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InFocus
Winter 2012
For members, donors, volunteers, consumers and friends
A Publication of Vision Forward Association
Vision Forward Association Enters New Era in Vision Services
Greater Milwaukee area residents now have access to the state’s only comprehensive resource center designed to help people of all ages adapt to vision loss. Our new name, Vision Forward Association, is the result of the final phase of the merger between the Badger Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired and the Center for Blind and Visually Impaired Children.
The new name, Vision Forward Association, was unveiled at a Launch Party and Open House on October 28th. More than 300 people celebrated the event at our Hawley Road campus with a live radio broadcast from Dave and Carol of WKLH, 96.5 FM. The party included tours of the renovated Children’s wing, product demonstrations in our retail store, and seminars on adaptive living skills. A special thanks to the West Allis Lion’s Club for providing lunch.
In the Greater Milwaukee area, it is estimated that there are as many as 60,000 people with vision loss. “Our new name change reflects a growing community need for additional services for children and adults seeking ways to live successfully with their changing vision” says Patrick Brown, Executive Director of Vision Forward Association.
To help connect more people in need with services the board of directors for Vision Forward has approved a comprehensive marketing initiative. Over the next several months, you can expect to read more about the work of Vision Forward in the community. In addition, you may have seen our name and logo in newspaper ads, on buses and you may even hear advertisements on the radio letting people know that we are here to help.
Connecting people to services is vital to helping people with vision loss remain independent and successful. If you know someone who can benefit from our services, please have them call us at 414-615-0100 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
From the Executive Director:
Supporting our new beginning as Vision Forward Association
As we close out 2011 and welcome a New Year, I am truly grateful for the caring friends, donors, volunteers and members who have supported our mission this past year. Despite a challenging economy, we received over 1,400 financial contributions to Vision Forward Association. We were pleased with the generous response to our year end appeal and excited to see more people accessing the new website at www.vision-forward.org to make donations online.
In addition to providing vital funds for our current programming, many of you chose to support our Unified Vision Campaign to renovate our facility and expand our programming. Every dollar raised ensures that our vital programs and vision services are available and accessible for all children and adults today and that their future needs will be adequately addressed as well.
If you missed the opportunity to make a contribution to our year end appeal, you can use the donation envelope enclosed with this InFocus or call our Philanthropy Department at 414-615-0120. Donations are tax deductible and can be made online through our website at www.vision-forward.org.
My sincere gratitude to all of our community partners and internal family and friends who have helped make Vision Forward Association an amazing and valuable community resource. If you were unable to attend the fall Open House and would like to visit the new Children’s Wing, please give me a call at 414-615-0108 to arrange a personal tour. I look forward to working together in the coming year to build brighter futures for children and adults with vision loss.
A Tribute to Becky Williams
February 28, 1951 – November 7, 2011
Becky a former Board President of the Badger Association, Association member and longtime volunteer passed away on November 7, 2011 after a courageous battle with breast cancer.
Becky was a strong leader and advocate who, through her experiences as a blind person, offered unique insight into understanding the needs and concerns of those who are blind and visually impaired. Becky devoted much of her life to developing new programs, solving problems and promoting collaboration with other organizations. Her greatest volunteer legacy was her leadership role in the merger of the Badger Association with the Center for Blind and Visually Impaired Children.
Becky was passionate about ensuring that visually impaired children, especially school age youth, had access to services that could help them gain independence.
In April 2010, Becky was recognized with the Volunteer Center’s Inspire by Example Award for her volunteer service. In June 2010, the CBS 58 News segment “Making Milwaukee Great” — a feature that pays tribute to those who make a positive impact in communities all across Southeastern Wisconsin — highlighted Becky as an individual who is inspiring, uplifting, and making a difference in other people’s lives. The tagline they used for their story was “Becky Williams an award-winning volunteer, who makes sure others see a brighter future, even though she herself cannot see.” And in the fall of 2010, Becky was inducted into the Milwaukee County’s Senior Citizen Hall of Fame. Becky was someone who exemplified the mission of Vision Forward Association — she never let her blindness get in the way of her accomplishments and life ambitions. She was truly sincere and caring. Those who had the opportunity to know and work with her are forever grateful.
Vision Forward Association Concludes Successful Capital Campaign
Raises nearly $1.5 million to provide comprehensive centrally located services
Vision Forward Association is very excited to begin the New Year after completing its highly successful, Unified Vision Capital Campaign. The campaign officially concluded this January after raising $1,492,939.
The funds raised helped to support the following:
- Renovation of our children’s wing.
