PRLog (Press Release) - Aug 04, 2011 - Although headquartered in Denville, Morris County, the nonprofit organization was actually founded in Newark, Essex County, in 1943 to serve the needs of the blind. The program relocated to Denville in 1955 when a blind woman anonymously donated the funds to purchase land for a summer camp for blind women on the site of the former Diamond Spring Inn.
The residential program closed in 2006 and the program completely revamped into a comprehensive vision rehabilitation program, complete with computer labs and the latest in assistive technologies, electronic devices and software that changed the way people could cope with the devastation of losing their sight.
“Reaching out to other counties is part of our new strategic direction to serve those who cannot easily reach us,” says David Feinhals, Executive Director of the NJ Foundation for the Blind. “We choose Essex County as our first outreach location because of our organization’s history, and the large population of individuals with vision loss who reside in Essex County. The program has tripled enrollment since it started in January 2011, indicating approval of our Montclair location.”
The new program provides health and wellness activities for individuals who are at a decided disadvantage in pursuing an active lifestyle. It is held in 10-week sessions, one day per week, at a church in Montclair. The sessions are facilitated by expert instructors experienced in working with individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
Activities include Horticulture, Yoga, African Drumming, T’ai Chi Chih, and a Peer Group Meeting to share solutions to the challenges of living with vision loss. Each discipline helps offset the physical losses and emotional challenges brought on by vision loss. Students report improved balance, less stress, and greater feelings of connection to others and personal well-being.
“There’s a lot of physical activity and mental stimulation in the program, but having fun might be the most important wellness component of all,” notes Mr. Feinhals.
NJ Foundation for the Blind offers programs in Denville and Montclair, with a third program in Bergen County about to open. For more information visit www.njffb.org or contact Linda Groszew, NJFFB Student Services Coordinator at 973-627-0055, Ext. 312, or email lgroszew@njffb.org.
# # # NJFFB (973-627-0055) is a 501c3 not for profit organization with a mission to provide the emotional support and practical training to help adults who become blind or visually impaired return to a full and meaningful life, adjust to vision loss, acquire independent living skills and regain their physical and mental health.
--- end ---
Disclaimer: Issuers of the press releases are solely responsible for the content of their press releases. PRLog.Org can't be held liable for the content posted by others. Report Abuse
View the original article here
No comments:
Post a Comment