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Mission, Vision and History
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Points to Ponder/How You Can Help
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Calendar of Events
Meet the Staff and Board
Annual Report
Directions to the Fellowship
Mission Statement
To advance the independence of persons who are blind or visually impaired by providing a one-stop resource and education center wherein planning, activities and training are driven by a team of sighted and visually impaired persons dedicated to promoting personal and professional independence and advancement.
Vision Statement
What we do:
The 20/200 Fellowship, Inc. will offer support, assistance and advocacy to
residents of the Treasure Coast whose lives are affected, either directly
or indirectly, by vision loss or blindness.
How we do it:
The 20/200 Fellowship offers support, assistance and advocacy through the
strength of the programs we offer and through our commitment to serving the
needs and choices of the blind and visually impaired of the Treasure Coast.
The resource center provides information and education enabling the consumers
to make informed choices and decisions. The technology lab provides hands-on
opportunities for consumers to develop skills with adaptive equipment while
the “Low-Vision Depot” offers patrons the chance to experiment
with unfamiliar low-vision aids prior to purchase. These essential services
are made available regardless of ability to pay and are available for as long
as an individual’s needs exist.
What we stand for:
With a focus on the needs and choices of the consumer the 20/200 Fellowship
promotes independent living through its mission and advocates for equal accessibility
to services, aids, information and opportunity for persons who are blind or
visually impaired.
What is our goal:
Recognizing the escalating growth in the population of blind and visually
impaired persons the 20/200 Fellowship is committed to developing the resources
and programs necessary to meet the increasing demand. The Fellowship will
become the Treasure Coast’s best source of blindness information.
Plan to meet these goals:
The Fellowship will expand and enhance its services to respond to the needs
of persons who are blind or visually impaired. To successfully meet this challenge
the Fellowship will raise funds through community support, philanthropy and
grants.
History
The roots of the 20/200 Fellowship, Inc. can be traced to 1996, when a group of blind and visually impaired persons from Martin and St. Lucie Counties, under the leadership of Brenda-Ann Gillis (who was herself blind as the result of Retinitis Pigmentosa), recognized the need for improved resource accessibility for the blind and visually impaired on the Treasure Coast. This group teamed up with sighted Treasure Coast residents to establish the foundation from which the 20/200 Fellowship would grow.
By 1999, the seeds of the Fellowship began to germinate with the realization of the initial goals: the incorporation of a non-profit resource center designed by and for blind and visually impaired residents of the Treasure Coast, the acquisition of a building from which the Resource Center would blossom, and the initiation of the 501 (c) (3) charitable organization tax exemption process. In April of 2002, with the completed renovations of the building, the 20/200 Fellowship opened its doors to serve the public, providing the local community with meeting space, blindness information, volunteer services, access to adaptive technology and so much more.
Since its inception the 20/200 Fellowship has been committed to its mission of promoting independence and advancement for those who are visually impaired. Departing from more conventional methodologies, the Fellowship promotes and nurtures a new and fresh approach to blindness education -- an approach in which skills, tricks and tips are taught by peers who have firsthand knowledge of the obstacles the blind or visually impaired consumer confronts.
Blindness education, however, is not limited to visually impaired persons, and neither is the scope of our mission. The Fellowship is committed to promoting public awareness of issues related to vision loss, and our mission is enhanced by branching beyond the borders of our facility and into the Treasure Coast Community. To foster an environment of collaboration, openness and understanding while avoiding duplication of services already offered in our community, the Fellowship has established relationships with area consumer groups, businesses, organizations, local schools, state agencies and other non-profit service providers. With its fresh approach to blindness education and training, the 20/200 Fellowship is positively affecting the lives of area residents impacted (either directly or indirectly) by vision loss.
During the past 5 years, the Fellowship:
• Purchased, renovated and opened a
facility in Pt. Salerno
• Provided services to over 600 persons in our community, free of charge
• Opened a technology lab where consumers learn the latest in adaptive
technology.
