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2023 impact report

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THRIVING TOGETHER2023ImpactReport

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Our VisionRICH, VIBRANT AND INDEPENDENT LIVES FORPEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED1. Understand Your Vision Loss We empower clients to make informed decisions about their vision care2. Assess Your Vision Impact We offer clients solutions to daily challenges from their vision loss 3. Build Your Foundational Skills & Support We provide clients flexible resources, learning opportunities, and support4. Develop Your Advanced Skills We teach clients to live safely and independently in their home 5. Promote Your Wellness We encourage clients to care for their mind, body, and spiritThere are five key milestones our clients experience alongtheir vision loss journey. We help our clients every step ofthe way:

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Letter From OurExecutive DirectorDear Friends,Each person’s journey towards the rich, vibrantand independent lives we envision for our clientsbegins with a basic foundation of education,support and skills. These were our key focusareas in 2022-2023.We refined our team structure and intakeprocess which resulted in an improvedunderstanding of vision loss and the range ofservices available to help. We added resources that increased ourindividualized in home support by 125%.A second low vision clinic in Doylestown was opened so patients acrossthe county could access care. We expanded rehabilitation services by316% and gave away over $4,000 of visual devices to people in need.In their own words, our clients best summarized last year’s impact: “This organization is life changing. I have learned things that I didn’teven know existed.” M.R. “When I was at my absolute worst, you inspired me to keep gettingbetter. My quality of life has certainly improved.” P.B. We are proud of what we have accomplished, but we didn’t do it alone. Our partnerships with other community organizations, volunteers,foundations, individual supporters and our clients themselves played a critical role in our success. With established foundational services in place, we look towards thefuture. We are confident that by working together, we can create newopportunities for each person experiencing vision loss to thrive. Anne Marie Hyer MPA, MS

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In retirement, Mark maintains an active social life through hisinvolvement in several clubs with his friends. His background inengineering made Mark a natural fit to be the groups’ mainorganizer and planner. When he had a stroke of the optic nerve inboth his eyes, Mark wasn’t sure he would be able to continue tobring people together. Mark started looking for solutions and found BCABVI. Emily, one ofour Certified Low Vision Specialists, took the time to understandMark’s unique situation and identified accessible technologyoptions that would work for him. She taught Mark to navigatescreen reader programs including VoiceOver for the iPad, WindowsNarrator for emails, and ZoomText for Excel. He learned to useAlexa to manage calendar appointments. By using these assistivetechnology tools, Mark can still do the things that are meaningful tohim. “Emily is knowledgeable and extremely motivated to help. I’m adifferent person because of the help I’ve gotten from her.” - Mark Z.Mark takes pride in his accomplishments, and with his role as socialdirector secure, he is expanding his outreach by mentoring newclients at BCABVI.Our Impact“Losing my sight was atremendous disability at first.The training I’ve received fromBCABVI has had a profoundeffect. Now I feel like a differentperson. I can do a lot of thethings I used to do because ofthe help I’ve gotten.” - Mark Z.90 ClientsTechnology Support Services2022-2023 Rehabilitation Services Highlights748 HoursAssistive Technology & Occupational Services102 Hours Orientation & Mobility Services4 New Referrals Per Week

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Our ImpactMary values her independence. When a stroke left her withworsening eyesight, she didn’t know what to do or where to turn.Living alone without any family nearby, Mary worried that shewouldn’t be able to stay in her home. A close friend saw her dailystruggles and called BCABVI.We listened to Mary’s concerns and helped identify what supportsshe needed to remain in her home. Deb, our Case Aide, works withMary to pay her bills and complete paperwork. She makes sure Maryalways has food in her house by preparing shopping lists andarranging trips to the grocery store with our drivers. Deb also helpsMary stay on top of her healthcare by scheduling her doctorappointments and coordinating our drivers so she can get theresafely and on time.“With Deb I feel a lot more independent. She has made thingsmuch easier for me. I couldn’t live independently without herhelp.” - Mary F.Mary is confident that she can live independently knowing that shehas Deb for support. Now she’s able to focus her attention on thethings that bring her joy.“The great team at BCABVIhelp me understand whatI’m able to do with lowvision. They go above andbeyond to support and helpmake me feel safe andsecure.” - Mary F.330 HoursIndividual SupportsMail Reading/Bill Paying197 TripsGrocery Shopping288 ClientsIn-Person Social Programs2022-2023 Individual Support Highlights

