Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the George & Yvonne Alkemade Vision Health Grant through The Community Foundation of New Jersey for their generous $20,000 grant to fund VLANJ's Orientation and Mobility (O&M) program! This incredible support plays a vital role in our mission to help empower individuals with low vision and blindness. Our Orientation and Mobility (O&M) excursions provide essential skills to help participants navigate safely and independently, from learning proper techniques for street crossing to using navigation apps like Google Maps. With this funding, we can continue these offerings, ensuring our participants gain confidence in their daily lives. Interested in discovering more about our programs and services? Contact our Program Director Vicki Lowrie at (973) 627-0055, ext. #4, or email vlowrie@vlanj.org. Image description: The image features a purple background with a curved gradient design and a thin yellow border. The text reads: "Thank you to the George & Yvonne Alkemade Vision Health Grant for supporting our Orientation & Mobility Program!" in bold yellow and white font. #EmpoweringLives #OrientationAndMobility #VisionLossSupport #CommunityGrant #VLANJ

We had an amazing day in Downtown Denville for our latest Orientation and Mobility (O&M) excursion, and we were thrilled to have Mayor Tom Andes join us! Our O&M excursions are designed to empower individuals with vision loss or blindness to navigate their surroundings with confidence and independence. From crossing streets safely to using navigation apps like Google Maps, during these excursions, participants gain essential skills for everyday life. We want to extend a special thank you to the George & Yvonne Alkemade Vision Health Grant through The Community Foundation of New Jersey for making this program possible through their generous support. Interested in discovering more about our programs and services? Contact our Program Director Vicki Lowrie at (973) 627-0055, ext. #4, or email vlowrie@vlanj.org. Image description: A group of seven people stands outside the Faith & Begorra shop in Downtown Denville, smiling together. Mayor Tom Andes, second from the left in a navy blazer, joins the group. One participant holds a white cane, and another has a guide dog. The sunny day and nearby clock tower add to the cheerful atmosphere. #EmpoweringIndependence #OrientationAndMobility #VisionLossSupport #VLANJ #DenvilleCommunity #ConfidenceInMotion

Join Us for VLANJ’s upcoming Mental Health & Wellness Day! Our first event was a resounding success, and we’re back for round two on Wednesday, October 23rd. Did you know that regular yoga can help reduce stress and boost mental clarity? According to a 2024 study from Harvard Health Publishing, yoga is a powerful tool for improving both mental and physical well-being. Our upcoming Mental Health & Wellness Day will offer Energy Yoga, Sound Healing, tips on nutrition and mental health, and more. 📅 When: Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024 📍 Where: Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey, 155 Morris Ave, Denville, NJ, 07834 Space is limited—register today! This event is open to all adults with low vision and blindness. Special thanks to Atlantic Health System for their generous support! 🙏 Register now or learn more information by contacting Vicki Lowrie, VLANJ Program Director at (973) 627-0055, ext. 4, or email vlowrie@vlanj.org. Image description: A woman sits cross-legged on a yoga mat, wearing a white workout outfit, with her hands raised above her head in a yoga pose. The background is a soft gradient of purple and peach tones. The text reads: "Upcoming Mental Health & Wellness Day Wednesday, October 23rd" with the Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey logo in the corner. #MentalHealthMatters #WellnessJourney #VisionLossCommunity #yoga

We're celebrating White Cane Safety Day! 🎉 Today, we proudly recognize the achievements of individuals with low vision and blindness and celebrate the white cane as a powerful symbol of independence and self-reliance. Since 1964, White Cane Safety Day on October 15th has highlighted the importance of safety, accessibility, and inclusivity for all. Here at Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey, we’ve spent 81 years empowering those with blindness and low vision through education, support, and essential resources. We know that the white cane represents more than just mobility—it symbolizes confidence, autonomy, and resilience. Let’s honor the strength of those who rely on this vital tool and continue to work toward a world that values accessibility for everyone. Join us in celebrating the incredible accomplishments of those living with vision loss today and every day! If you would like to learn more about our programs and other resources here at VLANJ, contact us at (973) 627-0055, ext. #4, to speak with our Program Director, Vicki Lowrie, or email vlowrie@vlanj.org. We’re here to help! Image description: The text reads: "White Cane Safety Day" alongside the Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey logo. The image features a man confidently crossing the street with a white cane in hand. The background shows a tree-lined path. #WhiteCaneSafetyDay #VLANJ #IndependenceThroughEmpowerment #VisionLossSupport #InclusionMatters #AccessibilityForAll

🎉 We Did It - Thanks To You! 🎉 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! If you would like to learn more about our programs and other resources here at VLANJ, contact us at (973) 627-0055, ext. #4, to speak with our Program Director, Vicki Lowrie, or email vlowrie@vlanj.org. We’re here to help! Image description: In the first image, participants of VLANJ’s 2024 Day of Giving event are seated around a table, smiling and enjoying a meal together. In the second image, Diane Lang presents a meditation session to an attentive group of participants. In the third image, participants wave and smile warmly at the camera. The fourth picture captures VLANJ staff standing in front of a mural, celebrating the successful event. Finally, the fifth image shows Program Assistant Jen Santosuosso holding balloons next to a participant, adding a celebratory touch to the day. #VLANJ #DayOfGiving #MentalHealthInitiatives #VisionLossSupport #CommunitySupport #InclusionMatters #ThankYou #KeepGiving

