VISIONS/ Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired

I volunteered here last summer and had such an amazing experience. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly (especially Natasha!), and willing to help. From volunteering to go on walks with the senior citizens to opening and helping with mail, I was able to learn a lot and reach beyond my comfort zone. As a pre-optometry student, VISIONS has opened a lot of doors for me and introduced me to others who have constantly helped and encouraged me.

I have been volunteering at VISIONS for almost a year now. The community that VISIONS fosters is truly amazing. All the participants of the program, staff, and employees are friendly and welcoming. Throughout the year, VISIONS offers a variety of events and gathering that its members can participate in.
I helped participants grocery shop, read mail, many others. The opportunities and connections VISIONS offers to its participants are unparalleled.

Absolutely love volunteering here. There are such great people running VISIONS that take time to help everyone and anyone who needs it! Warm and welcoming atmosphere and the seniors are a joy to help!

I went to volunteer at Visions during 2018 joining different groups of activity sessions. During each of the class activities the members of the community meaningfully engaged with each other and enjoyed learning new things.

Everyone at the administrative office was always so kind, thoughtful and open to me joining a variety of activities. The administrative team even went above and beyond giving me advice on my thesis project, about designing more inclusively for people who are blind and visually impaired. They allowed me to create activities for some of the members to engage in and have fun.

At Visions I also engaged with the group of teenagers that sold goodies for the older adults. They explained to me how formative this activity was for them as they got to meet members of Visions community as well as learn business skills for future job opportunities.

I worked here for a summer last year. Met lots of wonderful folks who helped run things there as well as other volunteers. I am an optometry student and the people at VISIONS (Natasha's the best!) organized a little get together and I got to help some pre-optometry students out as well. I worked directly with clients doing reading and also participated in some of the dinner services. Everything was really well run and the people I encountered during my time there were all warm. Would recommend this service!

I volunteered with Visions at Selis Manor for about five years. I assisted with the chair yoga class every month and read for a blind gentleman once a week. Visions is a truly wonderful place filled with loving people who help give the feeling of home and stability. I also want to give a shout out for Natasha DeLeon the volunteer coordinator who is bright, energetic and loving.

I have been volunteering with Visions for the past couple of years. I have met some wonderful people here and love the time I spend with them. I recommend anyone volunteering here!

During my one-year tenure volunteering at VISIONS, I have been blessed with experiencing the nature of what some have to go through just so they are able to live their lives. It's humbling and has helped me reflect on my life in ways I have never thought possible. I will forever remember and hold onto this memory as it means a great deal to me.

I volunteered to read at Visions several years ago and ended up teaching a class about the history of fairy tales as well. I also took a class to learn how to read braille. I loved the time that I spent there. Visions is an important program and I feel so lucky to have had the chance to be involved and to meet and to spend time with some of the wonderful residents of Selis Manor.

I chose to volunteer at VISIONS for the summer of 2019. This experience taught me to be more humble to people and brought out the best in me. Ever since the beginning of the year, I slowly stopped being helpful to others in any way I could. Through this program, I regained my desire to provide assistance even if it's just reading for them. I'm grateful for the Visions and their volunteer services.

Visions is a great organization that helps visually disabled seniors with daily activities. For the two summers that I volunteered there I had a great time while being of assistance to those in need. All of the seniors are really nice and the staff there make you feel very welcome and at home.

Visions is a great way to connect the older and younger generations. I was able to not only help senior citizens with their daily lives, but learn about them and see the world through their perspective. It was an amazing experience and I'm extremely grateful I was able to participate again in this program.

When I first started volunteering at VISIONS over the summer, I honestly didn't know what to expect. Everyone was so nice and understanding even though I was inexperienced and made me feel welcome. I was able to meet other great volunteers and work with amazing people who were all really sweet to me. If I can, I hope to volunteer again next summer.

For me as a volunteer, VISIONS was a very helpful and eye opening experience. It allowed me to get to know people different from me better. It showed me how little we can have in common and yet be able to connect. I would definitely recommend for others to volunteer here.

