Reminder of Blind Beginnings AGM

Hi Everybody,

 

I am writing to remind you of the Blind Beginnings Annual General Meeting scheduled for this Sunday April 26 at 1:00 PM.  Anyone interested in services for children or youth who are blind or visually impaired is welcome!  If you would like to vote at the meeting you need to become a member of the organization.  The easiest way to do so is on our Web site at www.blindbeginnings.ca. 

 

Prior to the meeting we will be hosting a family pot luck.  Please bring a dish to share with other families and definitely bring your children.

 

Here are the details in case you need them:

 

11:30 AM - Potluck Lunch

 

1:00 PM - AGM

 

Location: Party Room at Mayview Circle - near Canada Way and Burris St.

 

You will need to park on Burris.

 

If you are planning to attend either the lunch or the meeting and you haven't already let me know, please RSVP no later than Friday April 24.

 

We look forward to seeing you Sunday!

 

 

Shawn Marsolais

Blind Beginnings

Phone: 604-434-7243

www.blindbeginnings.ca

 

 

Blind Beginnings & Sunny Hill Present Two Exciting New Workshops

Blind Beginnings in partnership with Sunny Hill Health Center for Children invite you to participate in two exciting new workshops!

 

What Happens After Grad Workshop

(for teens who are blind or visually impaired aged 15 – 19 years)

 

Preparing for the Journey to Adulthood

(for parents of teens aged 13 – 19 who are blind or visually impaired)

 

Workshops run simultaneously at Sunny Hill; teens will enjoy the Grad Workshop while parents participate in the Journey to Adulthood workshop. If you are unable to attend with your parent or teen, you are very welcome to come on your own.

 

Where: Sunny Hill Health Center for Children, main entrance at 3644 Slocan St. Vancouver

 

When: Monday Evenings from 6:30 - 8:00 PM. 

 

Session 1: Monday, April 27

Session 2: Monday, May 4

Session 3: Monday, May 11

Session 4: Monday, May 25

Note: There will be no workshops on Monday, May 18 due to Victoria Day

 

 

Topics for teens in the What Happens After Grad Workshop are:

 

·        Career Exploration - Limitless employment possibilities

·        Applying for a Job – Research and Resumes

·        Importance of Networking – cold calling and information interviews

·        Preparing for the Job Interview – How and when to disclose a disability

·        Workplace Accommodations – Assistive Technology and Funding

 

The teen group will be facilitated by Shawn Marsolais and Liz Charyna.  Both Shawn and Liz have experience working with people who are blind or visually impaired in their transition to employment. “We are excited to assist your teens in reaching their potential!”     

 

Topics for parents in Preparing for the Journey to Adulthood are:

 

·        Steps Toward Independent Living

·        Learning to Let Go

·        Helping to Foster New Friendships

·        Mentoring and Career Exploration

·        Topics Identified by the Group

 

The group will be facilitated by Karen Meadows, Social Worker, and Janet Waines, Nurse Clinician, with the Visual Impairment Program at Sunny Hill Health Centre. 

 

“We recognize that this is both an exciting and worrisome time of many changes in families’ lives.  Together we hope to be able to connect with each other and to share information and resources.” 

 

To register for either workshop contact Shawn Marsolais no later than: Monday, April 20.

Phone: 604-434-7243 or email: shawn@blindbeginnings.ca

 

When you register for either workshop please include:

·        child’s name

·        child’s age

·        parent’s name and phone number

·        email

 

We look forward to hearing from you.

 

Please forward to anyone you think may be interested.

 

Thanks,

 

  

 

Shawn Marsolais

Blind Beginnings

Phone: 604-434-7243

www.blindbeginnings.ca

 

 

Blind Beginnings - Membership

Hi Everybody,

 

Now that Blind Beginnings is a registered charity we would like to formalize our membership in preparation for our upcoming Annual General Meeting.  If you are interested in becoming a member of the organization, you can register on our web site at www.blindbeginnings.ca or you can fill out the attached form and mail it back.  You do not have to be a member of the organization to receive services or information.  The benefits to becoming a member are: you can vote at the Annual General Meeting, you will not have to pay for workshops or programs offered by Blind Beginnings, and you would be eligible to be elected to the Board of Directors.  If you would like to vote at the upcoming AGM on Sunday April 26, please complete your membership no later than Friday April 24.

 

The other purpose of this announcement is a Call for Nominations to our Board.  If you are interested in being a member of the Board, please send us an Email stating what skills you bring and why you are interested.  Our Nominations committee will be reviewing all applications and presenting a slate of nominees at the AGM.  One of the requirements of our Board is that a minimum of 60 percent of the Board must be blind or visually impaired or a family member of a child who is blind or visually impaired.  We would love to have more parents on our Board.  The Board meets one evening a month, usually the first Thursday.  The location of our meetings varies depending on who is able to attend and where we can find meeting space for a reasonable price.

 

If you are interested in joining the Board, please send your letter explaining your interest and skills to: shawn@blindbeginnings.ca no later than Monday April 20.

 

Please forward this Email to anyone you think might be interested.  Details about the AGM will follow shortly.

 

Thank you,

 

 

  Shawn Marsolais

Blind Beginnings

Phone: 604-434-7243

www.blindbeginnings.ca