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Partner HighlightsBCIU is a K-12 education service agency that supports the needs ofstudents, their families, and school districts in our area. The goal ofBCABVI’s preschool screening program is to identify and access treatmentfor undiagnosed vision problems in young children. Both organizationsshare the goal of encouraging student success.Working together, we were able to reach a more diverse population ofstudents from across Bucks County. Our joint efforts resulted in 22% ofparticipating preschoolers at BCIU sponsored sites being recommendedfor a follow-up visit with an eye care professional. Bucks County Intermediate Unit“BCABVI has been able to identify vision difficulties thatneither the child nor the parents were aware of and thatwere impacting the child’s ability to see and to learn.” -Deidre DiStefano, BCIU2022-2023 Partner Highlights3,907Preschool VisionScreenings109Number of SitesWe select strategic partners based on shared goals, demonstratedexpertise and commitment to work collaboratively for the benefit of ourcommunity. Salus University’s William Feinbloom Vision Rehabilitation Center andBCABVI’s Low Vision Clinic share a common goal of providing the highestquality of clinical services for people with visual impairments. Salus helped us see more patients at our Low Vision Clinic by bringingtheir mobile clinic to our Newtown facility. We developed an internshipprogram for Salus University students, offering them practical experiencein rehabilitation services. BCABVI employs several Salus graduates whocontribute their expertise to our team. Through our partnership, we’re able to provide our community withgreater access to quality low vision services. “The educational component of educating Optometric andBlindness and Low Vision Studies students with BCABVIresources while also providing clinical care to low visionpatients is unique and beneficial to both groups.” - Dr. Erin Kenny, Feinbloom Vision Rehabilitation CenterSalus University217Internship Hours

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Volunteer Highlightcall the duo by their nickname, Chip and Dale because of the waythey light up the shop with their positive energy and animatedpersonalities. Dale says, “It‘s a lot of fun volunteering at SecondLook Newtown. It feels like a community.”The women enjoy volunteering together and spending time withour customers. Geri adds, “It‘s nice talking with everyone.Hopefully when our customers enter the shop, we can help maketheir day.”Second Look Newtown Thrift Shop is thriving because ofvolunteers like Geri and Dale. They provide every day support tokeep the store operations running smoothly. When customers shop at our thrift shop, they are helping provideservices and programs for people with vision loss in Bucks County,PA. Dale feels, “It’s great that all the money from purchases go toa good cause.” The impact of Second Look Newtown Thrift Shop volunteers on ourwork with the blind and visually impaired community is priceless.After retiring, Dale startedvolunteering at local thrift shops asa way to keep busy. She met Geri atone of the shops and theyimmediately hit it off. Now, 15 yearslater, they volunteer together atSecond Look Newtown Thrift Shop.Staff and volunteers affectionately Meet Geri and Dale2022-2023 Thrift Shop Highlights$477,829Income Generated1,697 Volunteer Hours$53,964.60Volunteer Hours Value

