Manheim Township townlively.com
AUGUST 28, 2024
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL XL • NO 13
VisionCorps can bring life into focus
Bike & Hike will back COBYS’ good works
BY JEFF FALK
D
ennis Steiner is legally blind. That doesn’t make him any more qualified to be the president and chief executive officer (CEO) of VisionCorps, but it certainly does provide him with a unique perspective and a very specific insight into the organization and its purpose.
BY JEFF FALK
and continue to do the things they like to do. We can have a very positive impact on people’s lives.” VisionCor ps ser ves about 1,500 people annually, 75% of whom are over the age of 65. VisionCorps also administers 10,000 vision tests to preschool students in Lancaster, York,
COBYS Family Ser vices ’ upcoming multifaceted Bike & Hike event is the organization’s biggest and most beneficial fundraiser. “My favorite part is seeing ever yone come to gether,” said Anne Stokes, who’s been COBYS’ director of development for six years. “There is a lot going on that day. But the beauty is that the participants can pick what makes the best sense to them. There are a lot of different options so participants can choose what they want to be a part of. It’s amazing to see a lot of different people.” “The purpose of the event is to make sure COBYS can provide all of its services, day in and day out,” Stokes added. “People learn about all the things COBYS is doing.” The 28th edition of COBYS’ annual Bike & Hike event will be presented on Sunday, Sept. 8, from noon to 3 p.m. at Lititz Church of the Brethren, 300 W. Orange St., Lititz. The event will feature three active options for suppor ters to choose from. “It’s a very family-friendly
See VisionCorps pg 2
See Bike & Hike pg 2
“It does give me a perspective that others might not have,” said Steiner. “There are qualities that a CEO must have. But I don’t think blindness gives me any leadership qualities.” “My vision tends to fluctuate,” Steiner continued. “I don’t drive a car. I take the bus to work and usually catch a ride home or use Uber. I use assisted software on my computer (to read). If I’m reading for extended periods of time, I use audiobooks. For me, I grew up with vision loss. I don’t think of my vision loss as who I
Youth participants navigate an elevated obstacle course during a VisionCorps summer camp program.
am. It’s something I deal with.” Located at 244 N. Queen St., Lancaster, VisionCorps serves the blind and visually impaired. It seeks to enrich the lives of those who have experienced sight loss through preventative, rehabilitative, educational and employment programs and services.
“Our mission is to empower individuals with vision loss to attain independence,” said Steiner. “If people are experiencing vision loss, they should reach out. I think people need to recognize that vision loss is not the end of the world. People can live successful lives, happy lives
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