- Community outreach to educate potential clients, families, and professionals.
- New program development to meet developmental needs of school-age children living with vision loss.
- Organizational integration
“I was energized to be part of this successful campaign and creating an amazing wing to house children’s programming,” said Curt Culver, MGIC Investment Corporation and Unified Vision Campaign cabinet member.
The campaign also allowed Vision Forward to launch new programming and help raise community awareness of its new name and expanded mission.
“Because of the efforts of hundreds, thousands will be served in years to come,” said Barbara Stein, community volunteer and Unified Vision Campaign cabinet member.
Our success would not have been possible without the support of individual donors, foundations, corporations, clients and staff. Vision Forward Association would especially like to recognize the following individuals:
UNITED VISION Campaign Co-Chairs
Michael Aprahamian and Nona Graves
UNITED VISION Campaign Cabinet
Deborah Costakos, M.D. – Medical College of Wisconsin
Curt Culver – MGIC Investment Corporation
Leona Fitzsimonds – Community Volunteer
Robert E. Flood, Jr. – RFP Commercial, Inc.
Cecelia Gore – Brewers Community Foundation
Cindy Linnan – Ziemann Foundation
Terence M. Lynch – RBC Wealth Management
Robert Richter – Irgens Development Partners
John E. Ridley III., M.D. – Community Volunteer
Robert Schlytter – ROS Foundation
Kathy Seidel – JK Productions
Barbara Stein – Community Volunteer
Dawn Wangard – Mary Kay Cosmetics
Les Weil – Community Volunteer
Save the Date
Feast for the Senses X
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Potawatomi Bingo Casino
Woodland Dreams Ballroom
Aces Rule Golf Outing
Monday, June 4, 2012
River Club of Mequon
To register on-line or for more information visit vision-forward.org or contact Vanessa Nerbun, Resource Development Manager, 414-615-0128 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Music Therapy Paves the Way for Children with Vision Loss
Vision Forward Association would like to thank the R.A. Stevens Family Foundation for their support of Music Therapy for children who are blind and visually impaired, using music and movement to aid them with rehabilitation and development.
Music therapy is important because it helps children with vision loss develop communication, social and motor skills, as well as exercise the sense of sound and touch. A Certified Music Therapist conducts the program in our facility once a week throughout the year and we encourage parents and siblings to participate in the sessions so they can integrate music and movement into their home routine. The music therapy sessions allow parents of children with vision issues to interact with each other, providing them with an additional connection and network of support.
Our goal as we look to expand and enhance our program offerings is to provide Music Therapy two days a week and also develop community and evening family activities this year.
For more information about our Music Therapy program, contact Mary Keefe, Children’s Services Director, 414-615-0161 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Technology Changes the Way Clients Adapt
We are excited to announce a Toys and Technology seminar coordinated through our new Youth Services program on Tuesday, February 7, from 3:00-7:00pm designed for people of all ages who are blind or visually impaired.
Attendees can expect to learn about accessibility features for the IPad, Ipod, Wii gaming system and VI Fit games, adaptive software equipment, and descriptive video programs. Participants will also have the opportunity to try out the many programs through product training and demonstrations with Vision Forward Store Manager, Cory Ballard.
According to Cory, “Schools are incorporating technology into all aspects of the classroom and therefore it is very important for the kids we serve and their parents to be up on the latest trends and have a chance to test the various products.” He adds, “I know many kids who feel more confident when they can then demonstrate the features to their friends.”
The program is open to anyone who has an interest in learning more about what adaptive devices are on the market. In addition several of the products demonstrated can be ordered through the Vision Forward Store. For more information or to register call Susan Eggold, Youth Services Director, at 414-615-0126 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Volunteer Spotlight
Kathy Brockman
After serving for 10 years as the Association Membership Coordinator Kathy Brockman has decided to take time to focus on personal pursuits. In her volunteer role Kathy spent much of her time working with our over 300 members.
Kathy will continue her work as a board member and volunteer to assist with projects and serve on committees. We thank Kathy for her years of dedication and work to further our mission.
