To whom it may concern, my name is Maria Bravo, and I am a mom of two girls. I knew about Beyond Blindness for approximately over a year, since a friend of mine told me that they offered a completely free program for children from 0 to 5 years old, at this school. I started going with my daughters (at that time my baby was 6 months old and my other girl was two and a half years old), and we really liked the experience, since we did different types of activities for two hours, my daughters colored, They painted, danced, sang and played. After attending this wonderful program for more than 10 months, my daughters are now part of this wonderful school.
I was moved by the dedication of the staff at the BCLC. They provide a caring, creative learning environment that allows the kids to thrive. I am forever changed by my time at BCLC.
I became a board member 25 years ago. Besides being a board member, I have played an active role as a classroom volunteer, chairman of the Program committee, and chairman of the Parent Professional Advisory Council. My focus has been in the area of Special Education, having been a 20 year teacher of special needs children in the public schools. I continue to be impressed with the caliber of love, care, and professionalism that is provided for Blind/visually impaired children and their parents. In my opinion they shoud recieve a 10 star rating
Peggy Blaising
My commitment to Blind Children's spans 4 years. I dedicate at least 10 hours a week in marketing, communications and fund development for this very worthy enterprise. The children we serve are so well served by the school in achieving some degree of independence in their lives that I am inspired to help as much as I can.
I became aquainted with Blind Children's Learning Center over ten years ago when our oldest son was diagnosed with a progressive degenerative eye disease at age 3. He doesn't have peripheral vision and can't see unless there is a high level of illumination. Mikey thrived at BCLC and still receives white cane lessons (Orientation & Mobility) and Braille instruction onsite because his school district contracts with their amazing staff to provide his services.
We have sent our 4 other sons there as 'sighted peers' and have another visually impaired child who is currently attending their Kindergarten before mainstreaming into his local public school next year.
I can not say enough about the staff. Their expertise and dedication are above anything I have ever experienced. My fellow board members are all highly qualified in their field and dedicate hours of their time and are extremely generous with their treasures, as well.
We are blessed to have Blind Children's Learning Center in our lives and I am beyond honored to be part of their exemplary board of directors.
I have been volunteering for several years and a board member at this time. I have been so impressed with the dedication of the staff to bring the best curriculum for these blind and visually impaired children. I also see the improvements that these children make in their time with BCLC. I've heard the parents and their surprise when doctors told them their child could never succeed in certain tasks such as walking, and BCLC has these children walking and excelling in many other areas of their development at an almost unbelievable time frame. It is always difficult to fund raise with a small organization but this learning center is one of the most important places a person can send their child to get a right foot hold to becoming independent. The staff spends many extra hours of their time just to be sure all of these children are getting the maximum help they need.
Review from Guidestar
I attended the 7th Annual Walk at their serene campus on May 14th, 2011. I was very moved by their alumni Cody Lee performing on stage to warm up the walk participants. I was welcomed at the entrance and learnt what they have been doing for the Blind kids. It's amazing.
I was part of the Walk team from Voip group.
Review from Guidestar