on WSRE PBS for the Gulf Coast.

Hello, everyone.

I'm Rebecca Vincent Leary, and welcome to this edition of Connecting the Community.

During this episode, we'll explore the multifaceted nonprofit organization independence for the Blind of West Florida.

Its expanse is far reaching, with programs designed to meet the emotional and practical needs of the blind and visually impaired community.

To discuss this further, I'm happy to welcome Raven Holloway, who serves as executive Director.

She's joined by Rhonda Dorfman, a Faith full board member.

Ladies, welcome to both of you.

Thank you so much for having us here.

And I love your in-sync outfits.

By the way.

It happens.

You love one another so much.

Raven, let's start with you.

We want to know the backstory on the organization.

When was it founded?

Our organization started, really in 1980 when, we were, here with, at Pensacola Junior College then.

Yes, yes.

And, we were located here on campus and, there was state and federal funding that covered it.

And we were here for 13 years until the, funding switched.

And we started our own nonprofit in 93.

Love it.

Now, the expanse is far reaching, including ten county, ten counties.

And where is the current location now?

Is there a hub, a physical location?

Our physical office, that we have is in Pensacola.

That being said, we see as many people in Escambia County as we do Bay County.

So, we have vehicles that are traveling every day to Panama City and other places to, to reach our clients throughout those ten counties.

Now, are some of these counties in Alabama are all in all in Florida, the first two counties of the Panhandle.

All right.

We love that.

Okay, Rhonda, what sparked your interest in the organization?

I see that big smile on your face.

Well, you know, I had a we had a friend who also was on the board previously, and she was recruiting me.

She said, come help us.

We need some board members to help us with some of our financial support.

And I'm always up for that challenge.

And my mother was blind.

She went blind as a teenager.

And she was blind in one eye from diabetes.

And so I know firsthand what it's like when you know your parents are handicapped or.

And then I'm also the mother of a beautiful, special needs adult child.

And I know who he is.

He's a great swimmer, by the way.

He is.

He has the medals to prove it.

I know he does.

Now, let's talk about the fact that once upon a time you were the board president.

Yes.

Yes, I was, like I said, you know, I came on board during Covid and I'm like, okay, there's nothing else to do.

So let's go ahead and lead and help out and do what we can do and help with some of the planning and the fundraising.

And, one of the things that I find the most interesting about independence for the blind is that, you know, it was hard to find certified staff.

I mean, when I came on board to learn about things that was very difficult.

But Raven's done an excellent job of finding staff members to come in and to service this ten county area because, you know, sometimes people in worked in on travel.

And then the other thing, when I found out when I started meeting our clients is that, you know, it gets lonely staying at home all the time.

And so it it really is.

And they can't drive from a slight visual impairment to being totally blind.

And so our facility brings also a social aspect to it as well.

And I think when you hear from some of our clients later on, you'll see how fulfilling that's been in their life.

And it's made a difference in how we go out and find the support that we need for this.

In this segue into the vision rehabilitation services for people with blindness and visual impairments, will you discuss some of the visual impairments?

Well, I'm going to let Raven discuss.

All right, raising money to jump in right now regarding Matt.

Sure, absolutely.

There are.

When we say visual impairments, it really ranges from being legally blind, to completely blind to where they are.

Non, some people that are legally blind are that are completely blind may still sense lights, but they can't see anything else.

And so the spectrum of visual impairments is so broad.

And being able to know that, okay, this person does well with bright lights, they can at least since contrast this person can't since anything.

And so there's just a huge spectrum there.

And one of our handouts that we have that we showed to demonstrate people, you know, oh, you don't have to be completely and totally blind.

You can have partial impairment.

And so we have a handout that demonstrates this is what your sight will look like if you have glaucoma or a cataract.

And it is a fascinating point because people want to pick that up and look through it to see, oh, this is what your sight would look like if you had one of these congenital diseases or something.

So yeah, interesting, Rhonda, because there could be viewers out there saying, well, I could really embrace these services.

I need them.

So ladies, let's talk about what a person needs to do.

Of course, we've had the website up periodically, but for someone who is interested in finding out more, they'll visit the website and what can they do next?

Is there any paperwork they need to fill out?

Absolutely.

You can either call us, you can visit the website.

There are ways to get to this.

