This year's Mary Anne White Summer Camp, a program of Blind Children's Learning Center, was full of joy, new experiences, and maximizing independence.

Hands on lessons in areas such as career education, daily living skills, cooking, folding & sorting laundry, and money management allowed children ages 3-12 to expand practical knowledge through adaptive means. Motivating children with visual impairments in these areas increases self-sufficiency and builds confidence.

Volunteers provided exceptional support in the classrooms. We are grateful to partner with volunteers from the community and the following National Charity League Chapters: Orange/Villa Park, Monarch Beach, Irvine/Vista, and North Tustin.

Each volunteer acted as 1-on-1 buddies after attending an orientation to learn the best techniques for steering children with visual impairments and other disabilities towards independence. Their dedication and compassion helped children learn in a safe, supporting environment.

Summer camp is in memory of a very special child, Mary Anne White. Mary Anne passed away at 15 months old and received home-based services through Blind Children's Learning Center for most of her life. Her mother cherished the help of BCLC's Infant Development Specialists who worked with Mary Anne. We thank Mary Anne's family for the privilege of honoring her memory and the support they have given to so many children throughout the years.
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Before next year's summer camp, our children have a full year of learning and growing to do. A gift today helps ensure that when school begins this fall, children with visual impairments have the tools, environment, and skilled teaches and therapists they need to succeed.

Pre-Kindergarten students at Blind Children's Learning Center graduated on Friday, July 14, 2017. Family, friends, and supporters gathered to celebrate their many accomplishments and stories of perseverance.

​Teachers had a chance to honor each child's unique gifts and the obstacles they have overcome. Like Brooklyn, who can now Braille many letters and has become a true social butterfly. Taya, who is affectionate to all, loves the Technology lab, and is reading and writing more words in Braille every day. Ryan, who is a deeply empathetic sighted peer, acting as a true friend in learning alongside his classmates. Or Katie, who navigates the playground confidently, and is more interactive than ever with adaptive, multi-sensory learning tools.

It is with great pride that I take on the role of President & Executive Director at Blind Children's Learning Center. 

I was incredibly moved at the 13th Annual Destination Independence 5K Walk in May, where I met many of the children and families served by BCLC. The sense of family, strength and community inspired me.

Prior to joining BCLC, my non-profit career focused on fund development and organizational growth. I served as Executive Director for the Los Angeles and San Francisco chapters of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the Orange County chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and as Director of Development and Corporate Relations at the University of California, Irvine.