• Initiated consumer networking programs
• Enfranchised consumers by providing voting machine tutorials
• Established a “low-vision depot” where consumers can experience
varied magnifiers and CCTVs (Closed Circuit TVs)
• Empowered visually impaired children and their sighted siblings with
after school and summer camp programs
• Increased consumer independence through our volunteer program
• Collaborated with area agencies to create unique learning experiences
for our community
As we progress through our first decade, the
Fellowship continues to branch out into the community, with new programs,
activities and technology. Our founders’ dedication to promoting personal
independence and advancement for persons who are visually impaired is the
continual guiding force that drives the Fellowship to enhance the entire Treasure
Coast community.
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All Fellowship programs are designed by and for those affected by vision loss. With the primary objective of promoting personal and professional independence, our programs employ the philosophy that one blind person can be best equipped to coach another. In fact, in the arena of vision loss and mentoring, life experience proves more valuable than age. A child who has been blind since birth can mentor a senior who is in the process of losing their sight, providing invaluable tips and inspiration.
Program offerings include:
Dot 6 Kids’ Club – Capitalizing INDEPENDENCE
Children from elementary school through their teen years take part in Kids’ Club after school and summer camps. Visually impaired kids and their sighted siblings experience fun way to improve their literacy (in either Braille or print), improve mobility skills through field trips, and learn daily living skills through cooking and crafts. Collaboration with area businesses, agencies and organizations helps the 20/200 Fellowship give its kids a varied, fun and educational experience.
Multigenerational Peer Networking Meetings
You don’t need to be the same age to be a peer, you just need to have the same experiences! The 20/200 Fellowship's networking and support groups give blind and visually impaired residents of the Treasure Coast the opportunity to work together towards resolving the issues that they face on a daily basis. Participants exchange information, tips and tricks for living independent lives.
Eye Openers – Geared towards the individual who is newly experiencing sight loss, this group meets twice a month to discuss techniques for maintaining independence in the household and in the community.
Friday Nite P.U.B. (Professional United Blind) – Designed for individuals who are interested in employment topics, this group meets once a month on Friday evenings. Discussions are centered around independence in the workplace.
Tech 1-On-1
Technology opens doors! Fellowship courses in adaptive technology are designed and taught by those who use the technology every day. Adaptive tech can be anything from synthesized voice computer programs to Perkins Braillers and everything in between. The course goals vary based upon the needs and skills of the individual.
Low Vision Aids Demonstrations The 20/200 Fellowship is the place to turn to when you are not sure what your next step should be. There comes a point in the process of vision loss where a magnifier or CCTV makes all the difference to maintaining independent control over your correspondence and finances. Since you’ve never used these devices before, you don’t know what you need or whether to spend $20 or $2000 for the equipment that will serve you best. Anyone looking for their first magnifier or requiring a new device is welcome to come in and experience the equipment firsthand, try it out and experiment before committing to a purchase.
Volunteer Service Program
This program enhances the independence of
visually impaired persons by pairing visually impaired individuals and volunteers,
who work together to design new methods of performing daily tasks. Volunteers
may work with children in our camps or adults in their homes or both. No matter
in which capacity they work with us, our volunteers always say they get as
much from the experience as their partner does.
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Points to Ponder/How You Can Help
Points to Ponder
Every seven minutes someone in America will become blind or visually impaired. (Common Senses, Inc. – Blind Awareness.)
Currently, more than 1 million Americans are blind and another 2.4 million suffer some vision impairment. (National Eye Institute)
80 million Americans suffer from potentially blinding eye diseases. (http://whyfiles.org/003eye/statistics.html)
Disturbingly, the number of Americans with age-related eye disease and the vision impairment that results is expected to double over the next three decades. (Prevent Blindness America)
People do not go blind by the millions, they go blind one by one.
Are you or someone you love at risk?
How You Can Help
You can give your time! The Fellowship needs volunteers, both blind and sighted,
to help those adjusting to blindness learn new methods of performing everyday
tasks, to help with our after school and summer children’s programming
and to assist with a myriad of office tasks. We’ll provide the training.
Contact sindy@20-200fellowship.org
for more information.
You can make a tax-deductible financial contribution! Specifically, a donation of $25 gives one person an individual demonstration of available low-vision aids. When you give $100, you provide one person with introductory technology skills. Your donation of $250 provides one child with after school or summer educational and mobility training activities. Contact amy@20-200fellowship.org for more information.