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P H A S EGRAN D TO TA LDonorsW E A R E G R A T E F U L T O O U R D O N O R S A N D T H E I R S U P P O R T O FO U R M I S S I O N T O S E R V E T H E B L I N D A N D V I S U A L L Y I M P A I R E DC O M M U N I T Y I N B U C K S C O U N T Y , P A .$15,000Bookin’ For Lookin’$1,000 - $5,000BCABVI Lions ClubBensalem Lions ClubCarMax FoundationFirst National Bank & Trust of NewtownJanney Montgomery Scott LLCNAC Have-A-Heart FoundationPriolo Famiy FoundationSherwood Steel, Inc.Trumbauersville Lions ClubWarrington Township Lions Club$500-$999Bomba Newtown LLCFeasterville-Trevose Lions ClubLanghorne Lions ClubLions Club International of NewtownSpringfield Township Lions ClubThe Morlock Foundation$100-$499Philadelphia Law Enforcement Lions ClubQuakertown Lions ClubYardley Singles Club$0-$99Corporate Visions, Inc.Lower Makefield Womans Club$5,000+Ms. Joan ThompsonMr. Edmund J. Orcutt with matching gift from Bristol Meyers Squibb Foundation$1,000-$4,999Mr. & Mrs. Glenn BeasleyMr. & Mrs. Thomas BeresfordMr. & Mrs. Rob BrownMr. & Mrs. Duane BuckMs. Chandni DaniMrs. Paula McNallyMr. & Mrs. Charles QuattroneDrs. David & Denise Wilcox$500-$999Mr. John CartwrightMr. & Mrs. Francis ChampineMs. Dorothy W. DetwilerMr. Raymond F. FangbonerMr. Michael HrabowskiTim & Gloria KatsiffMr. & Mrs. Barry L. Pflueger, Jr.Ms. Kathleen M. PriesMr. E. Kyle St. ClaireMr. Edward SherwoodMs. Sharon StephensMrs. Karin SurkinMr. & Mrs. Rande WhithamCOMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONSUPPORTFOUNDATION SUPPORT INDIVIDUAL SUPPORTERS$100-$499Ms. Jeanette AdamsMr. Rajeev AnejaMs. Merilee ArbitellMr. Howard BensonMr. & Mrs. Thomas BogiaMr. Franklin BullockMr. John ChinMrs. Elizabeth Mae CrookeMr. Dale Cummings Mr. Arthur DameronMs. Christine Shay DownerMr. Gunter DueckMr. Raymond EllisMr. Walter EricksonMs. Joanne FordMr. Paul ForstaterMrs. Susan FowlerMr. Jim FriessMr. Frank GenieserMr. Matteo L. GiammarioMr. Joseph M. GilardiMs. Ann GunbergMr. Stanley HallmanNorman & Kathryn HamannDonald & Barbara HamnettMs. Nina L. HeitzMrs. Frances HeymanMr. & Mrs. Charles KettererGeorge & Frances KocherMr. Thomas KoperaMr. Burton LamplMr. David LandisMr. Walter LeipMs. Carol LerchMr. Barry LynnMr. William MaguireD. MalingerMr. Tim MatthewsMr. Barry McCabeMs. Nancy A. McDowellMs. Marilyn McLaneMr. Joseph J. MoskalLois and William MunzMr. W. Thomas Oram

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GR AN D TO TA LDonorsMs. Elaine MillerMs. Alee MonacoMs. Marilyn MullenMr. Ralph NeffMs. Nina NegronMs. Jean NeumillerMr. Ronald OlsenMs. Brenda PerkinsMs. Mary Karpowicz PerriMr. James E. PitraMr. Charles ReeseKathryn Jo & Frederick RidgeMr. Richard RodeghieroMs. Ellen RoederMr. John Rosania$0-$99Mr. Michael AbrahamsMrs. Susan Hentz AchenbachMr. Anthony AravichMs. Natalie ArnoldEdward C. & Ellen AtkinsonRaymond & Margaret AyoubMs. Roxann L. BentzMs. Joyce BigleyMr. Charles L. BoyleMs. Terry BrownMr. Frank CarusoMs. Megan CarusoMs. Janis CattoMs. Jo Ann ClementiMr. Edward CohenMr. Robert L. ColeMr. Graham CopleinMr. Alan M. RubensteinMr. Norman RubinOtto & Gertrude SchneiderMs. Carolyn SchoenMr. Kevin SchollMrs. Gloria SeacristMr. Donald SeipMr. Elmer ShemeleyMr. Joseph P. Stens onMr. Charles J. StraussMr. Stephen J. StrengMr. Gary TepelMs. Joan L ee VaracalloMr. Anthony VaracalloBarbara & Karen WeidmanMrs. Julia WoldorfMs. Sonia Woldow$100-$499 (Continued)Ms. Yesha PatelMr. Francis PetrusMs. Lisa PontelandolfoMr. Thomas Pursell, Jr.Ms. Deitra QuinnMr. Ralph J. RogersMr. Max E. RoseMs. Mary Ruth RozziMs. Khalida SamarinaMr. Randall SandsMr. Gary SavrinMrs. Shirley SchillingMs. Ethel SchneiderMr. Robert SeelerMr. Brian ShaefferMs. Joanna SippleMrs. Gretchen SkinnerMs. Joan S. SkurnowiczMr. Douglas SmithMr. Marc SteinerMr. Donald StewartMr. & Mrs. George WajdaMr. Douglas W. WeberMs. Kathle en G. Zing aroMr. William CorcoranJoyce & Milton CrossMr. Klaus DauterMr. Dwight P. DavisMr. James W. DrippsMr. Joseph FabianoMr. Wayne FelcherMr. Ronald FrasierMr. Thomas FuocoMs. Ann GanaMr. John GdovinMs. Cynthia GlassMr. Joseph GreberMs. Andrea GregoryMr. Joseph GrohowskiMr. Walter GustafsonMr. Richard HahnMr. Joseph HeaneyMr. William HeinzMr. Wayne HeistMs. Phyllis HoltzworthMr. Arthur C. IvinsMs. Mary Ann JansonMr. Denton KanouffMr. Ashok KapoorMr. Pankaj KapoorMrs. Leslie KeersMs. Allyson KliefothMs. Janet KluskiewiczMr. Gerhard KrauseMr. Ronald KutsmedaMr. William LawlerMs. Barbara LenzMr. Gregory LopataMr. Anthony MannoDr. Edward MarshaleckMr. Jac MathewsMr. Charles McAdamsMs. Pamela McCloskeyMs. Priscilla McDonaldMs. Jennifer McIlhennyDr. Martin MerskyMr. Phil MieleMs. Colleen Campbell Miller