Recently I was one of a group of volunteers aiding participants from VISIONS to a trip to NYC's Governor's Island to the Teaching Gardens. It was a fantastic experience to ride the ferry, walk to the Gardens and experience the various plants and herbs with VISIONS. I learned a great deal and the staff at VISIONS made it all run smoothly. The participants ended the day with huge smiles on their faces and so did we. A marvelous day, a wonderful nonprofit. Thanks to everyone involved.

I have volunteered with VISIONS for almost two years. I am always amazed at the range of services they provide. Many of the seniors I've worked with have better social lives than me! I love working with them because they're a) extremely patient and b) genuinely fun to hang out with. I love that everyone feels comfortable in the building, sharing jokes and teasing each other. It's been an absolute pleasure working with them.

This was a great volunteering experience. I had a lot of training which was extremely useful and the overall experience gave me insight on how the disabled have to face everyday life with impaired vision. It made me realize how important and useful my eyesight is and it has made me very grateful for what I already have!

I am a high school student who volunteers at VISIONS once a week during the school year, and multiple times a week during the summer. This was where I had my first volunteering experience, and once I walked into the facility I absolutely fell in love. The staff is amazing, and I have met so many wonderful people along the way: fellow volunteers, clients, pets, and more. I have never really encountered anyone who was visually impaired before this program, and the things I have learned are absolutely humbling. Working at VISIONS has changed my perspective on life. I am so happy to volunteer here, and I am proud to say I won't be stopping any time soon. I am grateful for the opportunity to help people, and provide help or company to those who need it.
-ITP

Great organization and friendly staff. pleasure to work with

volunteering at VISIONS was a great experience. I learned many things about the blind individuals and how to properly work well with them. This is a great experience for me as I want to be in the medical field in the future.

Working in Visions taught me how to communicate with with elders and taught how to work with blind and impaired people. It was an wonderful experience because i became experience with so many things. It taught me the true value of helping others and making others happy.

i notice vision people are very helpful and kindly. When i did mistake they forgiver me

Hello everyone, I am Sakina S. Mandviwala. I am a volunteer with the visions from 2016.
It is a pleasure and a privilege; and I consider myself fortunate to be associated with such, humble, sincere and dedicated people.
The staff is amazingingly cooperative and helpful. They endeavor with determination and perseverance to help the visvually impaired and make sure that all their needs are met.
I take great pride in quoting Ms. Natasha and Ms. Rocky, who take that extra step further beyond to help ans serve.
I hope and pray GOD rewards all the sincere and dedicated staff abundantly, for their selfless service and all their goals are accomplished.

They do the most amazing work. I was honored to volunteer there. I had the most incredible and meaningful volunteer experiences through VISIONS. They train their volunteers really well. They offer incredible programs for a really underserved population. Many way to collunteer!

The best introduction to volunteer work I could have hoped for. It entails enjoyable, rewarding work I anticipated, and work that involves and teaches skills relevant in a business setting, with the added benefit of good camaraderie and devoted supervisors.

Being a volunteer for VISIONS has definitely introduced me to a whole new lifestyle that I did not know existed. I realized how little I took for granted over the little things like using a computer, reading books, or even eating during a meal. VISIONS has showed me the various methods and ways that individuals who are blind or visually impaired can use to adapt to their surroundings. Compared to other volunteer work I have done, VISIONS seems to genuinely care about the wellbeing of each and every individual that walks in through the doors.

Since being introduced to this wonderful place for those who are blind and visually impaired, of which I am one, I have enjoyed the experience. The staff and the services that are available help to keep one engaged, gainfully employed, and helps to keep an individual an active part of society. The staff is well trained to deal with different personalities and attitudes. I would have never know an agency existed if I weren't for my counselor. More people need to know about visions and what they do and offer as an organization.

I volunteered for VISIONS when I was a junior in high school up until the summer before my first year of college. When I was given the opportunity and the privilege to help others who are blind or visually impaired I was astounded at the profound effect I had on each and every one of them. I gained a lot of insight and this experience helped shape my perspective on not only blind people but people with all disabilities. I believe that VISIONS is an amazing program and I am grateful to have been once a part of it.

