[IL-Talk] FW: [MN-at-Large] BLIND, Inc. Pauses Services

Tue Dec 19 17:16:02 UTC 2023

This was a shocker to me. I'm stunned something like this could happen. 

From: MN-At-Large <mn-at-large-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of David
Andrews via MN-At-Large
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 8:01 PM
To: mn-at-large at nfbnet.org
Cc: dandrews920 at comcast.net
Subject: [MN-at-Large] BLIND, Inc. Pauses Services

It is with a heavy heart that I forward an announcement from BLIND, Inc.
below my signature.

>From its founding in 1986, the Minnesota affiliate has been a special
partner of BLIND, Inc., and we remain committed to one another's success.
Early next year, members of the NFB of Minnesota will meet to discuss this
news, decide on a path forward for our building, and develop new solutions
for adjustment-to-blindness training in Minnesota. In the immediate term, I
ask that you join me in steadfast support of the staff and students who are
most directly affected in the ways that you individually feel called.

Knowing that many of you will want to contribute your time, talents,
networks, and finances during this transition, I encourage you to connect
with Ryan Strunk-who chairs the BLIND, Inc. board - via email at
BoardChair at BLINDInc.org <mailto:BoardChair at BLINDInc.org> . 

Corbb

Corbb O'Connor (he/him), President

National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota

www.nfbmn.org <http://www.nfbmn.org>  | (612) 872-9363

Announcement: BLIND, Inc. Pauses Services 

The Board of Directors of Blindness: Learning in New Dimensions, Inc.
(BLIND, Inc.) regrets to announce that we will temporarily suspend all of
our programs and services as of January 1, 2024. 

We take this action with heavy hearts. After extensive deliberation over our
current financial and organizational obligations, we believe suspending
operations at this time in order to make future plans is the best and most
responsible available course of action. This decision comes after a review
of compounded circumstances that have developed over a period of years,
leaving our organization with inadequate resources to advance our mission at
this time. One factor of this evaluation is that our current building, the
Pillsbury Mansion, which is on the national historic registry, needs
millions of dollars in renovations that must be done in a manner that
preserves its historic character. Unfortunately, we have determined that we
are not in a position to undertake the necessary building renovations while
still providing quality adjustment-to-blindness training.

We recognize that this decision will be painful to our students, our
dedicated staff, and to all of our supporters in the community. We
acknowledge that it comes at a particularly difficult time, with the holiday
season and new year upon us. We were not able to find a viable way to alter
the timing of this decision. Our leadership is working with the National
Federation of the Blind, Louisiana Center for the Blind, and Colorado Center
for the Blind to help during this transition. 

We deeply appreciate all of the work everyone affiliated with BLIND, Inc.
has done over the past three decades to help blind people build the skills
and confidence to live the lives they want. Our high-quality training has
impacted thousands of people, not only the many students that have walked
with us, but also the blind community who connect with the positive
philosophy and high expectations demonstrated from our alumni and friends.
With the continued support of our board, partners, and community, our goal
in the coming months is to re-imagine what adjustment to blindness training
can be, and to reopen our doors with fresh approaches and insights and on a
sound financial footing.

BLIND, Inc, established in 1986, is a training center and community of blind
and low-vision people, proudly affiliated with the National Federation of
the Blind. We believe blind people can do anything. Every day, we encourage
and challenge each student. When you believe in yourself and experience a
thriving community of positive blind people, nothing can hold you back from
pursuing your dreams. Our mission and values will continue to guide us to
dream without limits, be bold, and work with love. Thank you for your
support.

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