The Helen Gromann Hall was humming last week with the voices of nearly 50 students gathered to share past and current stories of their experiences as vision rehabilitation students at NJ Foundation for the Blind.  Many students who entered the NJFFB program years ago in their early stage of adjustment to vision loss were happy to reunite with students they had not seen in years.  Most have achieved a high level of independence including working in business, volunteering, helping others with similar challenges, and pursuing fulfilling hobbies.  Diane, a current participant in the Health & Wellness and Art program is now taking her fondness for art into the realm of photography.  She shared with old friends and NJFFB staff the family photographs she recently took.  “Trying photography is another way the Foundation has opened up my world,” she stated with a pleased grin.  

February 29 - Registration Deadline for the March Essential Low Vision Program

March 7 - Essential Low Vision Program

March 28 - Registration Deadline for the April Essential Low Vision Program

March 31 - North Jersey Drum & Dance fundraiser

April 4 - Essential Low Vision Program

April 13 - Registration Deadline for the Health & Wellness Program spring semester

May 14 - Health & Wellness Program spring semester begins in Bergen County

May 17 - Health & Wellness Program spring semester begins in Morris County

May 18 - Health & Wellness Program spring semester begins in Essex County

May 26 - North Jersey Drum & Dance fundraiser

Tara, a 2008 graduate of NJ Foundation for the Blind, exemplifies the miracles that can result when highly motiviated individuals have access to programs and resources that help them adjust to vision loss.  For years, Tara has dealt with her disabilities and overcome countless obstacles.  She is now an immensely successful college student and eternal optimist.   And at 31, she’s only just begun.  Read more about Tara in this article generously provided by Bookshare, a non-profit online digital library.

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NJFFB Health and Wellness classes will start in mid-January in Denville, Montclair and Ridgewood.  The program consists of 13 days of classes in Yoga, T’ai Chi Chih, Horticultural Therapy, Drumming and Support Group. Wellness activities are widely accepted by the medical community as effective healing arts which can reduce stress while building coordination, balance, flexibility and feelings of well-being.  If you are interested in attending this unique program and have access to private transportation, you can register through January 9^th by calling 973-627-0055, Ext. 312.   For our complete press release, click here.

NJ Foundation for the Blind and Mark Wood of Wood’nDrums are co-hosting the North Jersey Drum & Dance event on Saturday, November 26^th, from 8 to 11 PM at NJFFB at 230 Diamond Spring Road in Denville.  The cost is $12 per person.  Children under 12 are free.  Light snacks are included.

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You can access NJFFB’s Fall 2011 Update Newsletter by clicking Fall 2011 Update  to read the newsletter now.  You can also sign up to receive a free subscription to our spring and fall Update Newsletters.  Your issues will be emailed as PDFs or you may choose an alternate format.

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It is sadly ironic that October observes both Blindness Awareness Month and Halloween, the scariest day of the year, for blindness is more feared than just about any other health condition.

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NJFFB is continuing to geographically expand its popular Health & Wellness Program for the Blind and Visually Impaired with the opening this month of a new site in Ridgewood, Bergen County.

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The link below will take you to the article in the August 14, 2011 Sunday Star Ledger.  The article discusses the programs in both Montclair and Denville.

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/08/non-profit_foundation_in_montc.html

The latest issue of Update, the newsletter of NJ Foundation for the Blind, has been released and sent to over 9,000 friends of NJFFB.  Readers will notice a new look and a lot more color.  “We hope our readers will find this format more enjoyable and easier to read,” says David Feinhals, Executive Director.  The issue features three success stories about NJFFB students to encourage others to find the help they need at NJFFB. “We now offer a continuum of programs, so individuals, including caregivers, can find support and training on several different levels,” said Mr. Feinhals. Click on Spring 2011 Update, to read the newsletter now.  Audio, large print and email versions are available on request.