Talk to us about funding a specific program!
July - August 2006
Thank You Mariner Sands Chapel!
The 20/200 Fellowship, Inc., is forever grateful
to the congregation and board of the Mariner Sands Chapel. Providing programs
for the blind of the Treasure Coast for years to come, in a facility which
is owned solely by the blind and visually impaired community for which we
serve, has always been of paramount importance to all of us. Over the past
two years, Mariner Sands Chapel, through their generous philanthropies, has
donated funds to pay off the majority of the remaining mortgage on our building.
As of June 2006, the 20/200 Fellowship has realized the goal of owning its
home on Kingfish Avenue in Stuart, guaranteeing that our doors will always
be open to provide blind and visually impaired individuals the window of opportunity
to be a vital part of the Treasure Coast community.
A School-Year’s Worth of Learning in One Day
“We caught a baby Barracuda!”
This rather excited announcement was made by Kevin Pertuch as he sorted through the creatures he and his partner had hauled in with their seining net. Less interesting to Kevin, but enjoyed by the rest of the Eye Openers/Dots 6 Kids combined group that ranged in age from 6, to well, a lot older than 6, were the Pinfish, Jelly Fish, Blue Crabs, Hermit Crabs and Silver Sides that were caught, studied, and ultimately released back into the Indian River Lagoon.
Four is definitely the charm. The Fellowship’s
4th annual Ecotour was about as much fun and education as you can squeeze
into one day. Sunshine Wildlife Tours’ Captain Nancy Beaver led us on
a trip through the lagoon, where we were escorted by dolphins through the
fragile ecosystem that is the jewel in the Treasure Coast’s Crown.
After experiencing the calls of the many birds in Bird Island, we repaired
to Boy Scout Island for lunch and seining. We covered every inch of the island,
experiencing a freedom of mobility that can only come from actually taking
a chance and overcoming obstacles along the way. During our leisurely return
to Manatee Pocket, we learned about the importance of Mangroves and the attempts
to restore them to the lagoon. We also learned about what is not being restored,
the sea grasses. And we discussed the shaky future of the Manatee, which has
been reclassified from endangered status to threatened status.
At the end of it all, our Dot 6 Kids and Eye Openers groups returned to dry land, exhausted but enthused by all we had experienced of the flora and fauna that call the Indian River Lagoon home.
We are grateful to Captain Nancy for giving us this unique opportunity to explore our environment. To make a reservation on a Sunshine Wildlife tour, contact Nancy at (772) 219-0148. These programs are made possible thanks to your support.
It’s Not Too Late!
If you enjoy spending time with kids, and want to benefit from the skills they can teach you while working together on projects, educational games or on field trips, then volunteering with our Dot 6 Kids’ Club is for you. Join us for a few hours on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday, and we promise it will be the most exciting part of your week!
Call Sindy at (772) 220-0095, or email volunteer@20-200fellowship.org to learn more about the camp and how you can become a part of this invigorating experience!
SCHEDULE OF PROGRAMS
JULY – AUGUST 2006
Programming Note: Friday Nite PUB will be returning in August! Join us for
a new season of PUB as we explore advances in technology, goal setting, and
much more.
EYE OPENERS
JULY 12th 1-3 PM
“CANE SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES”
GUEST SPEAKER: CURT SEELEY
During this Eye Openers, Curt Seeley, an Orientation & Mobility instructor in Martin County, will discuss the various aspects of cane travel. Curt, along with this year’s Dot Six Summer Camp participants, will demonstrate the different cane techniques that one can use to gather information about their surroundings. He will also discuss how to safely cross streets using a cane, how to orient yourself to unfamiliar environments, and the importance of having good cane skills, so don’t miss this very informative session!
EYE OPENERS
JULY 26th 1-3 PM
“FIRE AND HOME SAFETY”
SPECIAL GUESTS: MARTIN COUNTY FIRE AND RESCUE
Join the Dot Six Kids Camp participants for a presentation on fire safety and safety in the home! Representatives from the Martin County Fire Department will visit the Fellowship to explain what to do in the event of a fire, and discuss home safety. This is a great time to refresh your knowledge of this life-saving subject!
