Edward L. Lieberman, Esq.

District Governor 20-K2

               2010-2011                     

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Many years ago the Massapequa Park Lions Club was asked to visit VCB in Rockland County, NY. Harry Jacobson, one of the founding members, came to visit with a few club members and saw the large acreage of property (35 acres) with completely adapted and accessible railings, facilities, and paths for people who are blind or visually impaired. The facility includes year round dormitories, library, computer lab and a specially built pool to conduct training for participants who are blind & sight impaired. The club adopted and to this date, maintains a 30 room dormitory. "What we saw was a facility that needed new bedding & furniture" remarked Mr. Jacobson when he participated in the last work day on October 11, 2008. The club immediately went into action. They went to Sears and were able to get all the mattresses & springs, which had been returned to them because of slight damage or wrong color orders. In addition, the club went to Home Depot & asked them to construct some benches to place on the porch of dorm 1. (The Massapequa Lions Club offered to pay for the material. Home Depot built the benches and donated them. The club has taken on the responsibility for coming up to scrape, paint, & maintain the grounds by pulling weeds and planting and do what was necessary in order to maintain the building in order to be ready to use all year long.

The dollars raised by the Massapequa Park Lions, help VISIONS VCB fund programs that provide people of all ages who are blind or visually impaired with the skills they need to live active, independent lives. VCB offers vision rehabilitation, employment and technology skills, self confidence building experiences, socialization and networking opportunities and support groups in a beautiful 35 acre setting in Rockland County. These programs are particularly enriching for the many families with blind children who attend VCB.

Angel R. is a blind and developmentally disabled 12 year old boy who received these valuable services at VCB last summer through the support of donors like District 20k-2. Angel lives in the Bronx with his adoptive father and 15 year old sister. His family attended VCB for the first time during August 2008. Prior to coming to VCB, Angel rarely left his home other than to go to school or church. He also had never slept away from home. When he arrived at VCB, he became overwhelmed when he experienced so many people all at once. He did not want to stay. Due to Angel’s profound mental retardation, he is intensely sensitive to sounds. He becomes very nervous upon entering a room especially when many people are talking at the same time. This sensitivity, coupled with his fear of sleeping in a strange bed/bedroom, overwhelmed Angel. He became very upset, frightened and wanted his father to take him home immediately. VCB staff spent much of their first day speaking Spanish to the family attempting to alleviate their fears. The family was moved to a quiet dormitory and it was arranged that the family would have meals outside of the dining hall to avoid large crowds. A small card table was set up on the porch and meals were served to the family there. It was these special touches that enabled Angel to feel at least "temporarily" at ease to stay the night.

For the next few days, Mr. R never left his son’s side. They attended all group activities together with Angel’s sister. Angel participated in classes in meal management which included instruction on mixing, pouring liquids, scooping food and using a microwave oven; financial management including use of a divider wallet and folding money in order to better identify bills; home management skills such as setting the table, washing dishes and ironing; and personal management that included applying jell to his hair and the importance of keeping his hands and nails clean. If the room became too noisy, Angel would get up and run out of the room with his father and sister following quickly behind him. Angel did not socialize with everyone in his group but picked a few favorite friends. After a few days, Angel’s comfort level began to grow and his father began to step away. Little by little, this strategy was working and Angel began to separate from the family. It was quickly discovered that Angel loves to entertain people with his singing and piano playing. He also enjoys teaching everyone the words to a song and inviting them to sing along with him. Singing quickly became one way to keep Angel in the room and engaged in program. On the last day of the session, Angel performed at the final talent show. He played the piano and sang a Stevie Wonder song "I just called to Say I Love You."

When asked about how he felt about attending VISIONS VCB this summer, Mr. R said "I am so happy we came. I think this was very good for my son. He grew from this experience. He learned that it’s ok to try new things and do things with others. Everyone was so patient and good to him. He has learned to communicate more with people. Angel talks about his experience at VCB this summer with everyone. He can’t wait to come back to VCB next summer."

We thank the Massapequa Park Lions for their dedication and commitment to VCB. Their support enables VISIONS to provide critical services at VCB that promote the independence of people of all ages who are blind or visually impaired. Please join the Massapequa Park Lions and become an "Essential Piece" of VISIONS VCB. For more information contact Khaled Musa, VCB Program Director/Lions Coordinator at (212) 625-1616 ext. 130.