PHILADELPHIA (July 24, 2020) – The Associated Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ASB), a leading provider of training and education services for Philadelphia’s low-vision community, has received a $30,000 grant from the Eleanor M. Mathers Fund of the Philadelphia Foundation to support its general programming. Announcement of the grant was made by Pedro Ramos, President and CEO.
Karla McCaney, President and CEO of ASB, said the funds are especially helpful now as the organization has been responding to the COVID-19 crisis by evolving all of its education programming and support services for remote delivery.
“We are incredibly grateful for Philadelphia Foundation’s generosity,” said McCaney. “Our mission is to inspire independence among those we serve, and that’s become even more important during these many months of quarantine and uncertainty. Our team has continued to provide life skills and technology training as well as weekly support groups and many online resources and activities that are helping to keep our community connected during this time of being physically apart,” she said.
The Associated Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired was started in 1874 as the Pennsylvania Working Home for Blind Men to transcribe books and magazines into Braille and record college textbooks. Today, ASB provides education, training and resources to help individuals gain independence and improve their quality of life. ASB is the largest provider in Greater Philadelphia of services to people who are blind or low vision. The organization fosters connections and facilitates opportunities to advance life skills, help harness technology as a tool, and expand the reach of cultural offerings for the people they serve.
To learn more about Associated Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, visit www.visionlinkphl.org.
About Associated
Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired
With nearly 145 years of history,
Associated Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ASB) is the largest
provider of services to the blind and visually impaired population in Greater
Philadelphia. ASB promotes health, independence, and self-sufficiency
through direct programming focused on skill-building, technology training, and
enrichment activities. ASB implements a holistic, client-centered approach for
all programs whereby individuals can opt in at different levels of intensity
and support, based on existing skills, goals, and interests.
About The Philadelphia
Foundation
Founded in 1918, The Philadelphia
Foundation (TPF) strengthens the economic, social and civic vitality of Greater
Philadelphia. TPF grows effective philanthropic investment, connects
individuals and institutions across sectors and geography, and advances civic
initiatives through partnerships and collaboration. A publicly supported foundation,
TPF manages more than 900 charitable funds established by tis donors and makes
over 2,000 grants and scholarship awards each year. To learn more, visit www.philafound.org.