FRIDAY NITE PUB
AUGUST 18th 7-9 PM
“THE WORLD OF PORTABLE COMPUTER ACCESS”
FreedomBox, made by Serotek Corporation, comes
in the form of either a USB thumb drive or a CD-rom the size of a credit card.
This portable software can give you instant access to any computer, including
a web browser and System Access, which provides speech output for all of the
applications on the computer. Come learn about this adaptable device!
AUGUST EYE OPENERS THEME: CELL PHONE ACCESSIBILITY
There are two categories of cell phone accessibility: software that is installed on to your cell phone, and phones that are accessible right out of the box. During the month of August, we will explore both of these categories. No matter which type of accessibility you prefer, we’ve got the information for you!
EYE OPENERS
AUGUST 9th 1-3 PM
“ACCESSING CELL PHONES WITH SOFTWARE”
Talks, Mobile Accessibility, and Mobile Speak
are software programs that can allow your Nokia series 60 or 80 cell phones
to talk to you. Mobile Magnifier will enlarge the text that appears on the
screen of your phone to make it easier to read. These programs will allow
you to access the many features of your cell phone such as battery status,
signal strength, call logs, the phone book, and the menus.
EYE OPENERS
AUGUST 23rd 1-3 PM
“ACCESSIBLE OFF THE SHELF CELL PHONES”
During this Eye Openers, we will discuss cell phones that are accessible right out of the box. There are two different options that can speak information to you such as the battery status, signal strength, and contacts in your phone book.
Convention Connections
By Ashley Skellenger
When I was in my sophomore year of high school, I attended my first state convention of the National Federation of the Blind. Up until that point, I had never really thought about attending conferences on a regular basis, let alone the issues that were brought up during the meetings. I think that what immediately caught my attention at this first conference was seeing how many other blind people were there. It was amazing to be in the hotel, and see over 100 dogs and canes. I was the only blind student at my high school, so getting to meet so many other blind persons at that convention was amazing in its own right.
One of the first things that struck me about the people I met and interacted with at this convention was their confidence. There were those who were raising families, working in various jobs, and who held board positions in the NFB, and as a result, worked on varied projects, ranging from legislation issues, advocacy, and fund raising. This was a great source of encouragement and support to me; it gave me living role models, and caused me to examine my own skill level. From talking to others, I learned new techniques in such areas as cane travel, and cooking. I also began to learn about legislative issues that affect those who are blind, and how I could advocate for myself. It was also a wonderful support network to have; I learned a lot more by being able to contact many of the people I had met after that first convention, sharing questions and experiences.
While these conventions offer a vast support system for me and others who are blind, we are fortunate to live in an area that has a similar resource available to us. The 20/200 Fellowship provides training in the use of Braille and adaptive technology, both important and needed skills, which can help you become more independent and self-sufficient. The Fellowship also offers, as I am sure you’re aware, groups for those losing their sight, and for those specifically seeking employment. These groups allow for meeting others, learning new skills/techniques, and give you the opportunity to form a support network. The after school and summer camp program allows for similar opportunities for the kids as well. I would definitely encourage everyone to take part in what the Fellowship has to offer; it is a great organization, and the services that are offered mirror what can be found at many conventions.
I hope to see you here this summer, as it will be my last summer here for the foreseeable future! But more on that in our next issue…
Mark Your Calendars!
Join us for our 2nd Annual Walkathon &
Visual Impairment Awareness Event
Canes, Canines & Community
Saturday, October 14th, 2006 at 8:00AM
Memorial Park - East Ocean Boulevard - Stuart, Florida
Walk begins at 8:00 AM - Day of event registration/breakfast
at 7:00 AM
Registration: Individuals $15.00 in advance, $25.00 day of event
Teams $50.00, in advance only
Free breakfast for all registered walkers
Free t-shirts for first 200 registered walkers
Entertainment - Information - Occlusion Corner
Education for kids of all ages
Grand Prize Drawing - Team Prizes - Individual Prizes
For more information, or to volunteer to be
a part of this exciting event, call us at (772) 220-0095 or email info@20-200fellowship.org
Schedule
of Events
• July 4th, 2006 - Fellowship closed.
