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Back to How to Support Us Dear Friends, For Jerry Breite, St. Louis Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired is more than a place to turn for rehabilitation and computer training. It is where he found opportunities; an improved outlook on life, and the support of many new friends. A 72 year old retired civil engineer with macular degeneration, Jerry came in to the Society’s Low Vision Clinic last summer. While there, he decided to attend an eight week support group session and met others confronting the same emotions and challenges. As Jerry recalls, “I was becoming more withdrawn in many ways at home and in public. The group gave me insight into what others were experiencing and the open discussion format helped me open up and share with the others my experiences and frustrations. I knew they understood what I was going through.” There are many other stories much like Jerry’s. That’s not surprising. With the aging of the baby boom generation, people in our community are constantly being diagnosed with some degree of vision loss due to macular degeneration, diabetes, and other causes. There’s also the story of Linda Welch, age 63. Linda worked in interior design before a tumor began robbing her of sight. Having problems adjusting to being so dependent on her husband and others to do things for her and take her places, she attended a Society support group in spring 2005 and the Rehabilitation Therapy Cooking Classes that followed. With her creative talents and restored social nature, Linda began attending the Older Adult Recreation Group that meets twice a month at the Society and has taken numerous craft/special interest classes. Today she is also volunteering at the Society to help with large and small projects. This is what a tax-deductible gift of $25, $50, $75, $100, or other amount can do. Many people, possibly one of your neighbors, rely on the Society to provide the support they need – both emotional, and educational – to continue living full and productive lives. Since 1911, the Society has worked with thousands of men, women, and children who are struggling with the enormous challenges of being blind or visually impaired. We show them how to move safely within their homes and neighborhoods, and how to manage the tasks of daily life…all while providing much needed group support….and all without charging a cent to those in need. But the demand for our services is overwhelming and growing. Your support is critical. Please send your tax-deductible gift to St. Louis Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Together we can help more neighbors cope with the depression that so often accompanies vision loss and discover a future full of friends and possibilities. Thank You! Yours truly, David C. Ekin, ACSW, LCSW President P.S. Please join us in reaching out to the growing number of area residents who need us, showing them that life is not over if you lose your vision. If you know of someone who would benefit from our services, please call 314-968-9000 or email socserv@slsbvi.org. | |||
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