irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2023
What they reported doing
- #1 primary $3.58MVISIONS CENTER ON BLINDNESS (VCB): A TOTAL OF 651 PARTICIPANTS ATTENDED, AN INCREASE FROM THE PREVIOUS YEAR. BLIND CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES AND YOUTH PROGRAMS HELD AT VCB WERE HELD IN JULY AND AUGUST. SESSIONS HELD AT VCB PREPARE BLIND YOUTH AND ADULTS FOR THE WORLD OF WORK AND LEAD TO SUCCESSFUL EMPLOYMENT. THE VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION CENTER, ON THE VCB CAMPUS, OFFERED YEAR-ROUND SHORT-TERM, RESIDENTIAL, OVERNIGHT PRE-EMPLOYMENT TRANSITION SERVICES (PRE-ETS) FOR BLIND YOUTH, DAILY LIVING SKILLS AND WORK READINESS TRAINING FOR BLIND ADULTS AND TECHNOLOGY TRAINING FOR BLIND YOUTH AND ADULTS. THE VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION CENTER FACILITY ON THE VCB CAMPUS OFFERED OTHER ONE WEEK SESSIONS FOR OLDER ADULT AND COLLEGE STUDENTS, A 60-DAY WORK READINESS, 15-WEEK PRE-ETS FOR BLIND YOUTH AGED 18-22 YEARS OLD PRIMARILY FUNDED BY THE NYS COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND INCLUDING A PAID INTERNSHIP.
- #2 $1.74MVISIONS AT SELIS MANOR: THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN THE TYPE OF CLASSES OFFERED FOR ADULTS AND OLDER ADULTS INCLUDING NEW SUPPORT GROUPS OFFERED IN PERSON AND VIRTUALLY . THERE WAS AN INCREASE TO 901 PARTICIPANTS REGISTERED FOR SERVICES AT VISIONS AT SELIS MANOR INCLUDING 553 REGISTERED FOR THE OLDER ADULT CENTER. BASED ON SELF-REPORTED SURVEYS, NEARLY 83% OF PARTICIPANTS ARE MORE SATISFIED WITH THEIR LIFE BECAUSE OF PARTICIPATION AT VISIONS; 80% HAVE MADE EXERCISE A PART OF THEIR ROUTINE; MOST REPORT THEY ARE MORE OPTIMISTIC, SELF CONFIDENT AND CAPABLE OF SELF-ACCEPTANCE. WELLNESS CHECK IN CALLS CONTINUED INCLUDING ON HOLIDAYS. FOOD INSECURITY AND SOCIAL ISOLATION WERE TWO ISSUES THAT RECEIVED SPECIAL ATTENTION WITH BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND A FOOD PANTRY OFFERED AS WELL AS MANY OPPORTUNITIES FOR SOCIAL CONNECTIONS.
named programs · 11 · from sources
What they call their work
College-to-Careers Program
Intensive training and internship placement for college students who are blind, leading to competitive employment
Computer Literacy
Training in keyboarding and computer applications (email, word processing, spreadsheets) on Windows, MAC, and Google platforms for job seekers, students, and seniors
Pre-Voc Enrichment Program (PEP)
Virtual prevocational training for youth focusing on career exploration, resume preparation, job seeking, and independence skills such as money management and grooming
Prevocational Day Program
Non-residential prevocational training during school breaks for youth unable to attend residential programs, covering career exploration, interviewing, and independence skills
Snack Bar After School Program
Work experience program for high school students at Selis Manor where they operate a snack bar using adaptive tools, combined with rehabilitation lessons in personal care and budgeting
Tween Prevocational Training
Family-based prevocational program at VCB for children and their caregivers, focusing on career goals and social skills development
VISIONS Center on Blindness (VCB)
Residential campus in Spring Valley, NY offering year-round short-term, overnight programs including pre-employment transition services (PRE-ETS), work readiness, daily living skills, and technology training for blind youth and adults
VISIONS at Selis Manor
Urban center in New York, NY providing services for adults and older adults, including support groups, wellness check-ins, food pantry, and social activities to combat isolation and food insecurity
Vocational Technology Training
Advanced, customized training in Microsoft Office, MAC OS, and Google Suite tailored to individual client needs
Work Experience Training (WET)
Internship program lasting 8–13 weeks for adult job seekers and college students, with stipends covering transportation and meals; offered at no cost to employers
Work Readiness Training
Workshops in resume writing, financial literacy, career planning, and networking for blind adults; includes employer visits and career fairs
activities · 6 groups
What they do
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Vision Rehabilitation Services 3 activities
- Caregiver Support and Respite ServicesProvides no-cost support services for unpaid caregivers of blind or visually impaired individuals, including monthly support groups, educational workshops, information and referral assistance, emergency aid (food, transportation, durable medical equipment), and respite care. Respite options include day, overnight, and in-home services, along with limited home health aide support for personal care and light housekeeping.
