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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>BIO <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Hello CSD Family!!!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I bring you greetings from Connecticut known as the nutmeg state. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This is Veronica Alston. I’m a daughter, sister, wife, auntie and trusting friend. I can truly say that I have been the epitome of resilience since the day I came into this world four months prematurely. After leaving the hospital for the first time at five months old with usable vision, the doctors told my parents I would be totally blind by four years of age. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Well, somebody should have placed a bet with those doctors because God had other plans. I was able to receive my primary and secondary education in the New Haven Public School System with very little sight. It was during my sophomore year of college when Glaucoma decided to pay me a visit causing me to then become totally blind. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I use life’s challenges and experiences as the tools for helping me to do my community service with pride, patience, perseverance, passion and commitment. I’m the secretary of the NFB Southern Chapter of Connecticut and affiliate board member as well as a willing worker for CSD. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I’m a volunteer for the New Lifestyles Transitional Housing for Women and the Assistant Platform manager for the New Lifestyles Empowerment Virtual Lounge. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I am also part of the committee of the Center for Women and Mothers through the Yale School of Medicine. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In August of 2021, I started a not for profit called Opportunity for Growth supporting teen moms and their babies. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This is only the beginning of what’s to come. I thank you CSD Family for inspiring and encouraging me to continue to walk by faith not by sight. Smooches <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>