MEET: BLIND CENTER OF NEVADA:

Center looks out for Southern Nevada’s visually impaired

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L.E. Baskow

The Blind Center of Nevada provides job training and activities for visually impaired individuals. Clockwise from left are Dennis Humes, director of operations; Shanna Sabet, director of development, marketing and public relations; Todd Imholte, director of sales; and President Cory Nelson

Sun, Oct 19, 2014 (2 a.m.)

Describe your nonprofit.

The Blind Center of Nevada is the only full-service center in the state for those individuals who are blind or visually impaired. We provide job training, a place to cultivate friendships, field trips, music classes, computer keyboarding classes and more.

Who are your members?

Our members range in age, sex, race, physical ability and level of blindness. They are mothers, fathers, veterans, college students. They are a diverse bunch.

What makes your nonprofit unique?

Our members benefit from everyday core offerings, free of cost, whether it’s a daily lunch, an art class or “Yes I Can,” which is our mobility training program. The Blind Center is not a stuffy atmosphere; it’s a place of tremendous fun, where laughter fills the air and friendships are formed.

What is your philosophy?

We strive to give our members the knowledge and capability to be more independent. To that end, we pursue three focus areas: personal development, social interaction and provident living.

How does the center aid blind and visually impaired individuals in building social groups?

When a person loses sight, they also tend to lose their entire social structure, competence and purpose. The Blind Center of Nevada gives those individuals a place to cultivate friendships, regain abilities and build confidence. This is done through daily community activities such as pottery classes, music programs, Braille classes, even bowling.

What is the hardest part about operating in Las Vegas?

In many ways, the Blind Center is the best-kept secret in Las Vegas. Due to limited marketing budget and outreach, we are unable to reach as many of these individuals as we would like.

What is the best part about operating in Las Vegas?

Hands down, the best part is the generosity of the people and companies here in our community. We are largely supported by the blind community, and that means the world to our members.

How was the Blind Center affected by the recession?

The recession affected us greatly with funding dropping. Long-time supporters of our center had problems supporting us in ways they had been able to in the past. Our philosophy, however, is to be as self-sufficient as possible. So we developed an electronics recycling program and a business in which we assemble and sell electronic pencil sharpeners. We’ve learned how to do more with less, and we are a more efficient organization as a result.

How can Nevadans help the center with its mission?

Volunteer opportunities abound at the center. Donations are always appreciated, and our donations go directly to programs that affect the daily lives of our members. We accept electronic donations, cars and boats, and traditional donations as well.

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