Greater Detroit Agency for the Blind and Visually Impaired



NEWSLETTER

November / December 2024

Hello Friends:

As we approach Thanksgiving and the December holidays, I want to thank you for your continuing support.  During September & October, I attended several Lions Club functions, and I reminded those in attendance that GDABVI relies solely on donations, contributions, and grants; we receive no government funding, and we do not charge our clients for services.  In April, we will hold our “Life Beyond Sight Walk, in Detroit.  Please see the included information for details.  

This year, Giving Tuesday is December 3rd.  I ask that you please use that day to make a contribution to GDABVI; your contribution, along with so many others, allow us to continue to serve our great clients with programs & services.

I would like to thank our great team for your commitment to our clients: Priscilla, Kashonia, Malaika, and Aya; you are amazing!! I am privileged to work with you each day!  Thank you, too, to our volunteers!  We could not do what we do without you!

GDABVI is pleased to welcome the following new members to the Board of Trustees:

• Nancy Brown
• John C. Scott
• Dr. Bernard Miller, O.D
• Justice Richard Bernstein

Thank you, again, for making the time to serve and promote the agency!

All of us at GDABVI wish you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving and Go Lions!!  If you celebrate a holiday in December, we wish you the very best for the season!

Jim Smock

Executive Director

WHAT A YEAR!

While November fills us with gratitude. December is the season for giving. Both months bring us family holidays. It’s when we get together with family and friends.

We’ve had an amazing year here at GDABVI and we are looking forward to what the future will bring.

WELCOME ABOARD!

We would like to welcome some new members to the GDABVI Board of Directors:

UPCOMING EVENTS

November 5th: Election Day

There will be no activities at the Agency on this day. We want everyone to exercise their right to vote. 

November 11th: Veterans Day

The agency will be closed as we honor those who are veterans. This holiday commemorates the heroism of those who served in the country's military.

November 12th: New Direction Support Group Thanksgiving Feast!

12PM-3PM

You must RSVP by Tuesday, November 5. Please call 313-591-3786 or email kashonia@gdabvi.org.

November 19th: Movie Day

12PM-2PM

Donation: $5. This will be our last movie event for the year. You must RSVP by November 12. 

November 26th: Book Club

12PM-2PM (VIA ZOOM)

We are discussing, YOU BEEN WARNED-AGAIN. BY:JAMES PATTERSON WITH DEREK NIKITAS. Book number, DB 91448.

November 28th: Thanksgiving Day!

The agency will be closed in observance of the holiday. Happy Thanksgiving Day to you all.

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December 3rd:

Will be the last day to RSVP for the Holiday outing. Scheduled for Tuesday, December 17. Call 313-591-3786 or email kashonia@gdabvi.org.

December 10th: Holiday Bazaar

3PM-6PM

If you would like to to reserve a table call 313-591-3786 or email kashonia@gdabvi.org. Donation $30. All tables are on a first come, first served basis.

December 17th: Holiday Outing

12PM-3PM

TGIF Fridays. 26299 Evergreen Rd., Southfield, MI 48035.

December 20th, 2024 - January 2nd, 2025: Holiday Break

The agency will be closed. We will reopen January 2, 2025. From all of us here at GDABVI, Happy Holidays!!!

WILL YOU SUPPORT GDABVI?

Every day, hundreds of people turn to GDABVI for practical help and support. Your generosity allows us to provide training, support groups, educational series and activities for those with vision loss – all free of charge. Please give today…

Classes and more...

Computer Lab

If you would like to sharpen up your computer skills. GDABVI Computer Lab is open, Tuesdays & Fridays… 10AM-2PM. To RSVP Call Priscilla at 313-591-3791.

Braille Classes

The new Braille Classes have began. If you would like to be added to the list for the next sessions call Aya at 313-591-3793.

Orientation & Mobility

If you are in need for O & M. Complete the in-take process. You will be then evaluated. Call Malaika at 313-591-3794.

For more information or to RSVP for activities and events call 313-591-3786.

Some additional information...

Important Information

If you want to become a client, contact Malaika English to complete your intake process.

If you want to be a part of activities and outreach, contact KaShonia Graham at 313-591-3786

Our Staff

If you are looking for information, you will find the following contacts helpful.

Jim Smock (Executive Director): 313-591-3794

Malaika English (Community Health Worker): 313-591-3790

Priscilla Miley (Program Manager): 313-591-3791

Aya Beyduon (Program Director): 313-591-3793

KaShonia Graham (Outreach Engagement Specialist): 313-591-3786

Thanks, and we look forward to serving you at GDABVI. Let us help you get to your “LIFE BEYOND SIGHT”!!!

Connect with us!