techniques to move around the store.

A woman holds her guide dog in front of a counter filled with sweets at a local Morristown business.

Braunschweiger said people with vision loss often visit the store, but usually, they are with guide dogs. When they enter, “someone goes up to the front to greet them,” she said.

After lunch, the participants who did orientation and mobility training in the morning visited Blue Mercury, a makeup and skin care shop on the Morristown Green. The VLANJ participants learned about products and smelled perfumes and colognes, and demonstrated human guide technique to Blue Mercury staff. The outing ended with a visit to Kilwins Morristown for ice cream.

About Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey
Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey is a 501(c)(3) that provides practical training and emotional support to help those who have experienced profound vision loss regain self-esteem and self-reliance. Since its founding in 1943, Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey has used a holistic approach to empower those with profound vision loss to live engaged, productive and independent lives. Explore vlanj.org for more information.

VLANJ Day of Giving 2022

Save the Date! The 1st Annual VLANJ Day of Giving will begin on Thursday, June 16th and continue until Friday, June 17!

Our goal is to raise $7,900 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 mission and history of providing services to people with vision loss.

Our Goal: Our goal of raising $7,900 honors our home and our 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. On the Day of Giving, we celebrate our shared connection to this special place in Denville, NJ.

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 profound 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 in person programs in Denville and select programs in Ridgewood. VLANJ also provides virtual classes to individuals and families all over the world!

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.

Make your donation to support our annual fund and help us continue to provide services for the next 79 years and beyond!

Can't wait until June 16th? You can make your Day of Giving gift now and be counted or help us spread the word by sharing this link: https://vlanj.org/vlanjdayofgiving2022/

VLANJ Students Offer Accessibility Advice to Montclair Art Museum

Valerie Frink of Jersey City, a VLANJ participant, closely inspects a bright, colorful work by artist Jerry Pinkney, using the flashlight on her mobile phone.

MONTCLAIR, NJ (March 30, 2022) — As part of its effort to expand access for people with special needs, the Montclair Art Museum last week gave Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey participants a guided exhibit tour that featured detailed audio descriptions of artwork and multi-sensory objects to help visualize pieces.

“I liked being able to feel the object related to the artwork, and hear about the artist and materials used,” said VLANJ participant Debbie Tester, who has lost most of her sight to a degenerative eye disease. “It helped me get a picture in my head.”

The MAM tour was VLANJ’s second orientation and mobility community outing to learn and practice getting around in public spaces. The outings are generously funded by grants from the William G. and Helen C. Hoffman Foundation and the Lydia Collins deForest Charitable Trust. Two VLANJ orientation and mobility experts accompanied the group and provided training inside the museum and on its grounds.

VLANJ participants gave MAM’s program high marks. “Make it longer!” suggested Roman Dodia. Montclair State University Associate Professor Maria José Garcia Vizcaíno, who volunteers as a docent, narrated the exhibit, “Transformed: Objects Reimagined by American Artists.”

VLANJ participants view a black panther sculpture during a Montclair Art Museum tour on March 25. [MAM photo credit]

“This was wonderful,” said Francine Ford-Smith of Englewood, a VLANJ participant since 2008. “I was really able to appreciate the artwork,” Ford-Smith said. A sculpture of a black panther against a stark white background was a favorite, in part because of the strong contrast, she said.

MAM is committed to expanding access for people with special needs. It recently created the position of assistant director of Community and Access Programs, held by Celene Ryan. The museum offers virtual programs and runs in-person art classes that provide more support, with one-on-one or small-group instruction, Ryan said. New Jersey residents who receive Division of Developmental Disabilities funding can use the money to take MAM classes, she noted.

The VLANJ participants asked astute questions as they moved through the gallery, Ryan said. “They were really engaged.” They then provided feedback on the tour and MAM’s accessibility efforts in a focus group run by Montclair State University Associate Professor Elaine Gerber.

The nine VLANJ participants offered a range of useful suggestions, such as having the museum’s floor plan mapped on a GPS system like GoodMaps to help visually impaired people get around. They suggested information about artwork on plaques have a companion audio description, and that tape on the floor marking how close visitors can get to artwork be textured so people using canes can identify it.

