ANNUAL REPORT - The Carroll Center For The Blind

Transcription

FISCAL YEAR 2017ANNUALREPORT

Mission / VisionThe mission of The Carroll Center for the Blind is to empowerthose who are blind and visually impaired to achieveindependence and lead a fulfilling life.Established in 1936, The Carroll Center serves blind and visuallyimpaired people of all ages by providing rehabilitation, skills training,and educational opportunities to achieve independence, self-sufficiencyand self-fulfillment and by educating our communities regardingthe potential of persons who are blind and visually impaired.For over 80 years, The Carroll Center has pioneered innovativeservices for the blind and visually impaired by developing methodsfor people with low vision to learn the skills to be independent intheir homes, in class settings, and in their work places, preparing themfor diverse opportunities for success and independent living.THE CARROLL CENTERFOR THE BLINDOn the Cover: Caroline and instructor Bill Reynolds working on her woodworking skills.2 The Carroll Center for the Blind

Our MessageDear Friends,What a year of transformation thishas been for The Carroll Center!We are struck by the countless number of individualswhose lives have been profoundly changed by The CarrollCenter for the Blind and how you helped us exceed ourexpectations in so many ways. Thanks to the generoussupport of people like you, we received a record numberof philanthropic contributions in FY17. This has broughtmore success to all our programs, from teaching studentsin school classrooms and our summer camp, to assistingseniors with low vision services, supporting clients’transition to the workforce, and providing life skillscritical to leading independent and productive lives.We have remained focused on our commitment toprovide the highest quality of individualized services andcompassionate care for our blind and visually impairedconsumers, serving over 5,000 individuals annually fromMassachusetts communities, across the nation andinternationally. It is a true honor to witness the lifechanging skills our clients receive from each andevery program.Here’s a brief highlight of clients in 2017: a middle-aged, homeless client, who completedour independent living program, is now livingindependently in her 1st apartment and isgainfully employed; a teen client completed her 4th summer programat The Carroll Center and has demonstrated her fullcapabilities as a successful Paralympic swimmer; a senior received low vision services, orientationand mobility training along with personalmanagement training allowing her to remain safelyand independently in her home as an activemember of her community for years to come.As you can see, examples abound of people who foundtheir niche at The Carroll Center and developed the skillsto achieve the next level in their education, career orsocial life. These real examples are just a few of so manythat demonstrate how lives of our clients are transformedforever thanks to their courage, our supportive staff andyou, our incredible donors.The Carroll Center for the Blind has been both a trendsetter in providing innovative employment opportunitiesand an incubator helping people who are blind or visuallyimpaired realize their potential. That proud traditioncontinues to present day and is reflected in this verysuccessful year.The continued success of our programs and the commitmentof our highly talented staff, board and trustees positionsus for another successful and impactful year as well aslong-term sustainability.As we move forward and begin the next chapter in ourrich history, we will continue striving for the success andindependence of every client that walks through ourdoors or for those we assist in their homes, school,work and community.On behalf of all the people whose lives you’ve touchedthrough your generous support, we thank you!Gregory J. DonnellyPresident and CEOCarol A. CovellChair, Board of Directors2017 Annual Report 3