The, we are the actual service provider, but we work with the Department of Education and the Division of Blind Services.

And with that, the application is on their website, and you can fill out that application.

We can fill out the application for you.

You can call us however you want to do it, because also, being able to use a computer if you're visually impaired might be a problem.

So, we we will gladly fill out the applications for you.

It gets processed and then, we call you and start setting up services.

And everything that we do is at no cost to our clients, right?

100%.

We love the word free.

Rhonda, I know that you do.

Yes.

You're quite the busy bee.

So you were the former board president, but let's just unpeel or unravel some of the layers in your life.

So a day in the life as a board member, what would you do?

Oh, well, we're out putting up, passing around information.

For example, tomorrow we're celebrating the, we're doing our wine cane awareness, an event in town.

And so or you'll go and and talk to groups, older folks, maybe at churches and, you know, tell them about how these services are available, because you know, that as a group where it comes on slowly but surely, and we spend a lot of time, you know, maybe soliciting for donations and everything, because it takes a lot to provide transportation for our clients, because that is one of the things that they really, really need, not just to come to see us, but to do anything we take for granted going to the grocery store or maybe going to see a doctor, or even traveling to maybe spend an evening with a friend.

You got to get someone to bring you back home.

So, you know, we like to help support them in those situations.

And so we spend our time telling people about the organization and inviting them to volunteer, because you can help by being a driver as well.

Volunteering.

Oh, Raven, I am so excited to hear that news because volunteerism is so important.

Can you expand on some other aspects of volunteerism aside from maybe driving?

Oh, absolutely.

Our, opportunities for volunteering include helping with special events, helping with our classes.

We have classes where we work with students.

We bring in, what are the.

My favorite things that we did was we brought in volunteers that were students at Pensacola High School and had them work with our older, blind clients and to help them, teach them how to use their phones, because nobody knows how to work a phone better than a teenager, you know.

That's right.

That is correct.

I tell you what, Rhonda.

So you touched on the white cane awareness.

Let's talk about the annual eyeball.

Oh, yes.

Well, it's lots of fun.

That's one thing.

We have a great performance.

We have math confusion performing for us.

And we have some pomp and circumstance.

And you'll hear from some of our clients.

There's lots of, we have some exciting auctions because people love to donate.

And we really appreciate all the businesses and the sponsors who come out to support us.

And then we have some, like I said, dancing in the evening.

And everybody just enjoy themselves and have a good time.

All for a good cause, right.

Raven?

We know we love our Blue Angels, so start that conversation.

Blue angels on the beach.

That is one of our, great fundraisers.

We do that one over the summer, and that one is where we sell tickets.

And if you and you are entered in an opportunity to win, a stay at the Hilton, on the beach, at a suite at the Hilton on the beach that will sleep ten four Blue Angels weekend, 100% donated.

We don't spend any money on it.

It's donated.

So 100% of the proceeds go to benefit independence for the blind.

Yes.

Now, Rhonda, I have to come back to you.

You shared some very interesting back stories, but you probably have people come up to you and share incidents where the organization has helped them tremendously.

Why don't you share maybe 1 or 2 of those?

Oh well, I know there are a lot.

Yes.

I'm thinking about Denise because one time, Denise, we we were getting ready to prepare for an event, and and I said, okay, I'm gonna drive you to the mall and let's go drop off information, let's do things.

And she was hysterical because she said, you may be on this board.

She says, but you need a lot of training, Miss Rhonda, she said, we all do it right.

You are not a good guide dog, let me tell you.

And so she taught me how to lead her and to guide her because there's a real method okay.

And so and and we by the end of the afternoon I don't think I was much better, but she kept training me to say no.

She goes, I can sense there's something coming.

And so that was a real eye opener because I have all my sights.

But she didn't, and it was lovely to get to know her.

And then she also shared about the loneliness, living alone, how things are for her.

And it really made us.

It's one of the reasons she started it.

Started the support group.

Yeah, which is a wonderful social opportunity for our clients.

And of course, you'll learn later from our staff that our transition students, when they get together.

One time when I took them, we, they had an art exhibit and we took them out to see this three dimensional where you were encouraged to touch the paintings.

That was out at the Hilton Hotel, out in the art gallery there.

And the the clients, the teenagers had a wonderful time getting out and about.

So it was.