VLANJ Vice President of Programs Elsa Zavoda demonstrated mobile phone apps that allow people with vision impairment to listen to written information about artwork. Because of the museum’s high ceilings, Zavoda recommended MAM tour guides use lapel amplifiers so visitors don’t miss narrations.

Museum Director Ira Wagner noted MAM tries to incorporate social elements into programming, inviting artists to speak. To thank VLANJ participants for their input on improving access, Wagner offered the group one-year memberships to MAM.

For more information about MAM, visit montclairartmusuem.org.

Visit vlanj.org to learn about VLANJ programs.

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About Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey

Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey is a 501(c)(3) that provides practical training and emotional support to help those who have experienced profound vision loss regain self-esteem and self-reliance. Since its founding in 1943, Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey has used a holistic approach to empower those with profound vision loss to live engaged, productive and independent lives. Go to vlanj.org for more information.

About the Montclair Art Museum

The Montclair Art Museum (MAM) boasts a renowned collection of American and Native American art that uniquely highlights art-making in the United States over the last 300 years. The Vance Wall Art Education Center encompasses the Museum’s educational efforts, including award-winning Yard School of Art studio classes, lectures and talks, family events, tours, and the mobile MAM Art Truck. MAM exhibitions and programs serve a wide public of all ages and abilities, from families and seniors to artists, educators, and scholars.

Thank You To Lydia Collins deForest Charitable Trust, Bank of America, N.A., Co-Trustee

The Lydia Collins deForest Charitable Trust, Bank of America, N.A., Co-Trustee has awarded a grant of $37,000 to Vision Loss Alliance of NJ to design and implement a hybrid model of program service delivery: in-person classes and virtual sessions via Zoom.

The approach addresses the most significant needs impacting VLANJ clients before, during, and continuing into the post-COVID-19 climate. Program participants and the community will benefit through expanded access to information and training; flexible, cost-effective services; greater diversity and geographic reach; a wider range of service options; and individualized supports and services.

Thank you to the Lydia Collins de Forest Charitable Trust, Bank of America, N.A., Co-Trustee for making these opportunities a reality for our program participants!

What’s Your Blindness?

A letter from VLANJ's CEO, William Schuldt:

What can change the ordinary to the extraordinary? What can help a person with vision loss find happiness and fulfill their dreams? With your help, Vision Loss Alliance of NJ has been doing just that for 78 years.

Ming, a wife, a mother, a writer, and a Vision Loss Alliance of NJ trustee, was born with a genetic disorder that would affect her sight and will eventually lead to total blindness. Today, she is legally blind and can only see light and shadows. While she describes her life as ordinary — I want to share with you how someone with vision loss accomplishes the extraordinary, while living that ordinary life.

You have most likely experienced a day when the demands are varied and often exhausting — with vision. Ming describes her typical morning much as yours: waking early, choosing clothes, dressing, making breakfast for the family, and getting the children ready for school. After checking that each child has her homework, snacks, water bottles, and anything else needed for the day, you take them to school. Imagine for a moment how you would get through your morning without full use of your vision, as Ming does. She will frankly say, “Parents who are blind face the same challenges as other parents, but must find different ways to address those challenges.”

As a trustee who has lived with sight loss and learned different ways of doing things, Ming highlights VLANJ’s unique approach:

• VLANJ core programs are a combination of skills-based classes and sessions that focus on mental well-being. These comprehensive services provide emotional support while covering all the basic skills that people with vision loss need to relearn. It is important to have the fundamental skills in place before moving forward, which leads to the next point.

• What sets VLANJ apart from other providers is that services do not stop at basic skills. Our range of programs, while building on basics, helps clients apply those skills to their unique lives. This is critical, because as people lose their vision, they not only want to do the basic things in life but, like everyone, they want to keep learning and enriching their lives. Ming believes that you can cultivate well-being and happiness despite losing your vision when you have the skills and supports to make that choice. For Ming, her happiness meant regaining her lost passion — ballet. She wanted to feel that joy again. After what she calls “endless procrastination,” she faced her fear of not being able to dance with her limited sight. As Ming stood in the entrance to her building clutching her cane and sending her usual message to the Uber driver to look out for her, she was full of questions. “Will I find the studio?” “Will I be able to keep up with the class?” “Will they mind that I cannot see?”

