county map - The Sight Center of Northwest Pa

2545 West 26th Street
Erie, PA 16506-3261
814-455-0995
sightcenternwpa.org
The Sight Center currently
serves seven counties in
Northwest Pennsylvania
• Erie
• Crawford
• Warren
• McKean
• Elk
• Cameron
county map
• Jefferson
THE MISSION THAT WORKS
EYEGLASSES
FOR THOSE WITHOUT INSURANCE
The Sight Center at Work
When a young person who was born blind
learns to live on her own because of a vision
rehabilitation specialist, The Sight Center is
at work. When an individual with age-related
macular degeneration is caringly transported
from home to the doctor and back, or helped
to buy groceries, The Sight Center is at work.
When a vision screener tells a child’s parents
and teacher that he may not be learning
disabled but simply needs corrective lenses to
let his natural intelligence shine through,
The Sight Center is at work.
For more than 70 years, The Sight Center of
Northwest Pennsylvania – originally Erie
Center for the Blind and later Vision and
Blindness Resources – has been our
community’s primary resource for prevention
of blindness and services to people who are
visually impaired.
To Our Donors, Community Partners, Clients and Friends
I’m exceptionally proud to present this, our
agency’s first-ever printed Annual Report, to
you and to the community we serve. The last
couple of years have been been ones of
unprecedented growth for this agency.
We sold our previous location at 24th and
Cherry Streets, conducted a successful capital
campaign, and purchased, renovated and
moved into our beautiful new facility on
26th Street. We sought and were granted a
prestigious national accreditation for our
services and have grown every one of our
program areas.
I’ve read that next to a diagnosis of cancer,
blindness is many people’s greatest fear.
At The Sight Center we witness first hand,
every day, the devastating impact that vision
loss can have on an individual’s life. We also,
however, witness and participate in the lives of
people who are filled with optimism, creativity
and grace in facing the challenges that vision
loss presents.
Our mission, to prevent blindness and promote
independence for those with vision loss,
is a noble one. It’s what gets each of us at
The Center up every morning to come in and
do what we do to the best of each of our
abilities. With the community’s support,
The Sight Center is able to help those with
vision loss preserve their dignity and experience
days filled with possibilities.
I hope you enjoy getting to know us a little
better as you read this report. Please call us if
you have any questions or suggestions or if you
know someone who isn’t seeing as well as they
used to. We are happy to help.
Sincerely,
Many in our community cannot afford the
high cost of corrective eyewear. In fact,
they often simply go without. For those
with low income and no insurance,
The Sight Center provides new eyeglasses
on a sliding fee scale.
Cyree’s grandma, Angela, was busy
completing her Master’s Degree
when she got the call that her
grandchildren were in need.
She was not really prepared to take
on three active youngsters alone,
but was willing to do whatever she
could for her child and for his children.
When she found out that two of them
needed glasses immediately and they
did not have any insurance, she turned
to The Sight Center for help. Diane,
our optician, wasted no time fitting
the boys with stylish new frames and
corrective lenses at a price that Angela
could afford. Both children left with
bright new outlooks and smiles on
their faces. In fact, they were so happy
we had to find a little pair of glasses
with clear lenses for their sister!
2012 Outlook
As we look to 2012 and beyond, we know we have
many challenges and at least as many opportunities.
Diversifying our funding sources continues to be a
challenge. Collaborating with key community partners
will always be a priority as will increasing our
visibility and reach into the community.
We know there are people in our region who need our
help and still don’t know us or feel they qualify for our
services. We are here for ALL members of this
community with concerns about failing or lost vision
regardless of income, ethnic background or
geographic area. We are here to serve those with
vision loss from all walks of life in Northwest PA.
The frightening truth is that vision loss is on a dramatic
upward turn, especially in our region. We work with eye
care professionals across seven counties to complement
and enhance the services they provide.
If you or someone you know cannot see as well as you
used to, please call us. We’re here to help.
Thank you,
Linda Hackshaw, CEO
Thank you,
sightcenternwpa.org
Thank you,
E
THE MISSION THAT WORKS
Statement of Financial Position
For the Year Ending June 30, 2011
Ending Net Assets $4,409,586
Total Support and Revenue
Statement of Activities
Total Donor Contributions $999,934
Private and Government Grants$383,808
$92,068
Endowment Income
Program Service Fees$189,367
PREVENTION
More than 5,000 youngsters are
screened annually, and 350 to 450
are referred for professional evaluation,
primarily due to poor visual acuity,
lazy eye and crossed-eyes.
