Please Help Cool the Blind Center

"One of Central Illinois' best kept secrets," the Central Illinois Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired was established in 1955 to provide programs meeting the emotional, educational, training, social and cultural needs of people who are blind and visually impaired living in Central Illinois.  We envision a future where people who are blind and visually impaired have equal opportunities to engage independently in our great community.  The Center receives no governmental support. Our mission is fulfilled through private grants and donations to provide funds for white canes, field trips (such as major league or minor league baseball games, plays, camps for the blind, and historical tours), guided shopping trips and much more.

The funds that are needed now are to upgrade the heating and air conditioning systems for the Center's building that was constructed in 1955.  The Center has already raised over $4,000 and has replaced its vintage 1955 heating system with a new energy-efficient system.  The two 1960's air conditioning units are a roof top unit that no longer works and a ground level unit that is struggling to keep half of the building cool.  The building is the focal point for many of the education, training, social and cultural programs we provide.  It's where we provide meals every Wednesday (nearly 2,000 annually) to patrons who are blind and visually impaired.  It's where we distribute $30,000 in food and supplies from our pantry to people who are blind and visually impaired.  It's the home of the Uftring Technology center where we provide computers, visual aids, and Braille writers for patrons' use free of charge.  The technology center, staff offices, and kitchen do not have any air conditioning at this time.  Only the large dining hall has air conditioning, and that unit is on its last legs.

As a former Board member for 6 years, retiring from the Board in April 2017, and as a volunteer and a donor serving the Center for 7+ years, I have seen how the Center enriches the lives of people who are blind and visually impaired who wish to continue to live independently.  I am hoping that you consider placing a donation today and help the Center get cool again so that we can raise the rest of the funds needed to install two new, energy-efficient air conditioning units.

You can learn more about the Central Illinois Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired at our home page or on Facebook.  For a deeper look, our Guidestar.org profile can be found here where we provide much more detail including financial disclosures.