Vision Forward Association Concludes Successful Capital Campaign

Jan. 27, 2012 - PRLog -- Contact:  Vanessa Nerbun, Resource Development Manager
Vision Forward Association
414-615-0128 • vnerbun@vision-forward.org

January 27, 2012

For Immediate Release

VISION FORWARD ASSOCIATION CONCLUDES SUCCESSFUL CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
Unified Vision Exceeds Goal, Raises $1.4 Million for Blind and Visually Impaired

Milwaukee, WI – Vision Forward Association has announced the completion of a $1.4 million capital campaign that enables the organization to expand programming, facilities, and services to benefit people of all ages who are blind and visually impaired.  The Unified Vision Campaign, which began in June 2010, concluded six months early and exceeded its goal with a total of $1,492,939.

“It is extremely gratifying for everybody connected to Vision Forward Association to see our Unified Vision Campaign not only reach such a successful conclusion but surpass our goals ahead of schedule,” said Patrick Brown, Executive Director, Vision Forward Association. “The results are a fitting tribute to all of the dedication and hard work from our staff, volunteers and so many generous organizations in our community.”

Specifically, the funds raised during the Unified Vision Campaign will be used to support four critical areas:
•   Facility renovation to accommodate specialized vision services, education and therapy services for visually impaired children under the age of six.
•   Organizational integration to maximize efficiencies and effectively meet the community’s growing needs.
•   New program development to meet the developmental needs of school-aged children living with vision loss.
•   Community outreach to educate potential clients and their families about the organization’s new name Vision Forward Association and its expanded services.

In January 2010, the Badger Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired merged with the Center for Blind & Visually Impaired Children, forming Vision Forward Association.  The merger enables the Association to provide a complete continuum of services for children, adolescents, adults and seniors all in one central location.  It also eliminates many of the barriers that currently prevent individuals who are blind and visually impaired and their families from seeking assistance.

“It was very rewarding to see the reaction of people as they toured Vision Forward,” said community volunteer, Les Weil, Les Weil Consulting, LLC.  “They immediately wanted to know how they could help make the campaign a success.”

In the Greater Milwaukee area, it is estimated that there are as many as 60,000 people with vision loss, yet only one-third of these individuals have ever received services from any of the local blindness organizations.

“This campaign allowed Vision Forward to launch new programming and also raise the level of community awareness of its new name and expanded mission,” said Curt Culver, CEO of MGIC Investment Corporation and Unified Vision Campaign cabinet member, “I was energized to be part of such a successful campaign.”

“Because of the efforts of hundreds, thousands will be served for years to come,” said Barbara Stein, community volunteer and Unified Vision Campaign cabinet member.

Editors Note: In addition to interview possibilities with Patrick Brown and other Unified Vision Campaign volunteers or Vision Forward staff members, we can also arrange for interviews and photos with parents willing to discuss how their children benefit from the central location, services and facilities at Vision Forward Association. Please contact Vanessa Nerbun as noted above.

About Vision Forward Association
Vision Forward is Southeastern Wisconsin’s premier resource for people who are blind or visually impaired. Our vision is to provide specialized services and programs to people of all ages and at all stages of vision loss so that they have every opportunity to be vital contributing members of our society. For more information, visit www.vision-forward.org.

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