Helen Keller Services (HKS), a national non-profit working with individuals who are blind, visually impaired, DeafBlind and/or have combined hearing-vision loss to live, work and thrive in the community of their choice, recently received a $2,500 donation from Jovia Financial Credit Union, one of the leading credit unions on Long Island, NY as a result of a campaign created by Jovia’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee to benefit HKS’ work for the DeafBlind Community.
The Committee chose HKS to commemorate the January 4th birthday of Louis Braille, the inventor of the Braille reading and writing system for the visually impaired. Throughout the fundraising campaign, which took place from January 4 through January 28, 2022, Jovia held various events, including “dress down” days to encourage staff to make donations, all of which were matched by the credit union. In addition, those who donated were entered into a raffle for a chance to win one of four $50 gift cards.
“This is a terrific expression of support from a valued partner on Long Island,” said Liz Meade, Associate Executive Director of Helen Keller Services for the Blind “We thank Jovia Financial Credit Union for bringing awareness to the Blind and DeafBlind Communites about visual impairments and assisting those in need.”
“It was an honor for our team to contribute to such a great cause,” commented Renu Dalessandro, Chief Marketing Officer, Jovia Financial Credit Union. “Our commitment to support diversity, equity, and inclusion in our community led us to Helen Keller Services, whose mission to make society more accessible and inclusive for individuals who are affected by hearing and/or vision loss is an inspiration to our company and its employees.”
This philanthropic contribution will help fund the many programs and services Helen Keller Services for the Blind (HKSB) provides. From its offices in Hempstead, HKSB provides essential vision services to approximately 400 individuals in Nassau County. Consumers include children and youth attending summer camp, teens and young adults in HKSB’s career exploration programs, adults seeking higher education and/or competitive employment, and seniors seeking to remain independent in their own homes. All have many needs due to their vision loss, which can range from some usable vision to total blindness.
Left to right: Mary Fu, Chief Development and Marketing Officer; Liz Meade, Associate Executive Director, HKS; Karen Smith, Chief Financial Officer; Yasser Tatari, AVP, Member Knowledge Strategist; Dorothy Mitchell, Collections Supervisor.
About Helen Keller Services
Helen Keller Services’ mission enables individuals who are blind, have low vision, are DeafBlind or have combined hearing and vision loss to live, work and thrive in their community of choice. HKS offers services and programs through two divisions: Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youths and Adults and Helen Keller Services for the Blind. For more information, please visit www.helenkeller.org