- Individualized Vision Rehabilitation and Independent Living ServicesProvides individualized vision rehabilitation, adjustment to blindness counseling, and social services to help blind and visually impaired individuals of all ages develop independent living skills, including home management, safe navigation, meal preparation, and public benefits access. Services are delivered in home, community, and residential settings across New York City, Long Island, Westchester, the Lower Hudson Valley, and parts of New Jersey.
- Residential Short-Term Training Programs at VISIONS Center on BlindnessOffers residential short-term training programs for legally blind and visually impaired youth and adults at the VISIONS Center on Blindness (VCB) in Spring Valley, NY. Programs include pre-employment transition services, daily living skills training, technology instruction, wellness, recreation, and emotional support. Participants are often referred by state commissions for the blind, and programs range from one-week trainings for older adults to 60-day or 15-week structured readiness programs for youth aged 18–22.
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Community-Based Educational Programming 1 activity
- Community Engagement and Volunteer-Supported ProgramsOffers group and community education activities, arts and crafts, ceramics, technology training, and volunteer-supported services such as reading assistance and community escorting. Hosted summer programs serving over 150 blind and partially sighted guests and operates racially and ethnically integrated residential programs.
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Senior Congregate Centers 1 activity
- Services for Older Adults and Senior CentersProvides specialized services for blind and visually impaired older adults, including operation of the first city-funded senior center in the U.S. dedicated to this population at Selis Manor in Manhattan. Offers congregate day programs, wellness activities, social connection opportunities, meals, food pantry access, and outreach to over 152 senior centers. Delivers in-home and center-based services focused on life satisfaction, emotional well-being, and reducing social isolation.
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Supported Employment for Developmental Disabilities 1 activity
- Vocational Training, Job Readiness, and Employment PlacementProvides comprehensive employment services including job readiness training, vocational technology instruction (Microsoft Office, Google Suite, adaptive software), Work Experience Training (WET) internships with stipends, paid internships, and job placement support. The program has been ranked annually since 2016 as the top program for job placements among job seekers with visual impairments. Operates a Workforce Development and Training Center and Blindline®, a call center vocational program.
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Youth Workforce Readiness Programs 1 activity
- Youth and Pre-Employment Transition ProgramsDelivers targeted programs for youth and young adults aged 10–22 with vision loss, including pre-college preparation, school navigation training, self-advocacy, emotional support, and residential or at-home job readiness instruction. Includes a Youth and Vision Loss Coalition and structured 15-week pre-employment transition program with paid internships.
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Uncategorized 1 activity
- Capacity Building through Professional Training and Curriculum DevelopmentEngages in capacity building by developing and delivering professional curricula and training resources, such as an online course on falls prevention developed for the Mississippi State University Older Individuals who are Blind Technical Assistance Center.
