BROOKLYN, N.Y.–Helen Keller Services, a non-profit working with individuals who are blind, visually impaired, DeafBlind and/or have combined hearing-vision loss to live, work and thrive in the community of their choice, recently received a $2,500 donation from Jovia Financial Credit Union.
The funds were the result of a campaign created by Jovia’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee to benefit HKS’ work for the DeafBlind Community.
The committee chose HKS to commemorate the birthday of Louis Braille, the inventor of the Braille reading and writing system for the visually impaired. Throughout the fundraising campaign, Jovia held various events, including “dress down” days to encourage staff to make donations, all of which were matched by the credit union. In addition, those who donated were entered into a raffle for a chance to win one of four $50 gift cards.
“It was an honor for our team to contribute to such a great cause,” commented Renu Dalessandro, chief marketing officer, Jovia Financial Credit Union. “Our commitment to support diversity, equity, and inclusion in our community led us to Helen Keller Services, whose mission to make society more accessible and inclusive for individuals who are affected by hearing and/or vision loss is an inspiration to our company and its employees.”
The philanthropic contribution will help fund the many programs and services Helen Keller Services for the Blind (HKSB) provides. From its offices in Hempstead, HKSB provides essential vision services to approximately 400 individuals in Nassau County.
Below, from left, Mary Fu, chief development and marketing officer; Liz Meade, associate executive eirector, HKS; Karen Smith, CFO; Yasser Tatari, AVP-member knowledge strategist, and Dorothy Mitchell, collections supervisor.