• July 12th, 2006, 1-3 PM - Eye Openers: Cane Skills and Techniques - Guest Speaker: Curt Seeley. Curt Seeley, an Orientation & Mobility instructor in Martin County, along with this year’s Dot Six Summer Camp participants, will demonstrate the different cane techniques that one can use to gather information about their surroundings. Don’t miss this very informative session!
• July 26th, 2006, 1-3 PM - Eye Openers: Fire and Home Safety - Special Guests: Martin County Fire and Rescue. Join the Dot Six Kids Camp participants for a presentation on fire safety and safety in the home. This is a great time to refresh your knowledge of this life-saving subject!
• August 9th, 2006, 1-3 PM - Eye Openers: Accessible Cell Phones with Software. Cell phone software programs allow you to access the many features of your cell phone such as battery status, signal strength, call logs, the phone book, and the menus. Attend this Eye Openers to find out how this can work for you!
• August 10th, 2006, 7 PM - Meeting of the Board of Directors at the 20/200 Fellowship.
• August 18th, 2006, 7-9 PM - FreedomBox can give you instant access to any computer, including a web browser and System Access, which provides speech output for all of the applications on the computer. Come learn about this adaptable device!
• August 23rd, 2006, 1-3 PM - Accessible Cell Phones off the Shelf. We'll discuss the two different options that can speak information to you such as the battery status, signal strength, and contacts in your phone book.
Dot 6 Kids Club Summer Camp Trips (volunteer chaperones welcome!) - Please call us at 220-0095 to learn more!
• July 14th, 2006, 8:30-1:30 - Dupuis Wildlife Management Area
• July 21st, 2006, 9:00-1:30 - US Sailing
• July 28th, 2006, 9:00-1:30 - Stuart Lanes
• August 2nd, 2006, 8:30-1:30 - Palm City Equestrian Center
Amy Steinmetz, Executive Director
Amy@20-200fellowship.org
With a Master of Education degree and thirteen years of experience
in nonprofit management (I spent more than ten years at Recording for the
Blind & Dyslexic, ultimately directing the Princeton, NJ studio, and later
I became the Senior Program Director at the Boys & Girls Club of Trenton),
I moved to the Treasure Coast to become the Executive Director here at the
Fellowship. I feel very lucky to have joined such a warm and generous community,
without whom the Fellowship could not have grown into the vibrant and exciting
organization that it is today.
Sindy Greenwell, Program Coordinator
Sindy@20-200fellowship.org
My name is Sindy Greenwell and I am the Program Coordinator of the 20/200
Fellowship. I have a B.B.A. degree in Computer Information Systems from Middle
Tennessee State University. I teach adaptive technology , lead the Dot 6 Kids'
Club and run Eye Openers and P.U.B. The most rewarding part of this job is
seeing the successes of my students and watching them progress toward their
goals; I enjoy helping people learn new things.
Virginia (Ginger) Stokes, Receptionist/Program Assistant
Ginger@20-200fellowship.org
I am likely to be the first person you meet at the Fellowship. Along with
my duties as receptionist, I am the one who will give you your low vision
demonstration, showing you all of the magnifiers and CCTV's that are here.
I am also the Program Assistant which means that I work with the adults and
kids who come in for Eye Openers, P.U.B. and Dot 6 Kids Club. I have been
with the Fellowship since February of 2003.
Ron Andrini, Assistant
Ron@20-200fellowship.org
My name is Ronald Andrini, better known as Ronny or Ron. I grew up in New
York and later moved to Miami where I completed high school and then worked
as a musician and in auto finance. I relocated to this area in 1997, and six
months later lost my sight due to retinal detachment. After this, I worked
in customer service. I now have the good fortune to be employed at the 20/200
Fellowship, where I have not only been able to learn some Braille and improve
my computer techniques, but to share my knowledge with others.
Ashley Skellenger, Intern
Ashley@20-200fellowship.org
For those of you who have not met me, I am Ashley and have been involved with
the Fellowship since its inception. I am a student at FAU, and plan to begin
working on my graduate degree in social work in 2006. I enjoy spending my
summers at the Fellowship, working with the Dot 6 Kids Club camp, as well
as helping people in the community.