A very heartwarming experience. VISIONS really strives to bring out the best in their clients.

I was at Visions as a social work intern for 8 months. I felt very much supported by the staff at Visions and learned so much from working with everyone there. Visions is an organization devoted to promoting the welfare and public awareness of the needs of the visually impaired and legally blind. The organization is full of passionate, dedicated, and knowledgable staff. It is a wonderful place to work and the work they do is invaluable to the community.

I have been teaching a writing course at Visions for 6 months and it's the best job I've ever worked. They all want to write despite the unique challenges of accessibility. These students are afraid of nobody and nothing. They're strong, independent people. VISIONS provides them with services they need and they all love to come, and I'm happy to see them every week.

I have been a volunteer at Visions for about four years. I look forward to the time that I spend there each week. The staff really care about the residents and the clients.
There are so many programs and special events for the visually impaired such as Proms, Talent Shows, Jewelry Making and many more to normalize their every day lives.
I have learned that people with disabilities can live and enjoy life to the fullest, and I truly believe that Visions does everything possible to see that happen.
I will continue to volunteer at Visions and be part of that wonderful experience.

I started volunteering in 2012 at Visions teaching Zumba Gold. I had never taught the blind/vision impaired and have learned along the way what works well in terms of describing the movements to the class who are seated in chairs. I am always amazed at how few times I have had to physically help someone to get a movement correct. This volunteering led to a part-time teaching position - teaching Zumba Gold once a week. I am so glad that Director Ann DeShazo contacted me from my Zumba website and asked me to teach Zumba at Visions which led to such a great opportunity to teach with a very appreciative group of students. In addition to the weekly class, I also have participated in several Senior Fitness Days teaching Zumba Gold. I also volunteer once a month at Visions with Cherub Improv, leading an improv comedy workshop, and have helped to book the choir Happy Hour Harmonies to perform at the Coffee House event. I always look to recommend other volunteers to Visions and try to think of other programs that might work well at Visions. Thanks to the entire staff who has made me feel welcome and is always helpful: Chris Thompson, Liz Lee, Natasha DeLeon, Carrie Lewey, Teresa Rivero, Tony Wu- what a great crew!

VISIONS is a life-changing program for both the seniors who benefit from it and the volunteers who gain life skills. Volunteers explore new worlds outside of their comfort zone by working with seniors and bringing to them the joys of reading, shopping and company.

VISIONS is an amazing nonprofit that really strives to help the visually impaired with everyday activities. As a volunteer of VISIONS, I feel so good about myself after helping an elderly read mail, go shopping, serve meals, and provide friendly visits. VISIONS is like a little haven for the elderly to communicate with eachother and have fun!

I have been volunteering with Visions for several years. Meeting clients and working here has been not only a learning experience but an enriching one. Natasha de Leon, our Volunteer Coordinator is involved, attentive and helpful which makes volunteering a pleasure. I have found the staff in general to be sensitivie to those they are serving; there is a friendly, open and communal atmosphere.

Clients -some of whom have become friends - tell me about the many and varied activities and classes offered, from yoga and fitness to book clubs, current events, jewelry making, tech programs, etc. The Senior food program is very popular and serves a real need. I am honored to be part of the program at Visions - helping when there is a need - and being part of this community of incredible people who inspire me.

As a volunteer for Visions I helped with the walking program. This program inspired residents to get outside and take a walk to encourage better health. We had lots of fun stretching before hand to music then walking and recording our steps. There was such enthusiasm and socializing that participants didn't notice they were exercising. Lots of fun and a meaningful outcome!

Within the short period that I have been working with Visions, I personally witnessed how the organization brought together New Yorkers to create a family away from home. Despite coming from diverse communities, clients, volunteers, and workers form a close knit community characterized by understanding and genuine concern for each other.

I am a volunteer at Selis Manor through Visions. I have been a volunteer for over 20 years. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work with many of the residents and other visually impaired people at Selis Manor. Typically, I read materials to residents (mail, magazines, the Bible, operating manuals, etc.). I have also provided escort service for people needing an escort. Also, I have worked on special events in the facility (helping to serve in the cafeteria, etc.)