TOTAL SUPPORT AND REVENUE $1,665,177
• Total Donor Contributions
• Private and Government
Grants
• Endowment Income
• Program Services Fees
Total Expenses and Losses
Expenses and Losses
Program Services $701,524
Management and General$186,412
Fundraising$142,889
TOTAL EXPENSES AND LOSSES $1,030,825
• Program Services
• Management and General
• Fundraising
Meridian’s mom, Cheryl, knew very
early that something was wrong with
her baby’s eye sight. She could not
find answers to her many questions,
despite trips to a variety of
professionals. By the age of two,
Meridian was wearing a pair of cute
little glasses, but her vision continued
to decline. Finally, a specialist
diagnosed “ocular albinism.” While
this condition means a lifetime of
severely impaired vision, Cheryl has
found comfort in knowing what
they will face together. She is also
comforted to know that The Sight
Center will be there for her child –
and for her - to help Meridian grow
to be an independent adult in a
sighted world.
2010 - 2011 Overview
Anyone in social services remembers the period
surrounding the unveiling of our State budget in
June 2010. Cuts were deep and many agencies were
forced to curtail services or even close their doors.
The Sight Center experienced a 36% cut in funding for
our Prevention services and 27% in our Social Support
programs. It could certainly have been worse, but the
cuts hurt nonetheless.
It may have seemed foolhardy to some to embark
on a major capital campaign when we did, but we
forged ahead and the results were astounding!
Despite the poorest economy in decades, the Erie
community stepped forward and made the campaign
and subsequent move a smashing success.
We are eternally grateful to all of those who helped
make the NEW Sight Center a reality. Our visibility is
high, referrals are up and we are ready to take on a
bright new future. Thank you!
Thank you,
sightcenternwpa.org
Thank you,
Thank you,
Er
THE MISSION THAT WORKS
Independence with Dignity for Over 70 Years
1970s
1938
Erie Center for the Blind opened
its doors.
1940s
1980s
Primary services include eye exams
and free eye glasses for low income
residents. Richard Wright, Clarence
Mack, Walter Yahn, Gus Pulakos,
2001
Judge James Dwyer, James McBrier,
Mrs. Harry Schaal, Donald Leslie, Fred
McBride,I.D. McQuiston and Martin
2007
Mageneau were early board members.
Focus shifted from blind employment to
vision rehabilitation due to the increase
of age- and disease-related vision loss.
Sheltered workshop opens at
2009
East 21st & Holland Streets, where blind
people were employed to do piece
work for Inland Container Corporation,
Erie Brewing Company, Surre and
2010
other vendors.
Tyco Swick retired and the board
appointed Linda Hackshaw as CEO.
1952 19551985
1961
Added “Reading Radio,” cooking
classes, chair caning, Friday night
dances, and the Golden Age Club to its
programs for blind people.
$100,000 capital campaign, chaired
by Guy B. Wilson and Arthur F. Schultz,
funded a new facility at 24th and
Cherry Streets.
1963
Tyco Swick hired as Executive Director
1967
Began to administer the Lions Club
eye care program for children.
Normal Vision Age-Related Macular
Degeneration
2011
Added transportation and other support
services for blind people.
The name of the agency was changed
to Vision and Blindness Resources.
SUPPORT
“Door-through-door-transportation,”
trips to the doctor, bill-paying,
mail-reading and grocery shopping for
adults can make the difference between
independence or dependence.
Blind youth attend the Children’s
Experience Program to prepare them
for productive and meaningful lives.
Received $2 million bequest from The
Anonymous Friend.
Changed its name to The Sight Center.
Conducted a successful $1.35
million Capital Campaign to purchase
and renovate its new facility.
The NEW Sight Center opened its
doors in October.
Received national accreditation from
the National Accreditation Council for
Agencies Serving the Blind and Visually
Impaired (NAC).
Eyeglass lab opens, enabling us to
produce eyewear on-site thanks to
Highmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
Diabetic Glaucoma Retinopathy
Retinitis
Pigmentosa
During his accounting career Ernie
was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa
(RP), a progressive, degenerative eye
disease. Ernie retired early when his
sight decreased. It was not an easy
transition for him, or for his wife, Kathy.
She became his lifeline to the outside
world. While undergoing rehabilitation
at BBVS, he signed up for
transportation services and life skills
classes at The Center. He also joined
the Wednesday Club support group at
The Center, where he meets with peers
and new friends twice a month.
He helped establish a local chapter
of the PA Council of the Blind (PCB),
serving as Chapter President and also
on the State board. Ernie has become
a vocal advocate for others with vision
loss and is a regular in Harrisburg. He
serves on the Advisory Committee of
The Center and he and his Guide Dog,
Maya, are favorite volunteers at The
Center’s front desk.
The Growing Threat to Our Region’s Eye Sight
• Age and diabetes are the most common causes of deteriorating eye sight, resulting in macular
degeneration, diabetic eye disease and glaucoma.