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GR AN D TO TA LDonorsIn Honor Of VictorDanuchevskyKathryn & Norman HamannIn Honor Of Joyce & DuaneBuckMs. Mary Ruth RozziIn Memory Of LibertaPursellMr. William MaguireMs. Pamela McCloskeyMr. Thomas Pursell, Jr.In Memory Of Doris(Hager) SchmidtMs. Christine Shay DownerMr. Jim FriessMrs. Shirley SchillingIn Memory Of JohnThomasBCABVI Lions ClubIn Memory Of Eileen DelViscioMr. & Mrs. ThomasBeresfordIn Memory Of DorothyHost WagnerMs. Deitra QuinnMr. Randall SandsIn Memory Of Herbert W. Whitham and Ethel B. BrownMr. Rande WhitmanIn Memory Of Mary "Marie"BurnsMs. Nina NegronMs. Lisa PontelandolfoIn Memory Of Edward CohenDaughter-SheriIn Memory of James P.CorcoranMr. William CorcoranMs. Jean NeumillerIn Memory Of VictorDanushevskyMr. Michael AbrahamsIn Memory of Joan R. DratchJoyce & Milton CrossMr. Wayne FelcherIn Memory of Robert C. Ford Sr. Ms. Joanne FordIn Memory Of Eva Mae GeathersMs. Brenda PerkinsIn Memory Of June GinaderMs. Jeanette AdamsMs. Janet KluskiewiczMs. Jennifer McIlhennyLois & William MunzKathryn Jo & Frederick RidgeIn Memory Of David HankinsLower Makefield Woman’s ClubIn Memory Of Louise A.MathewsMr. Tim MatthewsIn Memory Of John J PiccinottiMr. John CartwrightBoard MembersDuane BuckBonnie ButlerSheryl FitzgeraldMarianne LangMark McCowanKen Moore, PDG Ed SherwoodAmy VanDenburghRebecca Walker, MDRande WhithamAdvisory BoardGlenn BeasleySue BeresfordThomas BogiaCharles Quattrone, JrBoard OfficersPRESIDENTM A R C W I N O K U RVICE PRESIDENTL A U R I E W A J D ATREASURERB A R R Y L . P F L U E G E R , J RSECRETARYG L O R I A K A T S I F F2022-2023 BCABVI Board

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Private Gifts 10%Thrift Shop 45%Public Support 22%REVENUE$1,062,460Program Support 1%Vision Services 5%Investments 17%2022-2023 FinancesEXPENSES$1,062,460Program Services 80%Fundraising 3%Management 17%& Administration All donations and financials reflect the time period from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023. To review BCABVI’s audited financial statements, visit our website at www.bucksblind.org.

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Looking Ahead to the FutureKeep your support local. To make a donation, visitbucksblind.org or scan the QR code:Our online giving page now accepts PayPal and Venmo!400 Freedom Drive, Newtown, PA 18940 | 215.968.9400 | Info@bucksblind.orgFor 2023-2024, BCABVI has targeted three key areas to help ourclients thrive:1) Low Vision Clinic ServicesLast year’s successful expansion of our clinic increased the availabilityof low vision evaluations and rehabilitation training. This growthcreated more awareness of, and demand for, these specializedservices within our community. We are exploring sustainable, costeffective models to increase our service capacity.2) Mental Health Services Each person adjusts to vision loss differently. Anxiety, depression andstress are common among people with visual impairments. We aredeveloping partnerships with mental health professionals to offerservices to help with the adjustment process. 3) Communications A revised communication plan allowed us to more effectively engagecurrent supporters and encourage new relationships. Our investmentin new technology will allow us to reach more people by offeringvaried and customized communications. A new website in 2024 willhelp increase awareness of our services and provide a better forum to share our impact with our community. Our Mission is to provide resources, answers and support for people with blindness or othervisual impairment that maximize their ability to meet life’s daily challenges and realize theircontinued self-worth and value to our community.