Volunteer Opportunities
If you are willing to lend a helping hand and heart to the work of the Center for Vision Loss, let’s talk! Our current volunteer opportunities are listed here. Contact Mary Ann Alexander, Volunteer Coordinator, at 610.433.6018 or maryann.alexander@centerforvisionloss.org for more information.
Vision Screeners
Screeners test the vision of children by conducting a series of tests to identify eye problems. They work at pre-schools, day care centers and kindergarten registrations. Did you know that 90% of what a child learns comes through the visual system? That is why it is so important to catch eye problems as early as possible. Volunteers must have their own transportation to screening sites. They must have patience, like to work with children and be available on weekdays. Training will be provided by agency staff.
Escorted Transportation Drivers
Drivers transport and escort blind and visually impaired clients to essential medical appointments and agency-sponsored group activities using their own vehicle. The Escorted Transportation Program allows clients to remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible. Volunteers must have a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license, provide proof of insurance, and must pass the PA State Police Criminal Record Check. Volunteers must be available weekdays. Training will be provided by agency staff.
Second Sight Thrift Shop Associates
Associates provide support in our Second Sight Thrift Shop. The Thrift Shop is operated by volunteers for the benefit of the programs and services provided by our agency. It is located in the Trolley Station Mall, 224 Nazareth Pike, Bethlehem, PA 18020. Please click here for more information. Volunteers help prepare and organize merchandise for seasonal sales, organize fabric and notions, and make sales. Volunteers must be available Wednesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday. Some light lifting may be required. Training will be provided by the thrift shop manager.
Annie’s Angels: In-Home Companions For Seniors Who are Blind & Visually Impaired
Annie’s Angels, a new agency initiative, is a corps of volunteers who will be trained to become in-home companions for blind and visually impaired seniors who have become more socially isolated. The program is named in honor of Anne Sullivan, the blind teacher who was a life-time companion to Helen Keller. These volunteers will visit clients to help break down the barriers created by isolation in a friendly, compassionate and motivating way. Volunteers may be women or men, 18 years old or older, who are compassionate, comfortable working with people who have a physical challenge, patient, confident and in good health. Volunteers must be available at least 10-12 hours per month. They must have their own transportation, a valid PA Driver’s License with proof of valid insurance, have a clean driving record with PennDot and pass the PA State Police Criminal Record Check. All volunteers will be required to complete a training program of 6-8 hours.