Services and ProgramsVISION REHABILITATION SERVICESCOMMUNITY SERVICESVision rehabilitation programs are designed for newlyblinded adults or for those who have had a significantvision loss. These intensive programs provide trainingand support to encourage the physical and emotionaladjustments needed to live with blindness as well asto provide the skills to live and work independently.Community-based instructors teach safe travel skillsto individuals of all ages in their home, local businessareas, job sites, on public transportation and oncollege campuses. Independent Living Program Vocational Transition Program Job Market Preparation Program Real World of Work Youth-in-Transition Project SEARCH EDUCATION SERVICESVision professionals support students with visualimpairments between the ages of 3 and 21 years intheir public schools by providing direct instruction,ordering materials, and providing consult to theschools/staff. Summer camps and weekendprograms are also offered.4 Community Orientation & Mobility Diabetes Education Community Essential SkillsTECHNOLOGY SERVICESThe technology programs include a full spectrumof instruction from novice to expert to help preparea blind or visually impaired person, including children,working age adults and seniors, to use technologyproficiently. Computing for College Computing for Employment Technical Training (Basic, Intensiveand Advanced) Assistive TechnologyAssessments CarrollKids/CarrollTeens Web Accessibility Direct Instruction, Consultation AssessmentsPersonal Device Technology Training(Apple, iPhone, iPad, Chrome)LOW VISION SERVICESCARROLL STORE — ON SITE!Low Vision Therapists provide out-patientassessments and training to support the useof remaining vision with magnification, lightingand distance viewing devices.The Carroll Store focuses on low vision products,adaptive devices, and technology for the visuallyimpaired. Terri Feingold, Store Manager anda Registered Dispensing Optician(RDO) can fill any type ofeyeglasses prescription,including low-vision. Senior Vision Assessment Assistive Technology Assessment Vocational Vision Assessments Low Vision Clinic Carroll StoreThe Carroll Center for the Blindwww.carroll.org/store617-969-6200 ext 240

Alumni ProfilesChristine DiazPROGRAM : Independent Living Program and Project SEARCH HOMETOWN: Norwood, Massachusetts“I used to think—if I don’t know the way,I won’t go there. Now I think—I’m nevergoing to know how to do it unless Iventure out and try. The Carroll Centerhas helped me gain the skills andconfidence I needed.”CHRISTINE’S TRANSFORMATIONEach morning, Christine jumps on the commuter rail fromNorwood to South Station, changes to the red line and thenhops on a bus to get to her job at Somerville Hospital.She works at the front desk, assisting and escortingpatients to where they need to go.Seeing Christine in action at her job makes it hard tobelieve that 8 short months ago, her life was completelydifferent. Back then, if you asked if she thought she’dhave a job now, she would have said no.Christine wasn’t always blind. Unfortunately, as a babyshe was in an accident that left her with tunnel vision inboth eyes. To see the whole picture, her eyes alwaysmust constantly be moving, as she can only see througha very small portion of her eye. Tunnel vision is a versionof blindness caused by Optic Atrophy, optic nervedamage along the retina and lateral geniculate.Because of this accident, she spent most of her life caringfor her mother and her siblings in a familiar space, thefamily home. After her parents passed away, the familyhome was sold, and she found herself living with andChristine, at her workplace,Somerville Hospital.depending on friends. She quickly realized there was somuch she needed to learn to truly be independent.In January 2017, she came to The Carroll Center to participate in the Independent Living Program. This programhelped her learn how to use public transportation, howto use ZoomText for her computer, and necessary homeskills like cooking and laundry.Since coming to The Carroll Center, Christine has thrived.For the first time in her life, she moved into her very ownapartment in Norwood. She is now working toward obtaining a full-time permanent job, through the Project SEARCH Program at The Carroll Center. This is an internship-workprogram that provides individuals extensive on-the-jobtraining and internships through three rotations. In additionto the job training, the program includes long-term jobcoaching, career exploration and continuous feedbackfrom teachers, job coaches, and employers.Christine is excited to go to her next job rotation, aswell as travel more to see friends and family. Whenasked about her future, she says, “the sky’s the limit!”2017 Annual Report 5