Board of Directors
- Michael J. Aprahamian, President
- Nona Graves, Vice-President
- Tim Harris, Treasurer
- Kathy Brockman, Secretary
- Claudine Ng Bested
- James D. Dobrinska
- Ruthiea Renfro
- Robert Richter
- Paul Schroeder
- Jerry Selber
- Joseph N. Skotarzak
Tribute Gifts received July 1, 2011 – December 31, 2011
In Honor of
Curt Culver
Sheldon & Marianne Lubar Charitable Fund
Dr. Herb & Ruth Giller
Thomas Giller
Mary Lou Meurer
Ken Meurer
Jane Napieralski
Mary C. Meyer
Barbara Stein
Catherine Lathrop
Jayne Weller Rench
In Memory of
Dorothy “D-D” Burss
Michael & Luann Berns
Daniel & Kristin Buschmann
Greg & Barb Kirkish
Marlene Marciniak
Randy Mavroff & Family
Floyd & Jackie Weeks & Families
Jane Calvert
Tom & Dana Wiegers
Grace M. Cook
Christopher Cook
Virginia L. Sorenson
Carl J. D’Agostino
Mary T. Murtaugh
Siegfried Deiringer
Karen Deiringer
Lawrence Demmer
Robert & Heidi Hanley
Kathryn Embersics
Karl & Judith Brzank
Al & Susan Druch
Don & Shirley Ruediger
June M. Fisher
Ed & Shirley Drexler
Tom & Carol Worringer
Ruth O Friessen
Pauline M. Dalli
Lloyd Hermann
Dennis Ameden & Nona Graves
Kurt Hiller
Pat Victor
Edna Irene Himes
Kenneth & Joan Armstrong
William & Jean Arps
Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Baumgart
Bob & Diane Bellows
Mr. Bob Boehler
Michael & Kari Bohmann
Daniel & Kimberely Brown
Thomas & Jane Buck
Debra S. Burkart
Ms. Laura Cernohous
Seltzer & Sharone Conteh-Morgan
Suzanne Cristan
Mike & Chris DeVillers
James P. & Melissa Ebert
Ms. Tammy Ehrett
Thomas & Mary Beth Elberson
Loveita T. Ference
John & Nina Fleisner
David & Patricia Fronberry
Tracey & Scott Gardner
Stephen Gramling
Francis & Judith Grochowski
Dr. Karen Grosenick &
Mr. David Grosenick
Mr. & Mrs. Russ Heumann
Michael Highsmith
Kenneth & Barbara Huebner
Jim & Nancy Keck
Mr. Gary Kons
Jerald & Hope Krause
Roger C. Laesch
Larry Lamberth
Lutheran Urban Mission Initiative, Inc.
Mr. Mike Milhaupt
Ms. Lucille Miller
Robert & Gertrude Mitchell
Michael & Donna E. Munnik
Richard & Tracy Northam
Angela Nummerdor
Janet & Robert Pajewski
Lori Papa-Steinhafel
Lonna M. Parker
Steve & Jean Prekop
Darlene & Dennis Raniewicz
Diane Monroe
David & Denise Reimer
Randy & Barbara Riley
Mark & Lori Robel
Ms. Charlene K. Saari
Todd & Lisa Schilling
Gloria H. Schindhelm
Marjorie M. Sinn
Dan & Tiffiny Sotski
Bill Specht
Sandra Specht
Ms. Jacilyn M. Steffen
Timothy & Kristina Thelen
Curtiss & Trudy Ulm
Mr. David A. Urbanek
Thomas & Karen Wallner
Dawn Wangard
Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Wangard
Dion Watton
Todd & Dana Wegner
Timothy & Mary Weinand
Jodi Winn
Dan & Helen Yanko
Gail L. Zimdars & Ardell E. Doerr
Robb & Gail Zimdars
Mary Ann Iverson
Kal & Jane Napieralski & Family
Dorisann Jackson
E.G. Skip & Susan Jackson
Felice M. Janowiak
Jim & JoAnne Janowiak
James Keehn
Dr. David F. Larson
Francis Kneeland
Joyce Kneeland
Desma Kraus
Kate & Dale Meyer
Thomas Pizarek
Ms. Sarah V. Nastoff
Charles I. Schuman
Hiller Ford, Inc.
Marian Soerens
Donald Tushaus & Company
Cliff Staeven
Joan M. Staeven
Theresa A. Swanson
Catherine Lelinski
Stella Swedenberg
Ms. Sarah V. Nastoff
Rebecca Williams
Pat & Kathy Brockman
Ron & Janet Buettner
Dena Fellows
Mary Gorman
Charlotte & Wayne Gotz
Ray & Nancy Gurney
Ellie Hermann
Yvonne C. & Willis Itson
Cheryl Orgas & William Meeker
Maria & Jason Schoville
Paul & Patricia Schroeder
Kathy Zeit
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Our Mission is to create a resource center providing a continuum of services to people of all ages who are visually impaired and their families.