My services are coordinated by the Volunteer Office at Selis Manor. Weekly emails are sent out detailing volunteer needs and those of us who are available can volunteer by responding to the email. I do not have regular clients but fill in where needed.

Always a very rewarding experience to help those in need. The clients themselves are generally very interesting people, often with fascinating life stories. The volunteer coordinator, Ms. Natasha DeLeon, is also a most enjoyable person to work with.

I highly advise those who get personal satisfaction from giving back to call Visions and discuss their programs. You will not regret it.

VISIONS truly cares about the people it helps, and makes certain that every person gets the personal attention that they need through the diligent organization of Ms. Rivero, Ms. Liz, and Ms. Lewy. They are never too tired to schedule a home visit for somebody, and make certain everyone is always looked after.

My five years as a volunteer 'reader' with Visions has given me insight and compassion into the joys and struggles of my blind clients. I have made many good friends here over the years whom I value greatly.

Visions is a great program that provides services to the blind and visually impaired. It helps connect the world of sight with those who cannot see, and to people of all ages. Not only to volunteers get to understand what being visually impaired is like, but they also gain experience and possibly friends they would normally not make. The clients are also extremely kind and are willing to share their stories with ours. I enjoy working with Visions, and hopefully will return to help those in need.

I volunteer at Visions Center in summer of 2016. I volunteered in the summer and I learned so much from being in this program. Being with clients and having conversations with them made me realize the small things I have that I usually don't tend to appreciate. That's what Visions taught me. I learned having eyesight is a blessing even though it may not be the best. I've grown bonds with several of my clients. One clinent of mine name Ida was truly blessed to have signed up for Visions. She honestly loved how much Visions cared for her and were so thoughtful. Ida would always tell me how words and actions wouldn't describe how thankful she was of Visions. Unfortunately, Ida passed away and I was deeply sadden by this. May she Rest In Peace. I will not forget Ida and how much Visions impacted her life. There are other clients that feel the same way. I am volunteering again over this summer and I would love to see this love and passion towards vision in other clients as well.

I have been volunteering at VISIONS for two years. I remember being shy and rather quiet at the start. However, over the course of these two years, I have talked with many seniors which has helped me become a more talkative and kind person. I also learned how to be more patient which is an important thing to know how to do when working with anyone. All of the seniors are so kind and have a sense of humor. I enjoy getting to know them and feel happy to be able to help with their everyday tasks just to make their everyday lives a little bit easier. I think it is very helpful that meals are provided for people over 65 and who are visually impaired/ blind because it really means a lot to them, and many people come in for these meals. The home visits that volunteers go on really mean a lot to the seniors; it provides them with a sense of comfort and allows them to do new things, such as going on a walk in the park or talking about their life experiences, especially if they don't get out much or have people to help/ converse with them a majority of the time. The seniors really appreciate it and it makes me happy to see them cheerful.
VISIONS is a place for people of all colors and religions alike. It makes me happy to see that I am a part of such a tight-knit community filled with young and old people together. It has helped me become a more patient, better, and outgoing person. I am very grateful for VISIONS and hope to resume being a volunteer!

I began volunteering for VISIONS clients several years ago. I immediately observed the continuing devotion of the staff and employees of Visions Services, exhibiting an admirable dedication to the Blind and Visually Impaired with kindness, caring and a wonderful warmth and fuzziness. The considerations to the clients in almost every way is extraordinary. Braille, exercise, computer classes and much, much proving over and over that Visions continually thinks of a future for their clients.

I had volunteered with the wrong impression that people who are blind or visually blind are totally dependent. Instead, I learned they are proficient in handling their affairs, organized and seemingly unhampered. They are always polite and can be easy going with a sense of humor. I enjoy my time with them and always look forward to the next time.

Thank you to Visions Selis Manor for my continuing experience.
Keiko Omori

I have had the pleasure of hosting a weekly music class at Visions for the last year and it has been more rewarding than I could have imagined. I'm not only able to teach my students about the various era's of recorded songs, but THEY are able to teach me much more. We both are able to learn something new each week and have laughs while doing it. The staff at Visions has been nothing but professional and pleasurable to work with. They make my time being there a bit sweeter.