Samantha BohlinPROGRAM : Youth in Transition and Computing for CollegeHOMETOWN: Carver, Massachusetts“My favorite part about The Carroll Centerwas getting to meet people like meand getting to be more comfortablearound other people. I met friends fromMassachusetts, South Carolina, NewYork, Connecticut and more that I stillkeep in touch with.”SAMANTHA’S TRANSFORMATION19-year-old Samantha is in the process of getting readyfor her first year of college. She is interested in science,watching “Game of Thrones” with her mom and goingfor boat rides with her family, just like any other typicalteenager. Samantha was born premature at 1 pound,6 ounces, leaving her with vision problems. She hasblurry vision but wears glasses to help her see.Her eyesight is stable now, however, she still haschallenges with her vision.She first heard of The Carroll Center from theMassachusetts Commission for the Blind. Sheparticipated in The Carroll Center program Youth inTransition, a summer program for students ages 15 to21 that promotes independence through training,socialization and recreational opportunities. She enjoyedhorseback riding and learning how to cook, especiallychicken parmesan. Now she helps her mom in thekitchen and is prepared to do her own laundryin college.To prepare even more for college, Sam knew she neededmore technology training so she decided to return toThe Carroll Center for the Computing for College Program.6 The Carroll Center for the BlindSamantha, getting outdoorsto enjoy the fresh air.She practiced using a ZoomText Magnifier/Reader, AdobeReader and other shortcut commands for her laptop. Thistraining, in conjunction with the support from the disabilityoffice at her university, will help Sam succeed over the nextfour years. She is interested in the biology field and gettinginvolved with different clubs on campus.Samantha hasn’t let her vision problems stop her. Herfuture is looking bright. Her mom, Nancy, said “The firsttime Sam came back from The Carroll Center, she saidshe finally felt like she met people she is comfortable withand are her equals. Maybe Sam will come back next yearto The Carroll Center for the work program and intern ata Boston Hospital.”

Gwendolyn FitzgeraldPROGRAM : Community Essential Skills ProgramHOMETOWN: Gloucester, Massachusetts“The staff care so much at The CarrollCenter and everything comes togetherso nicely. I found a lot of warmth here.The staff and other clients are here for thesame reasons and they care about you.”GWENDOLYN’S TRANSFORMATIONAt age 82, a typical weekday for Gwendolyn might includea game of cribbage or bridge with her friends, attendingan exercise class or going into Boston for a symphonyperformance. This is surprising for someone at that age,but quite remarkable when you consider that she alsolives on her own, is legally blind and has Charles Bonnetsyndrome, a disease in which a person with partial orsevere blindness sees complex visual hallucinations.As her disease increased in severity, Gwendolyn knewthat in order to continue her active lifestyle, she neededhelp, specifically to stay independent in her own home.In June 2017, she came to The Carroll Center for the Blindto participate in the two-week Essential Skills Program.She learned how to use her cane, how to safely cook inthe kitchen and how to use new adaptive technology. Herfavorite part was working with her personal managementteacher Tina de Araujo in the kitchen. In particular, shelearned how to read, store and label ingredients, as well asdifferent ways to measure liquids, so she can continue herlove of cooking from scratch.Gwendolyn, enjoying thefreedom of living at home.so she can easily stay in contact with her son and herdaughter, who was born deaf. She can’t see signlanguage anymore so together they practice tactile,something else that Tina taught her in those two weeks.The Carroll Center has helped Gwendolyn remain independent and active in her home and community. Gwendolynkeeps her positive outlook on life and later this year, sheis planning to travel to St. Croix with her daughter.“What I find is older people that lose their vision arevery unhappy. I feel sorry for them that they can’t accepttheir vision loss and take advantage of all the availableresources, like The Carroll Center. You just have to speakup and say you need assistance. People are so willingto help!”During her time at The Carroll Center, she learned howto navigate traveling as a pedestrian safely since thereare no traffic lights in her hometown of Gloucester.She also learned how to use her technology differently2017 Annual Report 7

