The 2023 Forecast is Looking Hopeful!
I think we can all agree that 2023 came in with quite a bang! The winds and rain wrought a lot of damage around Sacramento. Society for the Blind lost a large pine tree on the west side of our building that destroyed our guide dog relief area and surrounding fence. The storm also caused a roof leak that resulted in damage to our upstairs Training Room and our Otto Annex. The good news is that no one was hurt, and we were able to carry on with our classes and programming without much interruption.
Despite the rough weather, the forecast for Society for the Blind is filled with hope and opportunities to grow. Our contract with the state of Nevada was renewed last December and runs through the end of 2026. We can now lay the groundwork to build our presence in Nevada as we continue to offer remote instruction.
Our Braille Production and Training Program will be a priority focus this year as we revamp the space at Sierra 2 Center, update equipment and software, and create an employment training program for our clients. We are planning to hold a grand reopening reception in late spring. This is especially meaningful for Society for the Blind as we return to our “old” neighborhood in Curtis Park. For more than 45 years, Society’s offices were located across the street from the Sierra 2 Center.
This year is also a time for us to prepare for a milestone anniversary for Society for the Blind. In 2024, Society will celebrate its 70th anniversary! So many people helped to build Society for the Blind over the years, and thousands have participated in our programs and services. We cannot wait to celebrate all that Society for the Blind has accomplished and kick off a new decade of services to the Sacramento region and far beyond.
Here’s to a healthy, happy 2023 filled with inspiration and innovation that ensure people living with low vision or blindness can discover, develop and achieve their full potential.