In our quest to build NEPA’s most comprehensive nonprofit directory, we discovered hundreds of incredible organizations. We’re eager to share their inspiring stories.
In this series, we spotlight hardworking organizations, dedicated volunteers, and compassionate individuals who make a difference. We hope these stories inspire you to join us with your time, hands, and hearts. Follow along as we delve beyond the mission statement.
Over 100 Years of Service
Arline Phillips wouldn’t let anything stand in her way of helping others. In 1918—before women could vote—she founded the Greater Wilkes-Barre Association for the Blind. She went house to house, teaching blind and visually impaired individuals skills like reading Braille and finding jobs. Her determination was personal; Arline was blind herself.
For a century, the organization grew and thrived. In 2018, it became Northeast Sight Services to better reflect its mission, serving Luzerne, Wyoming, Wayne and Pike counties.
“We found a lot of misconceptions about the services that we provide,” said Sara Peperno, President/CEO of Northeast Sight Services. “It’s actually a very small percentage of people who are completely blind. Usually someone has some type of visual impairment that makes them eligible for our services. They would hear the term ‘blind,’ and it wouldn’t really associate to what they were going through.”
Today, Northeast Sight Services continues Arline’s mission, providing resources to help those with vision loss live independently.
Providing Tools & Technology
Northeast Sight Services built the Vision Resource Center in 2018
The Vision Resource Center, launched in 2018, is packed with gadgets to make life easier for those with vision loss. Kristen Boyle, a vision rehab therapist, demonstrated a Colorino, a device that identifies colors with a simple touch.
Clients and the public can try adaptive tools like talking clocks, large-print phones and kitchen aids. “Everybody’s vision is so different,” says Kristen. “They’ll see things online that, a lot of times, might not work the way it’s advertised. We just want to give them a space where they can try things out and see what works.”
The center includes a children’s section with tactile games, Braille books and large-print educational materials. Amy Marie Feldman, Vice President of Development and Planned Giving, emphasized, “You can do almost everything you used to do, just in a new way. We teach you how and provide the tools to succeed.”
The organization also offers vision rehab therapy, a low-vision clinic and the Gift of Sight Program, which provides affordable eye care and prescription eyewear.
“You can do everything that you would have normally done, except drive a car. Everything else, you just have to learn a new way to do it. We can teach you how to do it and give you the tools.”
Supporting Children & Families
What started as a summer camp has grown into a full-fledged children’s program
Northeast Sight Services began with a summer camp, but today, its programs for kids and teens have grown substantially. Camp Sight remains a highlight, offering visually impaired children classic camp activities like kayaking and horseback riding while fostering a sense of community.
Those bonds were so powerful, Northeast Sight Services decided to expand their children’s programs and create the InSight Kids Club of NEPA. They partner with other local agencies to accept kids from all over NEPA, not just within the borders of their service area. Monthly activities include cooking classes, art classes, field trips and more. The club provides family support groups to help parents too.
Teens aren’t left out either. The Transitioning to Independence Program, which is geared toward high school students, prepares them for life after graduation, whether they’re going off to college or entering into the workforce.
Prevention & Education
Vision screenings and prevention programs benefit the entire community
Northeast Sight Services not only supports individuals who are blind or visually impaired but also focuses on preventing vision loss. The nonprofit conducts vision screenings throughout the region to identify potential issues early.
Prevention is especially critical for children, which is why Northeast Sight Services screens approximately 5,000 kids annually at kindergarten registrations, preschools and daycares. Parents might dismiss behaviors like holding an iPad too close, assuming it’s typical, but these screenings often uncover underlying vision problems.
“Little kids don’t realize that that’s not how they’re supposed to be seeing. They just go about their day,” explained Amy.
At one screening, volunteers discovered a child had no vision in one eye. His parents sought a specialist who diagnosed a tumor on his optic nerve—a condition that would have otherwise gone unnoticed until more severe symptoms developed.
“They were able to do all the things they needed to do to correct that. And they really credited the organization with early identification for that, because it’s not usually found early,” said Sara.
Get Involved
Reach out and see how you can play a role in a 100+ year legacy
Since its founding, Northeast Sight Services has remained deeply rooted in the NEPA community. Their mission revolves around neighbors helping neighbors, working directly to ensure everyone can live their best life.
You can support their efforts by making a donation or volunteering. Opportunities include assisting clients, helping with vision screenings, supporting fundraisers and more.
Visit the Northeast Sight Services website to explore their mission, discover available resources, learn about volunteer opportunities and make a donation to support their work.
Beyond The Mission Statement
Article updated from its original version published on 6/28/21.