Steve WhitePROGRAM : Job Market Preparation Programand Independent Living ProgramHOMETOWN: Manor, Oklahoma“I use to be scared of going outbecause I couldn’t see but nowI just get up and go.”STEVE’S TRANSFORMATIONBefore Steve came to The Carroll Center for the Blind,he was unhappy and insecure in his own abilities. Beingfrom Oklahoma, Steve originally enrolled in a school inLouisiana because he had never flown before and thecenter was close to home. After doing his research onThe Carroll Center, he realized the programs there wouldbe more beneficial to him so he faced his fear of flyingand got on a plane to Boston.Steve had not worked in the past three years due to hisvision loss but he wanted the skills to get back in theworkforce. During his time at The Carroll Center, Steveparticipated in the 8-week Job Market Preparation Program,where adults can explore work experiences since losingtheir vision by working 3-4 days a week at job sites to buildtheir confidence and capabilities. Steve went to work in thekitchen at Community Servings, a local not-for-profit foodand nutrition program. He prepared and packaged foodfor their clients by safely using knives and other kitchenproducts. He was able to gain his confidence back inthe skills he had before vision loss to succeed againin his career in the food industry.8 The Carroll Center for the BlindSteve & Shaun, CCB Clients, preparingmeals at Community ServingsSteve learned so much at The Carroll Center and he didn’tstop once he returned to Oklahoma. He said, “I used to bescared of going out because I couldn’t see but now I justget up and go.” He is proud to say he has found a jobworking at the University of Oklahoma in the kitchen, usingthe skills he gained during his time at Community Servingsand The Carroll Center. Besides work, Steve has learnedhow to enjoy his life again. “I now have friends from NewYork, Sweden, Connecticut and Boston that I met at TheCarroll Center that I keep in touch with often. It is absolutelyworthwhile to go to The Carroll Center if you need help.”

Margaret Baba DiriPROGRAM : Technical TrainingHOMETOWN: Koboko, Uganda“Thanks to The Carroll Center, I feelempowered and I’m able to beindependent back in my homecountry of Uganda.”MARGARET’S TRANSFORMATIONMargaret spent many years as a teacher in her homecountry of Uganda, but blindness disrupted her career.She was born sighted, but became blind in 1990 due toglaucoma. After taking time to deal with her vision lossshe was ready to start working again in 2006. Due tothis experience, she decided on a career change andwas elected to the Ugandan Parliament. She is nowrepresentative for the Koboko District, where she spendsher days advocating for persons with disabilities.In Uganda, Margaret did not have access to the technologytraining she needed to succeed in her career. As the firstblind member to be elected to Parliament, it was crucialfor Margaret to be up to speed on technology, specificallycomputer training, so she could better serve her district.In March of 2017, Margaret boarded a plane and traveled6,000 miles away to come to The Carroll Center.Margaret at her programgraduation with her daughter.as how to properly use a white cane and navigate newenvironments. Margaret said, “I am really impressed withall The Carroll Center has to offer. Blind people here areso lucky. We don’t have anything like this back home.It’s been very helpful.”Now back home in Uganda, Margaret said life hasn’tbeen the same. She now has the confidence and abilityto navigate her home by herself, and her work life hasimproved tremendously. She uses her computer to writewithout assistance and she can access her own emails.She said, “Thanks to The Carroll Center, I feel empoweredand I’m able to be independent.” Margaret’s dream is tostart her own center like The Carroll Center in Ugandato help others that are blind or visually impaired, just likeThe Carroll Center helped her.Margaret enrolled in The Carroll Center’s computer trainingprograms. For 4 weeks, she participated in The CarrollCenter’s technology programs, focusing on learning touse a computer and an iPad, equipment provided to herthrough her job at Parliament. She also learned how toread braille, as well as orientation and mobility skills, such2017 Annual Report 9

