After more than 50 years at the same location, NJ Foundation for the Blind will sell its 68,000 sq. ft. facility on Diamond Spring Road in Denville and find more suitable space for its vision rehabilitation programs.

David Feinhals, the nonprofit’s new Executive Director, states that the Foundation’s strategic plan includes maintaining a local presence even after the sale of the building.  He explains that NJ Foundation for the Blind has committed itself to a future where programs are conducted in strategically selected, highly accessible locations throughout northern New Jersey and eventually the entire state, and that includes a program center in Morris County. 

“The opportunity to expand our outreach throughout New Jersey will allow us to dramatically increase the number of individuals served who are suffering from low vision or complete vision loss,” explained Mr. Feinhals. “We will be able to significantly improve the quality of life of individuals who are blind or vision impaired by removing transportation as a major barrier to service.”

The NJ Foundation for the Blind is also known as Diamond Spring Lodge reflecting its original use as a summer camp for the blind complete with outdoor pool, and later as a recreational facility which incorporated classes on activities of daily living.

The residential component was suspended in 2005 and the bedroom wings were vacated when a nonresidential comprehensive vision rehabilitation program was instituted.  The new program taught time-honored techniques as well as the new assistive technologies that make it possible for individuals with vision loss to participate more fully in mainstream society and access more employment opportunities.

Under new leadership, Diamond Spring Lodge transformed from camp to campus with day classes in assistive technologies, orientation and mobility, independent living skills as well as an award-winning art and music program. 

In recent months, additional program options have been added to serve a continuum of vision rehabilitation needs including a one-day Low Vision Program for people with recent vision loss and a ten-week program of Health & Wellness activities. Health & Wellness is currently conducted in the Denville facility and is also being piloted in a Montclair church to provide easier access to Essex County residents.

“We believe the time is right to move forward with a community-based program expansion.  The efficiencies gained through this form of program delivery will enable us to maximize the investments of our donors to reach more students.  The NJ Foundation for the Blind Board of Trustees, administration and faculty agree that selling our existing building and growing the programs throughout the state will assist us in meeting our mission and serving more students where they live,” said Mr. Feinhals.

“Our students are aware of the sale of the building,” he continued.  “Our staff and students are understandably attached to the building and its history, but the magic is in the programs and people, and not in the bricks and mortar. The time has come to serve the people who need our programs in locations they can get to.”