•
Erie County has one of the highest rates of
diabetes in the country (40% higher than
average). Approximately 90% of older diabetics have some vision loss.
•
•
Erie County has one of the oldest populations in the U.S. (25% older than average).
Baby boomers are aging and the overall life
expectancy is increasing.
• Between 1990 and 2025, the number of those aged 65+ will increase six-fold.
• For those aged 65+, 21% have severe visual
impairment, even when wearing glasses.
• Approximately 10,000 people in Erie County
have severe vision problems.
Thank you,
Thank you,
sightcenternwpa.org
Thank you,
THE MISSION THAT WORKS
Board of Directors
Mr. Lynwood Brawn, Jr.
Mr. J. Patrick Dean
Atty. Mark Denlinger
Mr. William Finnecy, CPA
Mr. Russell Forquer
Mr. Charles Ingram
Mr. Graham Lund
Mr. Victor Mallory
Mrs. Marlene Mosco
Ms. Rosemary Nedimyer
Dr. Andrew Prischak
Mrs. Karyn Sala (Kari)
Mr. David Seth
Mrs. Dorothy Yucha-Seth
Dr. Barry Stamm
Mr. John Torok
Mrs. Nancy Ware
Mr. Eugene Ware
Ms. Christine Williamson
REHABILITATION
Our goal is to help people with vision
loss live safely and independently,
as long as possible. Clients receive
evaluations, recommendations for
magnification and lighting, and
follow-up with our rehabilitation
therapist.
Emeritus/honorary
Mr. Thorp Andrews
Dr. Nicholas Sala
Atty. Roger Taft
The Sight Center wishes to thank Bob Marz, AIA, Roth Marz Partnership
and Considine Biebel & Co. for their thoughtful design and consideration
of the needs of our employees and clients in creating our new facility.
Thank you!
The Sight Center of Northwest Pennsylvania
Linda Hackshaw
Chief Executive Officer
Kaylee Shull, COA
Vision Screener
Judy Martone
Service Aide, Erie County
Christopher King
Chief Operating Officer
Cindy Anderson
Assistant Case Manager
Dick Flaugh
Service Aide, Erie County
Tyco V. Swick
Consultant, Erie Lions Club
Diane Smith, Optician
Eyeglass Program Coordinator
Devon Haemer, CLVT
Rehabilitation Teacher,
Director, Children’s Services
Carole Broscious
Service Aide, Jefferson,
Cameron and Elk Counties
Andrew M. Prischak, OD
Low Vision Specialist
Penny Ohmer
Management Assistant
Jim Findlay
Specialized Services Manager
Jack Johnson
Service Aide, Jefferson,
Cameron and Elk Counties
A single mother of three teenagers
and a full-time drug and alcohol
counselor, Bernice spent her life and
made her living caring for others.
Diagnosed with high blood pressure
at an early age, she was not aware
of the acute danger she was in until
a stroke and subsequent coma left
her with chronic vertigo and a severe
visual condition called “rotary
nystagmus.” Bernice’s doctor
suggested vision rehabilitation ,
as well as a special pair of glasses to
enable her to read her beloved
recipes. Unfortunately, long-term
care had depleted Bernice’s financial
resources and she had no vision care
insurance. With the help of The Erie
Lions Club Save An Eye Fund and our
friends at Highmark BC/BS, we were
able to provide Bernice with training
and eyeglasses - and she provided
us with her famous sweet potato pie!
2012 Outreach to the Community
The Sight Center is proud to be an important part of
the new Hamot-Wayne Community School-Based
Health Center. Located in Erie’s lower east side,
a nationally documented underserved neighborhood,
the Health Center will improve access to and provision
of primary health care services that meet the needs of
the student population as well as their families and the
immediate community. Its ultimate goal is to improve
health and reduce physical and emotional barriers
to education.
As part of our commitment to reach out to those who
are in the greatest need of preventive vision services
and care for existing vision problems, The Sight Center
and local eye care professionals will provide vision
screenings, eye examinations and eye glasses to this
area’s neediest children and their families beginning
in March 2012.
Thank you,
We are pleased to work with Erie Community
Foundation, UMPC Hamot and other community
partners on this worthy project.
Thank you,
E
Thank you,
sightcenternwpa.org
Thank you.
Meri
A Capital Campaign Story
Capital Campaign Donors
In the winter of 2007, a strong sideways wind could blow snow through the windows at Vision and
Blindness Resources – formerly known as The Blind Center, or more affectionately, “That Place on
Cherry Street.” Something drastic had to be done.