🎉 The Day is Here! 🎉 VLANJ’s Annual Day of Giving has officially begun! For over 81 years, we’ve empowered individuals with low vision and blindness to live confidently and independently, and now, we need your support to make an even greater impact. Over the next 1 day, 9 hours, and 43 minutes, we’re working to raise $10,000 to support vital mental health initiatives for our community. Every donation, big or small, brings us closer to that goal. Donate now by visiting this link: https://lnkd.in/ehUzff_a . Together, we can continue uplifting, supporting, and empowering those with low vision and blindness. 💙 Donations to Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey can also be made by mailing a check to: ATTN: VP of Development of Communications, Jennifer Singer Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey 155 Morris Ave., Suite 2 Denville, NJ, 07834 For questions about donations, contact Jennifer Singer at jsinger@vlanj.org or call 973-627-0055 Ext. 2. Image/Video Description: The text reads: "It Starts Now! VLANJ’s Day of Giving, October 10th & 11th" in bold purple. The background features colorful paper cutouts of hands in various colors, each with a red heart in the palm, symbolizing giving and support. The Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey logo is placed in the bottom-right corner. #VLANJ #DayOfGiving #Accessibility #LowVision #VisionLoss #Blindness #EyeHealth #VisionCare #SocialResponsibility #SocImp #SocialGood

We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Steve and Paul from Eye Assist LLC for their generous early donation to our annual Day of Giving! All support plays a crucial role in supporting our mental health initiatives designed to help empower individuals with low vision and blindness. Our upcoming Day of Giving officially takes place on October 10th and 11th, celebrating 81 years of service. In honor of our founding year, we’ve set a goal to raise $10,000 in just 1 day, 9 hours, and 43 minutes. Every donation counts, and thanks to Eye Assist LLC’s recent contribution, we’re that much closer to our goal! If you’d like to contribute, use the Day of Giving link in our bio to make a difference today. Thank you for supporting Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey, and thanks again to Eye Assist LLC for being steadfast supporters of our mission. Interested in discovering more about our programs and services? Contact our Program Director Vicki Lowrie at (973) 627-0055, ext. #4, or email vlowrie@vlanj.org. Image description: The text reads: "Thank you to Eye Assist LLC!" The graphic shows several hands stacked on top of one another in a gesture of teamwork and unity. A stylized eye symbol appears below the text, and the Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey logo is in the top-left corner. #VLANJ #DayOfGiving #SupportLowVision #EmpowerIndependence #Accessibility #LowVision #VisionLoss #Blindness #EyeHealth #VisionCare #SocialResponsibility #SocImp #SocialGood

We’re excited to announce our upcoming “LIFT” Program—"Living Independently for Tomorrow"— on October 15! This one-day virtual program is free of charge thanks to the generosity of grant funding, and is designed to support both those experiencing vision loss and their family members and friends. We will provide simple strategies, education on helpful devices, available optical aids, and resources to help navigate life with low vision and blindness. Feel free to share this with anyone you think could benefit! 📅 Date: Tuesday, October 15, 2024 🕒 Time: 1pm - 3pm ET Register here: https://lnkd.in/dWXUq9nd We look forward to having you join us! For questions or assistance with registration, contact Vicki Lowrie, Program Director, at (973) 627-0055, ext. 4. Image description: The text reads: "Join VLANJ's Free & Virtual LIFT Program. Living Independently For Tomorrow." Below, the date and time are listed: "Tuesday, October 15, 2024, 1 PM - 3 PM EST." The Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey logo is in the bottom-right corner on a purple and orange gradient background. #VLANJ #VisionLossSupport #LIFTProgram #LivingIndependently #BlindnessAwareness #CommunitySupport #VirtualEvent

October is #BlindnessAwarenessMonth! 🌍 Did you know that at least 2.2 billion people worldwide experience low vision, and in at least 1 billion of these cases, the vision loss could have been prevented or is yet to be addressed?* At VLANJ, we believe that building a more inclusive world starts with understanding that blindness is a spectrum, and promoting accessibility and providing support and resources is key. Here’s how you can help make a difference: 1. Stay Informed: Explore vision-related topics and spread awareness. 2. Volunteer Your Time: Support organizations that assist people with low vision and blindness (like VLANJ!). 3. Give Back: Donate to programs focused on research and support. 4. Promote Inclusivity: Advocate for accessibility in your community. If you would like to learn more about our programs and other resources here at VLANJ, contact us at (973) 627-0055, ext. #4, to speak with our Program Director, Vicki Lowrie, or email vlowrie@vlanj.org. We’re here to help! Image description: The image shows two people embracing in what appears to be a public space. One person is holding a white cane, and both are smiling warmly. In the top-left corner, white text reads: "October is Blindness Awareness Month." The Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey logo is positioned in the bottom-left corner. *via World Health Organization #VLANJ #VisionLossAwareness #InclusionMatters #BlindnessAwarenessMonth #SupportAccessibility #AdvocacyForAll #LowVision

Our annual VLANJ Day of Giving returns on October 10th-11th! This year, our goal is to raise $10,000 in 1 day, 9 hours, and 43 minutes to support important mental health initiatives for those living with vision loss. Help us continue to empower those with blindness and low vision as we celebrate 81 years: https://lnkd.in/eM_m__ef For questions about donations, contact Jennifer Singer at jsinger@vlanj.org or call 973-627-0055 Ext. 2. Image/Video Description: The graphic features a warm gradient background blending orange and pink tones. The text reads, "VLANJ's Day of Giving" in bold white letters, followed by "October 10th & 11th" in bright yellow. Below, the text reads, "1 day | 9 hours | 43 minutes to support mental health!" in white and yellow font. The Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey logo is positioned in the bottom-right corner. #VLANJ #DayOfGiving #Accessibility #LowVision #VisionLoss #Blindness #EyeHealth #VisionCare #SocialResponsibility #SocImp #SocialGood