We are honored and privileged to support the Blind Childrens Center! We have witnessed their impact on the community and to those they serve - Keep up the GREAT work! and know that you are appreciated!
I first entered the Blind Childrens Center as a client. My son was visually handicapped and 2 years old in 1969. Ever since I have been associated with the Center and served as a Board member for several years and as a president of the Board from 2006-2008. I have seen many different schools and programs since my son graduated Blind Childrens Center - he is 45 years old now, but nothing can compare quality wise to the Blind Childrens Center. Quality of education, warmth and love the children get there is without comparison. Ina Zec
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Since 1938 the Blilnd Childrens Center has been a beacon of hope and light for the families of visually impaired children. It is a place where the sensational happens everyday. My son Igor is visually impaired. Our path through life has been arduous due to the lack of resources that public schools offered childrens like my son until we came to the place where we knew he would thrive - Blind Childrens Center, the best place at educationg children with visual impairments. The Center has developed expertise over seven decades. My son went through different programs before we found this unique place, and no other program can compare with the Blind Childrens Center. I can recommend the Center to every parent of the visually impaired child. Ina Zec
I became aware of the Blind Childrens Center over ten years ago and immediately saw the tremendous impact the Center has in the lives of the children and the families that it helps It is a privately funded charity that provides its services at no charge to the families it serves. The Center works with children from infants to 2nd graders that have various types and levels of visual impairment. The staff also works closely with each child's family, not only for the sake of the child, but also to help the parents and siblings get though what are frequently difficult times. The Center helps each child develope whatever potential is possible, hopefully opening the door to a happy and productive life.
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My first exposure to the Blind Childrens Center was at one of its fund raising events maybe ten years ago. Once I learned what the Center was about and saw first hand the tremendous work they do with visually impaired young ones and the support they provide their families, I couldn't help but get involved. Instead of allowing society to "write off" children with special challenges, the gifted and dedicated staff at the Center work tirelessly to allow each child they work with to learn and develop to whatever is his or her capablility. The results and the accomplisments of the children are extraordinary. So many go on to live happy, successful lives and do remarkable things. Regardless, anyone touched by the Center is better off for the experience.
My brother was born blind, and we moved here from Croatia shortly after his birth. We had extremely limited resources, and had the BCC not existed, there would have been no options for him or for us. To say that the BCC was a godsend for my family would be a massive understatement. We first came to the BCC more than 40 years ago, and although my brother's years at the center ended long ago, they have always been like family to us. My mother has served on their board for many, many years, and was president for a couple of those. I can honestly say that I have never met a kinder, more committed to doing good group of people than the angels who populate the BCC. I know there are so many others like us out there, who bless them every day and don't know what we would have done without them.
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The Blind Childrens Center is a miraculous place, without which I cannot imagine my life. My brother was born blind, and spent his early years at the Center, where he was surrounded by so much love and caring that it enveloped my entire family, not just him. Although that was many years ago, our attachment to the Center has continued, and, we hope and intend, will forever. My mother served as the President of the Board and is still very actively involved in many aspects of the Center. Every time I visit, I am moved beyond words by the caring, kindness and professionalism there. Talk about the little engine that could!! Although they are indeed a small organization, they have the biggest heart I've ever seen, and take care of the children there with energy and love equal to twenty times their size. They are so very necessary to this city, where little blind children would otherwise have no recourse. I cannot think of a more worthy or hard-working or big-hearted organization.
I volunteered with the Blind Childrens Center for four years while I was in college and it was an amazing experience. The staff was quick to teach about their work and even quicker to ensure the volunteer experience included hands on interaction with the students. I am still involved and in touch with the Center and the staff today. Some of their best qualities include their clear understanding of both student and parent needs, their ability to serve their diverse constituents, and the longevity of the staff and the knowledge they have gained through their years and years of experience at the organization.
My name is Monica Lopez I am proud parent of a Blind 14 year old boy name Gabriel Lopez who has been blind since birth. Gabriel started Blind Children's Center when he was 6 months old until he was 4 years old. The Blind Children's Center is a God sent to me, my family and Gabriel Jr. Thanks to the Blind Children's Center I was able to get thru this long journey that was ahead of us. They helped Gabriel get thru many fears in his early childhood like tectures and smells and inroducing him to braille and introducing him to a cane. Where would Gabriel me today with out the Center?? I don't really don't know !! but let me tell you where he is now Gabriel attends a regular Junior High has a 4.0 GPA and Advances in his SAT scores every year. Thank You Blind Children's Center we could not have done this with out you
The Blind Childrens Center is a wonderful organization whose expertise in such a specific area of care is absolutely crucial to the community. I have been fortunate enough to witness and participate in several of their annual Golf tournaments, and beyond running a terrific day for all who attend, the organizers make it clear how completely the results are directed back to the Center. Anyone who elects to support the BCC can be sure that they will clearly see the results of what they contribute at the Center.
The little school that could...what started over 65 years ago as a local charity for blind children and their families, the BCC's impact is felt the world over. Sharing what and how they can make a difference in a blind child's life continues to make an impact on an international basis. I'm proud to help.
The Blind Childrens Center has simply been the "Windows to the World" for many boys and girls. The love, dedication and commitment by many men and women over the years, has enriched the lives of the students they have touched. The children have been God's gift to the Center, what it gave back to the them has been it's gift to God. Sincerely, Steve Garvey
My son was diagnosed with a visual impairment at 3 1/2 months old. While still processing this news, my husband and I set out on a journey in search of help for our son. We found the Blind Childrens Center through their website. On my first visit to the school, I was so taken by the way it felt as I walked through the halls. It felt like I was home. The staff welcomed my son and I with open arms. We started the infant program a month later. I learned so much those first few months. The teachers and specialists at the school not only work with the child, but also the parents. I learned how to stimulate my son through his other senses and how to love him even more than I already did. The specialists that I worked with included a teacher of the visually imparied, occupational therapist and orientation and mobility. A unique component offered here is the family aspect. A family worker is assigned to your child's class. They are there to help you with anything related to your child, such as medical appointments and getting promised services. There is also a weekly parent group from which I learned how to become an effective advocate for my son. My little guy is now 3 1/2 years old and in the preschool program. His vision has improved, I believe, because of this early stimulation that the school provided. He has made great progess in other areas of deficiency including his gross and fine motor skills as well as sensory processing. I cannot thank the staff here enough for all that they have and continue to do for my family. The 45 minutes to 1 hour drive each way for us is worth the payoff tenfold.
Jessica Singleton 08/25/2010
This review was posted by Cher Serhal, the mother of one of our former students and also our previous Public Relations Coordinator. When she left the Blind Childrens Center profile accoutn was put under the name of the new PR chair, Jessica Singleton which is why it has changed on this site. Sorry for the confusion. Again, the author of this wonderful review is Cher Serhal. Thanks Cher!