$5,000-9,999
Mr. and Mrs. Lou Porreco, Bianchi Honda
Mr. and Mrs. Lynwood Brawn
Mr. and Mrs. J. Patrick Dean
Erie Bank
Dr. and Mrs. Anthony Sala, II
and Dr. and Mrs. Michael Sala, Erie Eye Clinic
Mr. and Mrs. William Finnecy
Mr. and Mrs. Russell Forquer
Mrs. Linda Hackshaw
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ingram
Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Kearney
Dr. Lisa Keiser
Mr. and Mrs. Graham Lund
Mr. and Mrs. Homer Mosco
Dr. and Mrs. Robert Ricart
Dr. Ravinder Sabherwal
Dr. and Mrs. Nicholas Sala
Atty. and Mrs. Roger Taft
Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Ware
We contacted the Erie Community Fund Drives Committee and got on the list for a potential
capital campaign. We soon realized, however, that it wasn’t just the building that needed work.
The entire internal structure of the agency needed a good overhaul. With all eyes on the future,
the board, executive director and staff undertook exactly that - a complete organizational
renovation. Tyco Swick, Executive Director for 46 years, retired and was replaced by
Linda Hackshaw. New members were recruited to the board. Staff changes increased our
professionalism and capacity to serve. We changed our name to The Sight Center to reflect the
positive nature of our work and a new location was secured. Campaign counsel was hired,
feasibility studies completed and a goal of $1.35 million was set. Then the market took the worst
nosedive in recent history.
Undeterred, we set out to raise the money needed and the community responded with $1.4 million
in donations. We are grateful to all those listed here for placing their faith in us and for considering
the needs of those we serve.
Capital Campaign Donors
$250,000 and Over
Mr. and Mrs. John Petersen
$200,000-$249,999
Mr. and Mrs. William Vorsheck
Erie Insurance
$100,000 - $199,999
Anonymous
$50,000-$99,999
Eriez Magnetics
$25,000-$49,999
Mr. and Mrs. Cle Austin and Mrs. Martha Roth
Erie Community Foundation
General Electric Company
The Kern Family Foundation
Northwest Savings Bank
PNC Financial Services
Dr. and Mrs. Barry Stamm
$15,000-$24,999
Mr. and Mrs. Terrence Cavanaugh
Mr. and Mrs. William Conner
Lions Club of Erie
Million Dollar Golf Shoot-out, co-sponsored by
Erie General Electric Federal Credit Union and
Erie Federal Credit Union
National Fuel Gas Company
Welders’ Supply/Raimy Corporation
Dr. and Mrs. Matthew Zimm
$2,500-4,999
American Tinning & Galvanizing Company
Atty. and Mrs. Mark Denlinger
First National Bank
Mr. and Mrs. Victor Mallory
Dr. and Mrs. Jeffery McGovern
Mr. Edward Schulze (deceased)
Mr. and Mrs. John Torok
Mr. Robert Wagner
Mr. Edward Junker
$10,000-$14,999
Dr. and Mrs. Douglas Babel
Dr. and Mrs. Gary Brotherson
Dr. and Mrs. JP Dailey
Dr. and Mrs. Scott Griffith
Mr. and Mrs. William Hilbert
Dr. and Mrs. Howard Levin
Marquette Savings Bank
Drs. Andrew Prischak and Susan Godzac
Dr. Subramanyam Segu
Dr. and Mrs. Brent Walker
$1,000-$2,499
Alcon Laboratories, Inc.
Allergan USA, Inc.
Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Bert, The Bert Company
Mrs. Evelyn Finnecy
First Energy Foundation
Mr. Robert Frenzel
Mr. and Mrs. David Cage
Mr. and Mrs. Garrett Fuhrman
Mr. and Mrs. Rick Griffith
Mr. Doug James, High Pressure Equipment Co.
Dr. William Lenart
Mrs. Mary Lincoln
Mr. James McBrier
Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Prischak, Plastek Industries
Mr. Gregory Rubino
Mr. and Mrs. Alan Schaal
Mr. Robert Leonardi and the
Doctors at Shawnee Optical
Mr. and Mrs. Donald Sieber
Mr. James Stolley
Dr. and Mrs. Douglas Villella
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Nelson, Waldameer Park
Mr. Michael Redlawsk, Westminster
Place Partnership
Under $1,000
Judge and Mrs. Thomas Agresti
Mr. and Mrs. Thorp Andrews
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Asplund
Mr. and Mrs. John Bloomstine
Dr. Michael Chessario
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Dunn
Mr. Toby Froehlich
Mr. Dennis Hartwig
Dr. Julie Hauser
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Henness
Mr. and Mrs. Garth Hetz
Ms. Shawn Keogh-Hartz
Loesel-Schaaf Insurance Agency, Inc.
Mr. Michael Martin
Ms. Rosemary Nedimyer
Ms. Robin Scheppner
Dr. Tracy Schroeck
Spectrum Control, Inc.
Mr. and Mrs. Tyco Swick
Atty. James Toohey
Mr. and Mrs. Kent Williamson