by admin | Jun 9, 2023 | Blog, Events, Feature, News
And we can’t thank you enough.
For our second annual Day of Giving, our goal was to raise $8,888 celebrating 80 years of VLANJ. Not only did we meet that goal, but with the help of our incredible donors, we exceeded it!
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 this amazing event.
We are so grateful for such a generous display of kindness and support! Because of you, we are able to continue providing support, services, and resources to those living with vision loss.
We look forward to all that next year has in store – stay tuned for next year’s celebration!
Did you miss our Day of Giving? You can still donate and make an impact. Thank you!
by admin | Aug 2, 2022 | Blog, Events, News
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 available via the form below, or call Jennifer Singer at 973.627.0055, prompt 2 for more information.
by admin | Aug 26, 2021 | Events, News
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!
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we have decided to postpone our annual Dining in the Dark event until October 2022. We will, however, be hosting a smaller more intimate event following all social distancing and safety guidelines where we can all be safe and enjoy! Proof of vaccination will not be required. Masks will be required as you enter the building and anytime you are away from your table.
Please join us on October 28, 2021, for A Four Senses Wine and Cheese Pairing. Experience a journey beyond sight!
Enter a world of taste, smell, sound, and touch as you enjoy a unique sensory experience like no other.
**Each table of four guests will receive 1 bottle of red wine, 1 bottle of white wine and a cheese platter.
**Only 60 tickets will be sold!
Please contact Jennifer Singer, VP of Development and Communications at (973) 627- 0055 ext. 1323, jsinger@vlanj.org for more information or to request a non-alcohol option.
We strive to present an enjoyable and safe event so that we may raise critical funds needed to provide services for people with vision loss or blindness. As such, the format of the event may be modified to comply with COVID-19 restrictions or mandates.
by admin | Dec 8, 2020 | Blog
Paul Caruso spent up to 90 minutes on a bus for people with disabilities to get to Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey in Denville. The ride back to his Lodi home after weekly classes consistently took an hour and a half, and often involved a transfer.
That was just fine with Caruso. “I considered it all part of the experience, being out and connecting with people,” said the 53-year-old, who has been blind since birth. “I devoted my day to it, and that began as soon as I stepped on the bus.”
Since March, when VLANJ switched to virtual programs because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Caruso has immersed himself in the nonprofit’s online classes and support groups. “It’s really good for my peace of mind,” Caruso said. “It gives structure to my days. It’s nice to feel, `I’ve got to get to get onto that meeting,’ ” he said.
Caruso is a big fan of VLANJ’s self-advocacy group, Moving Forward One Step at a Time. He volunteers as a mentor for the Apps Club, an extension of VLANJ’s iPhone and iPad technology program. He’s enrolled in a peer support group, the Fit and Balance exercise class, and Inquiring Minds, a discussion group that often features guest speakers.
Caruso recently added VLANJ’s new Technology Learning Lab to his busy schedule. He’s learning computer skills using JAWS, a screen reader. Caruso said he wants to be prepared should a job opportunity arise. “It never hurts to try to think ahead, and that’s what I am trying to do,” he said.
Caruso lost his vision to retinopathy of prematurity (previously known as retrolental fibroplasia or RLF). The disease affects some people who were born prematurely and received oxygen therapy as part of their neonatal intensive care.
Caruso attended Lodi public schools. After graduating, he operated a vendor stand at the Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex in Trenton for 22 years. Through a New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired program, Caruso didn’t pay rent, but managed his own inventory of snacks and drinks. He moved back to Lodi in 2010.
He first attended VLANJ in 2015 and enrolled in the technology program. The following year, he signed up for the all-day wellness classes. “Thursdays are awesome! It’s great getting out and connecting with people,” Caruso said.
While he enjoys the virtual programs, Caruso plans to resume his long commute to VLANJ and in-person classes when the pandemic ends. “When we go back, I will be going back!” he said.
by admin | Dec 8, 2020 | Blog
Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey this fall launched Living Independently for Tomorrow (LIFT), a virtual adaptive skills program for people adjusting to sight loss and their family members. LIFT is an online version of VLANJ’s effective in-person Essential Low Vision course, providing basic training in daily life activities.
Over four weeks, LIFT covers: cooking and kitchen safety; low-tech communications and simple solutions, including dialing a phone, medication identification and identifying bills and coins; education in lighting, contrast, optical aids, and basic assistive technologies; and an introduction to mobility and orientation by VLANJ’s mobility specialist. VLANJ also provides resources to participants.
Participants meet with VLANJ instructors over Zoom video conferencing for 90-minute sessions. They also can enroll in the nonprofit’s Beyond Sight wellness programs, such as Now and Zen Yoga and Fit and Balance. For more information, contact VLANJ Senior Program Manager Linda Groszew at lgroszew@vlanj.org.