And then I've heard other stories, too, like Pat coming from in town on the ferry to the beach, walking around, passed up her destination, and a kind person guided her back to it.

I love the words support.

Raven.

Let's talk a little bit about that, because there are people who encourage others, and this is one big happy family.

But from your experience regarding support, would you like to share a brief story from support?

I really wanted to tag on with from that one.

I hate to go back, but we worked with, Denise and she she lost her vision later in life, and she spent several years being home and being depressed because it's lonely, it's isolating.

And when she finally got services and was able to independently, like, navigate life like, like miss Pat as well, she now does things they can take transportation places, public transportation to get to and from where she needs to be.

And like that support she has, she has been so incredible.

We actually hired her on to help because I can't explain to you what vision loss is, but she can write and she can tell you what, how you feel.

So when we have a new client that loses their vision, she's the first one on the phone with them.

She will talk to them for hours.

There is crying.

There is laughing, and but she is there to support them because she truly understands.

And we I just to see that.

It's just incredible.

And one other thing I wanted to add, we appreciate the public transportation and the community support system.

You know, it's 350, I believe you said one way, one point, one way.

So that's $7 a week.

So if you went out twice a week with public transportation, that's, you know, almost $1,000 a year.

And so we like to help our clients and try to support them by helping them with their transportation and doing things for them so that they can get out of the house.

And like I said, having a disabled child, I know how lonely it can be for them.

So that has been one of the joys, is that we know that we can provide those.

Not only are we providing training, but we are also providing social opportunities for them as well.

Well said ladies, a lot of love, support and encouragement.

Thank you all so very much.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Now, folks, as we head to break, she recently hosted Amazing Kids Day, a free, sensory friendly event filled with fun and excitement for families impacted by autism.

We want to share these heartfelt memories with you.

Hello everyone.

During this segment, we're continuing our journey with independence for the Blind of West Florida.

It's a pleasure to welcome Amelia Jones, Director of Programs.

She's joined by independent living participant Deborah Bluebonnets and Zenobia Thomas, a transition client who's also a Pensacola State College student.

Welcome, ladies.

So good to have you in the segment.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Now, Amelia, we're going to start with you, Director of Programs.

I have a lot of ideas swimming around in my head.

But what, first of all, sparked your interest in joining the organization, being a part of it?

Well, I have a background in occupational therapy and was working as an occupational therapy assistant and saw a job posting for independence for the blind.

And there is a lot of overlap in those fields.

I had a lot of training in school with low vision techniques, and so I thought, well, that sounds interesting.

So I applied and got the job and here I am.

Some might say the rest is history.

Yeah.

Now, why is your role at the organization so important to you?

Because I really feel like, I am making a difference in people's lives, and I, I enjoy working with people and meeting a variety of people, and it is an intense need, not only in this area, just in our society in general.

And in is a very overlooked disability.

And population.

So, Amelia, I know that you and Debra are fast friends.

So Debra, I'm heading over into your world because a day in the life so independent living participant what is that?

Explain that to our viewing audience, if you will.

When, I got this, I had stag.

That's when I got this.

I was in my 40s, had lived a regular life.

It becomes simple day tasks.

As far as washing your hair, making sure that things are marked correctly or put in correct places and and events for the blind came in and taught me skills.

Organizational skills, cooking skills, shopping skills.

Millie is my angel and I. Oh, my son brought me a new phone, which she has had great patience with.

They also transitioned me into.

I was able to work and a blind job.

I was given computer skills, equipment and, yeah, they've made a large change in my life because it it is very difficult.

People look at you if you are in a normal world when you really are.

No, you are living a life that is, you know, partially not saying you can't see colors, you can't see people's faces.

And, it's a large transition, which they have made it very smooth for me and I'm forever grateful.

So how long has Amelia been helping you?

Has it been a number of years?

Yes.

Amelia has been in my life.

I've been with the society since 208.

Okay.

I started out with, Lance coming in and teaching me how to chop, and Mary coming in and teaching me organizations.

Miss Linda coming in and teaching me computer skills to transition into a job, and then Amelia coming into my life and teaching me my cane how to use.

I got to a point.

I needed my cane.

I don't always use it, but I have friends that laugh and call me.

They say, and I, Doug.

But, my phone.

New skills I need to learn each day as my eyes worsen because mine have worse and I still have my procedure, but I've totally lost my central now.