At visions i learned many values that i need in my future career and for the rest of my life. Helping people that needs make me feel so good and i encouraged people to volunteer at visions.

Volunteering at Visions was an experience I will never forget. The people I met and the bonds I forged will last a lifetime. It was such an honor to work with such giving people.

I have been volunteering at VISIONS for over two years and truthfully, this has been one of the best decisions I've made. Not only was I able to help others, but also benefit myself in many ways. At Visions I have learned the importance of service, compassion and kindness. I have had the opportunity to meet two exceptional seniors during my homevisits-Tom and Gary. I have grown so close and I care for them deeply. They are very different yet they hold similar characteristics-generous, humorous, and loving- and that's what I love about them. Maria, my partner, and I have taken Tom to MET museum, something that he wanted to do for a long time. Also, I have cooked friedrice for him because he always seemed to eat the same food and I had purposely bought the ingredients beforehand and his reaction meant alot to me. He said I have never tasted this kind of food and its very good. I had mixed feelings about it, i was happy that he got to eat something he liked but I felt sad because i wished he could eat something like this everyday. Tom and I have similar interests such as we usually like to converse about politics, current events and philosophy.
Gary, who I also equally care for, is very interesting. Aside from his poor vision, he has hearing difficulties and when I first met him, I thought we wouldn't get along. I am very shy and tend to speak lowly. Although I have to raise my voice, I have learned to be patient and realized that his problems are not his fault, and together we can help each other become better human beings. Gary has taken Maria and me to a Japanese and Indian restaurant and I am grateful of his generosity. Overall, Visions has affected me in all positive ways. I will forever be grateful to Jessica, Liz, Carrie and Teresa for seeing potential in me and the other volunteers.

It has been a pleasure volunteering at Visions because of the great people that manage this program. Visions has helped me develop new skills that I will use not only now but in the future. The energy in Visions is great because the seniors are very appreciative of our help. I was able to converse with many seniors who would always offer any type of advice when needed. I love working with not only the seniors but along with the faculty members. I have been volunteering for over two years now and I continue to enjoy the wonderful people in this program.

Volunteering in visions has been a great experience. This has been my third time being able to help assist those who are blind and visually impaired. I have enjoyed volunteering in this program and being able to help those who are in need. This is a great program which allows one to build relationships with others and learn from their experiences.

For anyone who wants to meet a group of wonderful, diverse and fascinating people, come to Visions. I have been a volunteer reader and escort here for two years and have formed friendships of trust and caring. There are clients who say they would not be able to accomplish the day-to-day business of reading mail, filling out forms, etc. were it not for the help of the volunteer program. The staff is exceptionally kind - open and available - and the atmosphere is lively and warm. Here is a community of
independent, strong-minded people who get to know one another, help one another and share mutual interests. I have seen how much a program like Visions, with its classes and activities and all that it offers, means to a blind or visually impaired person and I have learned how much I take for granted. It is a great enjoyment to come here and spend time with people I would not otherwise have the opportunity to meet and to share in their friendship, conversation and expertise.

Working with Visions has opened a whole new world of opportunities for me. It let me connect with some of the most kind visually impaired seniors and look at things their way. Before working with Visions I had always thought the visually impaired did not have any preferences when it came to things such as shopping for clothes or even groceries. As I went on home visits and went out with the seniors I learned how wrong my thoughts on them were. I began to see and understand the fact that they too have their own choices. Over all Visions has opened up a whole new perspective on the visually impaired for me and helped me understand how they live.

Working with VISIONS/Services for the Blind & Visually Impaired was a great experience for me to do this summer because I learn a lot for this program. I learn how to attend and solve for a person that is blind or visually impaired in the best way possible for them. I would work with vision again because the connection with the staff is very strong and the support is here as well.