Board of Directors
We, the Board of Directors of the 20/200 Fellowship, are a team of blind,
visually impaired and sighted people who share a positive philosophy about
blindness. We are dedicated to promoting personal independence and advancement
for persons who are visually impaired, and we know that with proper tools,
training and opportunity everyone can realize their greatest personal and
professional potential.
Since its inception in 1999, the Fellowship has grown from a dream into a vital part of our community. We opened our doors in early 2002 to meet needs that other agencies miss and to serve people who otherwise would not be served.
Just as a sports team thrives when it has offensive and defensive players, the Fellowship Team is strongest when it consists of people from all walks of life. Our board, staff, and consumers are a diverse group of all ages, ranging from 20/20 vision to legally blind (best corrected vision of 20/200) to totally blind. We have worked together to create a central location where visually impaired people can develop new skills, learn adaptive technology, network, secure volunteer services, obtain information and so much more. Unlike in more ‘traditional’ settings, skills, tricks and tips are taught by peers who have firsthand knowledge of the obstacles the blind or visually impaired consumer confronts.
Over the next 30 years, as the giant baby-boom generation ages, the number of visually impaired Americans is predicted to double. The Treasure Coast can anticipate tremendous impact from this growth. Through the innovative programs and services we provide, the Fellowship is poised to be our community’s response.
Our vision of personal independence for persons who are blind and visually impaired is enhanced and enriched by strong team players. We invite you to join the Fellowship Team!
Ronald Andrini, President
Joe Lenartiene, Vice President
Amy Steinmetz, Secretary
Kim Moir, Treasurer
Debby Brackett
Nancy Gill
Linda Gordon
Katharine Kennedy
Cheryl Lenartiene
Gary Metzler
Carl Miller
Dr. Mark Michels, MD
Bob Rafaels
Marcy Scott
Brenda-Ann Gillis, Founder Emeritus
This page is currently under construction. Please check back soon.
From I-95:
Take Exit 101 and take 76 (Kanner Highway) east. Proceed on 76 for just over
1/2 mile, then turn right onto Salerno Road (there is a traffic light at this
intersection). Continue on Salerno Road for approximately 3 miles. After crossing
US 1, proceed approximately 1/10th of a mile, looking for SE Kingfish Avenue
on your left. Turn left onto Kingfish, and go north two blocks to SE Mulford
Street. The Fellowship is on the southwest corner of the intersection of Kingfish
and Mulford.
From Florida's Turnpike:
Take Exit 133 onto FL-714 East (Martin Downs Blvd). Follow Martin Downs Blvd.
east over the Palm City Bridge into Stuart. Once you are across the bridge,
this same road will be named Monterey Road. Stay on Monterey until it intersects
with US 1. Make a right onto US 1 (Federal Highway) south. Proceed on US 1
south for 3 miles to Salerno Road. Make a left (east) onto Salerno Road, andproceed
1/10th of a mile, looking for SE Kingfish Avenue on your left. Turn left onto
Kingfish, and go north two blocks to SE Mulford Street. The Fellowship is
on the southwest corner of the intersection of Kingfish and Mulford.
From Stuart and Port St. Lucie:
Take US 1 south to Salerno Road. Make a left (east) onto Salerno Road, and
proceed 1/10th of a mile, looking for SE Kingfish Avenue on your left. Turn
left onto Kingfish, and go north two blocks to SE Mulford Street. The Fellowship
is on the southwest corner of the intersection of Kingfish and Mulford.
From Hobe Sound:
Take US 1 north to Salerno Road. Make a right (east) onto Salerno Road, and
proceed 1/10th of a mile, looking for SE Kingfish Avenue on your left. Turn
left onto Kingfish, and go north two blocks to SE Mulford Street. The Fellowship
is on the southwest corner of the intersection of Kingfish and Mulford.
Our street address is 4992 SE Kingfish Avenue, Stuart, FL 34997. However, whenever you are sending us something in the mail, please be sure to use the following address: P.O. Box 1208, Pt. Salerno, FL 34992-1208.