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financials · form 990 · fy2023
revenue
Total revenue$14.70M
Contributions & grants$1.83M12%
Program service revenue$6.15M42%
Investment income$6.70M46%
Other revenue$21K
expenses
Total expenses$15.61M
Program expenses83%
Admin / overhead12%
Fundraising5%
Salaries & benefits$11.41M
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$142.01M
Cash$1.56M
Investments$124.68M
Liabilities$874K
Net assets$141.14M
Liquid reserves97.1 mo
5 years on record · 2019–2023 · YoY revenue +32.9%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2023
Who runs it
paid leadership · 11
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| NANCY D MILLER | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/ CEO (UNTIL 3/24) | 55 | $410K |
| NATALIA S YOUNG | ACTING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/CEO | 35 | $288K |
| CARLOS CABRERA | CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER | 35 | $277K |
| RUBEN COELLAR | CHIEF PROGRAM OFFICER | 35 | $260K |
| RUSSELL MARTELLO | CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER | 35 | $226K |
| CATHLEEN MCGUIRE | SENIOR DIRECTOR OF REHABILITATION | 35 | $190K |
| MICHAEL CUSH | CHIEF PROGRAM OFFICER | 35 | $188K |
| WILLIAM HIXSON | SENIOR DIRECTOR OF REHABILITATION | 35 | $180K |
| ELIZABETH LEE | SR DIRECTOR OF CAREGIVER A | 35 | $174K |
| HEATHER HANLON-EMEKA | SENIOR DIRECTOR OF WORKFORCE | 35 | $170K |
| ANNALYN COURTNEY | CERTIFIED ORIENTATION MOBILITY SPECIALIST (COMS) | 35 | $163K |
board members · 14
- ANUSHA SHARMA — DIRECTOR
- BURTON T STRAUSS JR — TREASURER
- DR ANDREW S FISHER — DIRECTOR
- DR CYNTHIA STUEN — VICE PRESIDENT
- FRANCES FREEDMAN — DIRECTOR
- JAGADISH B RAO — DIRECTOR
- JYOTICA BISHT — DIRECTOR
- KEN DRUCKER — DIRECTOR
- KENNETH J GRALAK — ASSISTANT TREASURER
- LUCIUS L FOWLER — TRUSTEE
- NANCY T JONES — PAST PRESIDENT/TRUSTEE
- PETER A ROFFMAN — DIRECTOR
- REBECCA A ZARETT — DIRECTOR
- ROBERT SCHONBRUNN — PRESIDENT
relationships · 11
Who they work with
- Business Council of Westchester Partner — Collaborates on the Non-profit Voices of Impact Podcast featuring VISIONS CEO Molly Eagan.
- Business Council of Westchester Partner — Collaborates on the Non-profit Voices of Impact Podcast featuring VISIONS leadership.
- Business Council of Westchester Partner — Collaborates through participation in the Non-profit Voices of Impact Podcast featuring VISIONS CEO Molly Eagan.
- Facebook Partner — Social media platform used for outreach and engagement; listed in website footer under "Follow" links.
- Local Lions Clubs Partner — Provided volunteer and financial support to VISIONS
- Mississippi State University Older Individuals who are Blind Technical Assistance Center Partner — Collaborated with VISIONS staff to create an online course on falls prevention
- NYS Commission for the Blind Government — Primary funder of the pre-employment transition services (PRE-ETS) programs for blind youth.
- New York State Commission for the Blind Government — Government agency that sponsors individuals to receive free vision rehabilitation services from VISIONS.
- New York State Commission for the Blind Government — Sponsor of VISIONS Job Training and Job Placement programs and provider of funding.
- VCB Network — Operates VISIONS Center on Blindness (VCB) as a residential short-term training site for legally blind and visually impaired individuals.
- VISIONS Board of Directors Partner — Adopted the DEIA statement and oversees organizational commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
strategies · 4
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Community-Based Integration Modelmethodology: community_based_rehabilitationBy delivering services in home and community settings rather than institutional environments, the organization promotes real-world independence and social integration for people who are blind or visually impaired, because authentic environments provide more effective learning and sustained engagement.
- Individualized Rehabilitation with Public Educationmethodology: individualized_rehabilitation_and_public_educationBy tailoring rehabilitation programs to the unique needs of each individual, the organization supports independence and active living; this is combined with public education efforts that shift societal perceptions about the capabilities and needs of people who are blind or visually impaired, thereby reducing stigma and increasing community inclusion.
- Peer and Family Inclusion in Support Ecosystemsmethodology: peer_support_and_family_inclusionBy incorporating peer-led support groups and including family members in rehabilitation training, the organization reduces isolation and strengthens long-term outcomes because shared lived experience and familial support enhance emotional resilience and practical skill retention.
- Vocational Readiness through Experiential Trainingmethodology: work_experience_trainingBy combining soft skills development with real-world exposure and supported work experiences in actual job settings, the organization increases employability among blind and visually impaired individuals because experiential learning builds confidence, competence, and employer trust.