VISIONS is the most exceptional organization I have ever had the pleasure of volunteering with. In my experience, all of the seniors were given the same care and attention one might give a loved one or significant other. I have met some of the kindest and most generous individuals I have ever known at VISIONS, and my experiences as a volunteer there have broadened my intellectual horizons and erased my preconceived notions regarding the blind and the visually impaired. In my capacity as a volunteer there, I visited blind people off-site in all 5 boroughs, I was involved in several recreational classes (ranging from mental and physical health to broadway music), and I assisted in meal service, providing specially prepared meals for and socializing with blind and visually impaired people on-site in VISIONS' dining area. I would wholeheartedly recommend visions to any senior with vision problems, or anyone wishing to volunteer their time and enjoy a unique and life-changing experience unavailable elsewhere.

Working at Visions has shown me just how much we miss out on when the everyday person ignores someone who is visually impaired. When I'd see someone walking with a cane and dark sunglasses, I'd avoid them because I didn't know how to interact with them. Visions has taught me that these people are really just like the rest of us and that treating them the way you'd want to be treated is the best thing we can do for them. All the seniors I've visited and talked to at Visions have their own story to tell and are by far the most interesting people I have ever met. Most of these people I would've ignored had I passed by them in the street. So next time when I see a person walking with a cane and wearing dark sunglasses, or even just an elderly person, walking up to them and asking if they'd like help won't be as daunting as it used to be. I know what to do now, and Visions has given me the courage and knowledge to do it. Thank you Visions for showing me this, and for caring and providing for the visually impaired as no others but their own family have.

I've been volunteering with Visions for a few months and the staff has been really supportive of helping me adapt my class for the students. The students I work with at Visions all come to class with a great attitude, this class has become the highlight of my week!

During one home visit in Selis Manor (there are blind and visually impaired people living in the building, above the facilities on the first floor), my elderly client said, "I'm not rich, but I have a lot more money now since they started serving meals downstairs." Her casual comment really struck a chord with me. I'd thought of the food served in the auditorium as school cafeteria or airplane food. But it means a lot to the people who come in for it. Visually impaired and blind people can't cook. Visions provides them with a hot meal and friends who are like family. Most people don't realize how boring and lonely it is, being blind or visually impaired and in many instances, living alone. I didn't. One of my clients told me, "I don't really have anything for you to do today, so let's just talk. I rarely have company over. Most days, I just sit here and watch TV. It gets kind of lonely sometimes." The best part of this organization is knowing how important it is to people and what a difference it makes in their lives. It's been my honor to participate in this live-changing nonprofit.

I volunteered at Visions for 13 years. This is a great organization. The participates in my class changed my life in a more positive way. We became a family. Visions offers great activities and classes for the blind and visually impaired. They have fitness class, arts and crafts classes and they even have special events throughout the year. My experience was great and I loved the time I spent volunteering at Visions.
I will never forget the time I spent there and my commitment volunteering was worth it. I learned never to take eye sight for granted. I learned that you can still be a positive person even without having eye sight and I have learned that you can change a person's life by giving some of your time volunteering. Thank you Visions for all you do for the blind and visually impaired.

I've been volunteering with Visions at Selis Manor in Chelsea for several years now. I've worked primarily with an arts-and-crafts class, though have occasionally participated in other programs. I am amazed by the variety of classes and social programs that Visions offers. For many of the clients I've met, this place is really the hub of their learning and socializing activities.

This program has taught me a lot about visually impaired people, things I never knew. Visions open up my eyes to a new way of seeing things. Volunteering here was great thing, I learned a lot and I would definitely recommend others to volunteer because they will surely enjoy it.

Overall, this place is very exquisite. I would recommend to others that they should work here as volunteers because if you do so, you will enjoy it. Their services are very helpful and they make you a better person by helping others.

VISIONS has opened my eyes to a new way of seeing things. Volunteering and helping out with the Seniors has been a great experience. The staff at VISIONS are extremely nice and open each volunteer with open arms starting the program. Seniors at VISIONS have many activities that they can do and also have fun doing as well. I've never really seen a senior interact as much as the seniors in VISIONS do. Once you walk in the door at VISIONS you can see the joy on each seniors face. I would definitely recommend VISIONS to everyone. Their experience would be wonderful and exciting. I also would volunteer for VISIONS again.