The Carroll Society AwardsEach year, The Carroll Center forthe Blind and the MassachusettsCommission for the Blind recognizeoutstanding employees who arevisually impaired through the annualCarroll Society Awards Ceremony.Through a nomination process, individuals are chosenbecause, despite vision loss, they are exemplaryemployees and contribute to the overall culture ofboth their business and community.In 2017, six stellar individuals were honored:Jerry BerrieriCanConnect Manager,Perkins School for the BlindCatherine BlyATRC Boston Program Manager,Easter Seals MACharles ThigpenEnvironmental Services,Massachusetts General HospitalKerry ThompsonInformation and Program Coordinator,Disability Rights FundJoe QuintanillaVice President, Development and Major Gifts,National Braille Press(Awards photo, from left to right)Gregory J. Donnelly, Paul Saner, Jerry Berrier, Catherine Bly,Charles Thigpen, Kerry Thompson, Joe Quintanilla,Rose Mary Miller, and Dina Rosenbaum.10 The Carroll Center for the Blind2017 Blind Employee of the Year AwardRose Mary MillerConsumer Specialist,Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General

CommonwealthConversationsOn April 4, 2017, thanks to the support from SenatorCynthia Creem, The Carroll Center hosted a MetroWestsession of Commonwealth Conversations, an openforum for the public to engage in policy conversationswith the senators.Attendees included: Senator Creem, Senate PresidentStanley Rosenberg, and Senators Karen Spilka, JamesEldridge, John Keenan, Michael Rodrigues, Marc Pacheco,Harriet Chandler, Michael Brady and Michael Barrett.The Senators received a tour of the campus and engagedin conversation on public transportation challenges forthe blind and visually impaired.The Carroll Center’s Jennifer Harnish, PhD., Director ofRehabilitation, and Joseph Kolb, Community ServicesCOMS Instructor, presented on Orientation and Mobility:How to Navigate the Transportation System, whileBrian Charlson, Director of Technology, addressedRecent Impact and Changes to the Paratransit System.Carl O. Richardson III, a former client and current CCBBoard Member, is the American Disability Act Coordinatorof MA State House. Mr. Richardson spoke of his experienceand the importance of the work The Carroll Center is doingfor the blind and visually impaired community.80% of CCB clients areMA residentsWoburn Host Lions Club’sHalloween ParadeOn Sunday, October 30, 2016, The Carroll Center for theBlind proudly participated in the Woburn Host Lions ClubHalloween Parade to promote the Center and its importantwork. Clients, staff, family members and friends marchedwith school bands and numerous community organizationsover 2.2 miles in front of over 80,000 spectators.2017 Annual Report 11

Fast Facts5,000More than five thousand clients served annually75%of school districts inMA served by CCBTwitter6,606 Followers12 The Carroll Center for the BlindFacebook3,456 Likes78%of the blind studentpopulation in MA served by CCBYouTube187 SubscribersLinkedIn631 Followers

2xThe Center for Disease Controland Prevention estimatesthat the number of blindand visually impaired peoplewill double by 2030.90%of our Project SEARCHstudents become employedupon program completionTop causes of visionloss for CCB clients25% Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) Glaucoma Retinopathy of Prematurity Optic Nerve Atrophy (ONA) Macular Degeneration25% of CCB employeesare blind or visually impaired Diabetic RetinopathyAverage age across programsTechnology & ComputerServices Programs:Vision RehabCenter Programs:Low VisionPrograms:47 years 36 years 67 years2017 Annual Report 13

Summer ProgramsFor special needs families, the wordtypical is extraordinary.Children and the parents of special needs children valueour camp programs because we give their children whatevery child wants, an amazing summer at camp. This campprovides social fun and activities, while allowing them tobuild skills to make them more successful in the upcomingschool year.14 The Carroll Center for the Blind