She considered each challenge. “I couldn’t see to walk or drive to the class so I ordered the Uber and told the driver I couldn’t see. He helped me. I couldn’t find the studio, so I rang the doorbell and was guided by a friendly person who occupied the first floor of the building. He helped me find the studio. I couldn’t see the teacher demonstrating, so I listened very carefully to his instructions. I was dancing!”

It was far from perfect, but for each obstacle there was a workaround. Ming explains, “I know we’d rather not need workarounds; I’d much prefer to just go to ballet class like everyone else. But it was worth the struggle, as my reward was the enjoyment of dancing and a confirmation that I could do this, even if it was hard.”

Now that Ming is dancing again, her challenge to you is this: “What is your ballet? What would fulfill your dreams and spark your passion? What is your blindness? What is holding you back? I urge you to get past the obstacles and live your dreams! The more we can find enjoyment in life without our “blindness” as the focus, the more peace we will feel. This is a journey we all can take, but it is sweeter if we have company along the way.”

Please make a gift today that will not only help those with vision loss find their passion, but may also help you to up your happiness game! You can support VLANJ here: https://vlanj.org/donations/

Yours sincerely,

William Schuldt, CEO

P.S. Your gift means that when a person loses their vision, they can access the support they need to keep living their lives. Please give your proudest gift today.

A Letter From VLANJ's President & CEO

Bill Schuldt smiles into the camera with green foliage behind him.

Dear Friend,

I am excited to be welcoming participants back to our Denville and Ridgewood locations this month, and I’m looking forward to meeting more of the VLANJ community. (It was a pleasure meeting more than two dozen people over Zoom back in May.) While our virtual programming kept staff and students connected during the pandemic, there’s nothing like gathering in person, to learn with and support one another.

In my first months as president and CEO, I find myself impressed by the drive and commitment of our staff, students, and trustees. We are busy developing plans for robust offerings going forward, a combination of in-person and online classes. This will be a work in progress, as we learn what works and strike a balance for using our current resources.

We resumed in-person Better Health and Wellness classes this month, with COVID-19 protocols in place. Rather than have all students attend on a single day, we will host two weekly sessions, with roughly half of participants attending each. Everyone will be required to wear masks. As always, our goal is to keep us all healthy.

Virtual classes have been invaluable during the pandemic, and we were proud to roll out new programs for healthy aging. We have Atlantic Health System’s Morristown Medical Center Community Health Committee to thank for the grant that funds LIFT, STRIVE, and the newest addition, ARISE, a virtual speaker series which will feature a variety of topics designed to motivate and inspire people with vision loss to achieve their best selves.

I want to acknowledge a generous — and unexpected — bequest we recently received from the estate of a VLANJ supporter. We are honored to be remembered in her will. VLANJ is so grateful to donors who contribute monthly and annually but hope more supporters will also include us in their estate planning. Over VLANJ’s 78-year history, bequests have played an important role in our funding. We are establishing a legacy society so supporters can inform us of their intended gift, allowing us to plan accordingly.

Know that VLANJ’s work of empowering people with vision loss in all aspects of life could not happen without our supporters. I look forward to getting to know more of you in the coming months. Please feel free to reach out to me by phone or email with your ideas and questions. Wishing you well.

Sincerely,

Bill Schuldt

VLANJ President and CEO

wschuldt@vlanj.org

(973) 627-0055 ext. 1333

VLANJ Trustee Claudia Schreiber Created Legacy

Claudia Schreiber devoted her life to lightening the burden of others. In death, she continues to support the visually impaired, funding programs at Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey that once helped her.

Claudia died May 26 from colon cancer at age 61, leaving behind dear family and friends, and a legsight acy that will fortify VLANJ programs for years to come.

Claudia Schreiber stands in front of tables full of people smiling, holding a white cane.

“Claudia wanted to be sure programs receive the funds, because that’s where her passions lay,” said Michelle Bookbinder, Claudia’s friend of 20 years. Days before her death, the mother of two donated $10,000 to establish The Claudia Schreiber Program Fund. She asked that friends and loved ones continue to contribute to the VLANJ fund in her memory, Bookbinder said.

The Marlboro resident was an artist and entrepreneur, as well as an advocate for the visually impaired, becoming a VLANJ trustee in 2018.