Wonderful recap.

Thank you so much.

All right.

Scenario when I heard that you are currently a Pensacola State College student, I was so happy.

I want you to take us back.

First of all, how were you introduced to the organization and what it means to you?

Well, I was introduced by my mother.

She thought it would be helpful, and she was absolutely right.

This organization means to me, it's like you are different.

You can be different in it's good to be different and you can be around people that is just like you and you don't feel like you're an outcast.

Beautifully said.

So you're also a transition client.

So explain to us a day in the life of scenario, what happens when you wake up in the morning and then as you head on to classes at PSC, take us through that?

Well, first I got to put my glasses on right then I wake up and yeah, and first of all, my glasses on.

Then I try to wake up, okay.

And then I go brush my teeth and get dressed and try to study and stuff like that and do daily affirmations like, you're beautiful, you're powerful, things like that.

And then I try to have a successful day in school.

Speaking of school, what is your program of study?

What are you interested in?

Well, I am currently majored in law.

All right.

I love that.

And how much longer do you have to.

Oh, I heard that about four years.

About four years.

But take it one day at a time.

It's rewarding though.

It really is.

And so is your overall goal to become a lawyer?

Yes, ma'am.

And I know you're going to do it.

Don't worry.

I'll be back with you in just a moment, okay?

She inspires me so much.

Me?

Oh, sure.

It's amazing.

Absolutely.

There are a bevy of programs affiliated with the organization, and I know that Deborah has already talked about adult vocation rehabilitation.

Let's talk about the older blind program.

Will you tell us what that is and its importance?

Yes.

So that is for, people who are 55 and older.

And almost always it's people who developed a vision impairment later in life.

So they were sighted, and now they've got this vision impairment that has greatly impacted their independence.

And so our goal is to get them as independent as possible.

And I know, Deborah, you talked about skills in training.

And then the fact that you have been working, Deborah, with that program alone, how how important is that, because you were able to go out and actually get a job to be in the workforce, what does that mean to you?

It was very I was always an independent woman.

I always worked, and I when I could no longer work, it was depressing.

It was because I enjoyed being around people when they transitioned me, I could work.

And as I said, I had they gave me many, many tools, things to scan, things.

I got rides from, actually friends.

I wasn't able to be around people.

It gave me my confidence back.

I didn't feel like I had totally lost everything because it is hard when you go from missing person to announcing person.

Absolutely.

Assessments in counseling.

Amelia, those two areas are so important, right?

Yes, absolutely.

So the assessment you need to know where they stand right now, like what and what they're struggling with and then how we can help them.

And that's how we find that with the assessments and the counseling.

Vision loss is a it's a grief process.

Right.

So you had this vision of yourself on what your life was going to be, and then your vision loss changes that.

And so you really have to adjust to it's there is an adjustment process.

And we we help them get through it.

Yes.

And a lot of that is through as I mentioned before, the support group is a big piece of that.

But we also provide classes at the facility where they can come in and get their training in a group process.

And I just helps them interact, you know, with others with the vision impairment.

All right.

So now you back to you.

You were such an inspiration to me.

I'm gazing over at you, and my heart is fluttering because you're just phenomenal.

So let's talk about advice to others.

Do you help mentor others as well?

Your presence is such an impactful thing.

Thank you so much.

You're welcome.

Yes, ma'am.

And it's not even with I don't just do that with anyone.

I do that with different disabilities like autism.

Every everybody deserves to have somebody to support them.

They do, they do.

And so is that yet another reason why you embrace the organization so well?

What advice would you give to maybe somebody out there viewing this program who hasn't visited the website, some encouraging words so that hopefully they would I would just say, go do it.

Take a step of faith and go do it.

That's what you need to do.

Would you like to add anything to that?

Amelia?

I think they've really it's just an issue that a lot of people don't know we exist.

It's just a lack is lack of knowledge that we're out there.

And it's I think it's amazing that our services don't cost them anything.

That's unbelievable.

Like, you know, where can you get that these days?

So, and it's just I just getting the word out is just super important.

All right.

Well, ladies, you know, I have appreciated this segment and all of you very much.

And of course, folks, I'd like to thank all of our guests for joining us.

I'm Rebecca Vincent Leary, and remember to keep it locked in right here on Sri PBS for the Gulf Coast.