Volunteers6,341HoursLast year volunteers spent 6,341hours supporting The Carroll Centerand our 5,000 blind and visuallyimpaired clients.Volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds and skillsets ranging from students to young professionals tocorporations to retirees. Volunteers support our fundraisingevents, assist in the Carroll Store, improve facilities, provideclients with inspirational keynote presentations, and assistwith a variety of programs, including sailing, fishing, androck climbing.A SPECIAL THANKSA special thank you goes to our volunteers from Allergan,Belmont Hill High School, Boston College Law, BostonCollege, Boy Scouts of America, Deloitte, Jay Blake andTeam, Lasell College, Liberty Mutual, Mount AlverniaHigh School, Newton Country Day, Newton Public Schools,Tufts University, Ursuline Academy, Woburn Host LionsClub, Xaverian Brothers High School, our recreationalSail Blind volunteers, and all the others!The Boy Scouts of AmericaIn FY17 The Carroll Center was fortunate to be chosenfor two different Eagle Scout Volunteer Projects. The EagleScout award is Scouting’s highest rank advancement.Eagle Scouts exemplify the virtues of service andleadership, using their training and influence to bettertheir communities and the world.The Carroll Center clients play bocce using a bell, tolearn and practice distance and depth perception throughhearing. Samuel “Sammy” Bereday Burnham learnedThe Carroll Center had a bocce club, but clients had totravel to bocce courts in other towns because there wasno court on campus. Over the course of three weekends,Sammy recruited his fellow scouts to help him build a10 x 60 bocce court on the CCB campus, so clients couldplay and enjoy the game at their convenience. A specialthank you also goes to National Lumber and New EnglandStoneworks for providing materials at cost and donatingtheir time and trucks for delivery.Schuyler Grygiel worked with The Carroll Center’s technology department for his volunteer project. He realized thatwhen creating business documents, Power Points andprofessional materials it was very difficult for blind peopleto identify appropriate images. For his project, he recruitedand led a team of volunteers to create a library of 1,000images with descriptions. While it is currently used forclients, it will be available next year to the public allowingblind and visually impaired individuals around the worldto have access to the database.2017 Annual Report 15

In MemoriumWilliam H. McMahon, IVWe are saddened to announce that our dear friend andVice Chair of The Carroll Center for the Blind Board ofDirectors, William H. McMahon, IV passed away onApril 13, 2017. Bill lived with juvenile diabetes since 1966.He lost his sight from the ravages of the disease in 1984and came to The Carroll Center to learn the skills necessaryto live independently, something he cherished. He wasa tireless supporter of The Carroll Center and its missionto empower those who are blind and visually impaired toachieve independence and to lead a fulfilling life. In 1997,Bill was recognized as Blind Employee of the Year by theMassachusetts Commission for the Blind. He led an activeprofessional and personal life and was involved in manycharitable organizations.Bill’s family has expressed their thanks to all of his friendsand supporters who made his wish of living independentlya reality. His living independently for the past 33 years wasmade possible by the calls, visits, rides and support of somany friends and volunteers. His friends at The CarrollCenter will miss him and his shining personality tremendously. His spirit will live on in the causes he supported.Robert J. Corcoran, Sr.A dear friend of The Carroll Center was lost when Robert J.“Bob” Corcoran, Sr. passed away on May 4, 2017. Bob wasan ardent advocate for The Carroll Center both as a longtime Board member and a Trustee. Bob’s wife Marie andhis son Michael, were also involved as Trustees, making ita Corcoran family effort.Bob’s true talent lied in fundraising and through his efforts,as Chair of the Development Committee, The CarrollCenter successfully raised over 3 million dollars in theearly 2000’s to build a state-of-the-art Technology Center.Bob’s impact on The Carroll Center will be felt for yearsto come.16 The Carroll Center for the Blind