“Claudia was a very active trustee from the start, always giving wise counsel,” Board of Trustees Chair Carl Augusto said. As chair of the board’s program committee, Claudia championed strong technology programs, including the Technology Learning Lab, Augusto said. “She was admired and inspired by everyone she met,” he said.

Claudia lost her vision completely in 2005, and diligently figured out ways to adapt. The advent of the iPhone “really opened up her world,” Bookbinder said. She happily shared what she learned, teaching others with vision loss useful smartphone apps and the voiceover program that could help in their daily life. Sometimes, she simply listened to their concerns.

“She really liked helping people in a personal way,” Bookbinder added.

An autoimmune disease began affecting Claudia’s vision in her early 20s, two decades before she became blind. In 2008, she began attending VLANJ, taking a class that rekindled her passion for art. The first piece she created was a self-portrait with clay. The instructor “gave me the courage to get back into my life,” Claudia said in a 2019 interview. “I fell in love with this organization.”

For three years, Claudia ran an art program for the New Jersey Blind Citizens Association in Monmouth County, volunteering her time and donating the supplies. Claudia served as president of the nonprofit’s governing board.

Claudia taught art classes and served as a peer support facilitator for the New Jersey Commission for the Blind, overseeing four support groups. People “need to learn that life isn’t over because they’ve lost their sight,” Claudia said.

For VLANJ’s virtual Dining in the Dark event during the pandemic last fall, Claudia allowed herself to be video recorded preparing a meal of tomato basil pasta with garlic bread. She showed viewers techniques for safely chopping onion and garlic and accurately measuring ingredients. The segment was supposed to run five minutes, but Claudia was so charming, they gave her 20 minutes, Augusto said.

Claudia supported VLANJ’s mission through generous annual gifts. She also donated items for silent auctions and recruited an entourage to attend VLANJ’s fundraisers. “She was one of the most giving trustees,” Augusto said.

By donating to Claudia’s fund, supporters can help Claudia’s memory live on. To contribute, contact Jennifer Singer, vice president of development and communications, at 973-627-0055, ext. 1323 or jsinger@vlanj.org.

Tasty Recipes From The Blind Vine

Debbie Azzarone via The Blind Vine has written about how as her vision has declined, there are things she doesn't feel as comfortable cooking and baking as she used to feel.

Read on for some of The Blind Vine's tasty recipes (dessert, breakfast, even dinner!) that don't require flipping, checking for browning, and other steps that those with low vision may want to avoid.

1. Cheesecake Flavored Ambrosia

Dessert ambrosia with fruit on top sits in a bowl.

Ingredients

1 (29-ounce) can Dole fruit cocktail, drained

1 (8-ounce) can pineapple tidbits, drained

1 (11-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained

1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained and rinsed

1 (1-ounce) box cheesecake flavor Sugar-Free Jell-O pudding

8 ounces Daisy sour cream

3 cups Cool Whip

1 cup Jet-Puffed miniature marshmallows

Instructions

Drain all fruit. If fruit was packed in syrup, rinse in c old water and drain.

Combine fruit cocktail, pineapple, mandarin oranges and cherries in a large bowl. Sprinkle with cheesecake flavored pudding mix and stir to coat. Add in sour cream and Cool Whip and stir well.

Fold in marshmallows and chill for at least one hour before serving.

2. No-Flip Omelet

A no-flip omelet is featured in a skillet and cut up on plates.

Mix your eggs, and two tablespoons water, a little salt, etc. into a fry pan. Put all of the toppings in the eggs. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Top with cheese until it’s melted. Fold the omelet over. Voila! A no-flip omelet.

3. Beer Crockpot Chicken

A close-up view of seasoned crock pot chicken.

You can play around with your seasonings. These are just a suggestion. You can also use fresh chicken or use frozen breasts, and either cook on low all day or cook for five hours on high. Adjust the heat according to your time on hand.

4-6 Chicken Breasts or 1 Whole or cut up Chicken

1 Can of any kind of Beer

1/2 tsp Garlic Powder

1/2 tsp Basil

1/2 tsp Paprika

1/2 tsp Black Pepper

1/2 tsp Kosher Salt

*You can use whatever spices you like

Put all ingredients into crockpot

If frozen cook on high 4-5 hours or low 8-10

If fresh cook on high 3-4 hrs. or low 7-8 hours if fresh