A Special Thank You toOur Legacy Society MembersThe Carroll Center for the Blindgratefully acknowledges the followingindividuals for including The CarrollCenter in their estate plans.Including The Carroll Center for the Blind in your will isa wonderful way to provide for future generations of blindchildren, adults, and seniors. Your lasting gift providesThe Carroll Center with hope for the future and enablesyou to satisfy your personal and philanthropic goals.Members of Carroll Legacy Society honor the memoryof our founder, Father Thomas Carroll, and strengthenthe future of The Carroll Center, enabling us to buildstrong programs for generations to come.To include The Carroll Center in your will, simply askyour attorney or financial planner to include thefollowing language in your will:“I bequeath or % of my estate toThe Carroll Center for the Blind, 770 Centre Street,Newton, MA 02458.”If you have already named The Carroll Center in yourestate plan, please let us know so that we can properlythank you and enroll you in The Carroll Legacy Society.If you would like more information on including The CarrollCenter in your will, or another type of planned gift, pleasecontact Cristine More, CFRE, Chief Development Officer,at 617-969-6200 x245.2017Estate of AndreanaSimonettiEstate of Ilze ZagarinsEstate of KatharineViets LoeweEstate of Peter CazaleEstate of Susan Sulla2013Dorothy MillerEstate of Margaret RyderEstate of Carol HaywardEstate of Norman DorianEstate of Ellen Mary Barry2016Estate of Elizabeth ParsonsEstate of GiovannaDeNapoliEstate of Josephine TrodellaEstate of Laura A. PiaseckiGordon D. Ivester TrustGuerard HowkinsCharitable TrustPeter Beck RevocableTrust of 19922015Estate of AnnaEleanor MurphyEstate of Lucy E. BrancaEstate of Mary FiguritoEstate of Maximilian P. WurfEstate of Sherlock Hibbs2014Emily KentleyEstate of George R SchenckEstate of Helen J. LyonsEstate of Irene M. StareEstate of Mary D. MelloMary RiceVirginia Jones2012Estate of Martha BarryEstate of Earl S. SealeEstate of George WilkinsonEstate of Mary M. BondIda S. GladstoneRevocable TrustJohn E. McHugh CharitableRemainder Trust2011Estate of George R. SchenckEstate of Irma KesterEstate of Laura A. PiaseckiEstate of Mary M. BondEstate of Ann E. CullenEstate of Mary SheaEstate of Elizabeth FerrariniHans ReinholdEstate of George R. Schenck2010Estate of John A. HoudeEstate of Katherine E. LongThis list includes planned gifts from the past7 years. Prior years are listed on our website.Estate of Louise ReardonEstate of Louise ButlerBeverly EmersonEstate of Mary SheaMary Sottile2017 Annual Report 17

5th Annual Walk forINDEPENDENCEPresented by: Adaptive Sports New EnglandOur 5th Annual Walk for INDEPENDENCE,presented by Adaptive Sports NewEngland, was a great success, raisingover 136,000, a 63% increase overlast year’s Walk!Top TeamsGeno’s World And Friends 6,250Team Donnelly 5,251Howell’s Hounds 3,002Covell’s Canine 2,820Emceeed by Channel 5 ChronicleAnchor and Reporter Ted Reinstein,the day’s family activities included a1-mile walk and 5K walk with families,friends, guide dogs and pets.The Walk, in partnership with DMSEand Dave McGillivray, culminatedwith a cookout with music, gamesand activities, dog demonstrations,a silent auction and raffle.Perry’s Pooches 2,440Maria Thompson’s Team 1,780Barrile Family 1,735Team Hines/Kling 1,695Team Kennedy 1,096The event brought awareness of how active andindependent blind and visually impaired people can be,despite their vision loss. We hope to see you next yearon Sunday, April 29, 2018 for our 6th Annual Walk!Geno Carter 9,825Jack McCarthy 4,370Greg Donnelly 3,873MAY 21, 201763%Increase in funds raised18 The Carroll Center for the BlindAlvin’s Allies 10,125Top ParticipantsArmeen Golshan 1,815Carl Richardson 1,425Bruce Howell 1,070Stephen Hines 1,050Talia Barrile 815Edward Christopher 750Janet Perry 490

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Sponsors ListPresented byLions Club of EastonMcSweeney and RicciMutual of AmericaMJM MasonryThe Paciello GroupOrCa

2 The Carroll Center for the Blind The mission of The Carroll Center for the Blind is to empower those who are blind and visually impaired to achieve independence and lead a fulfilling life. Established in 1936, The Carroll Center serves blind and visually impaired people of all ages by providing rehabilitation, skills training,