[KeyStoneChapter] Monthly Digest of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the NFB of PA - October 2026
Stacie Leap
stacie.leap at gmail.com
Thu Oct 1 13:52:48 UTC 2026
Hello everybody,
Here is the listing of the events as well as updates happening within our
Greater Philadelphia Chapter and the National Federation of the Blind of
Pennsylvania. Please share this with your networks!
Greater Philadelphia Chapter 's Monthly Digest for October 2026
Your monthly guide to the happenings of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter
and the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania!
About the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the NFB of PA
The Greater Philadelphia Chapter (GPC) of the National Federation of the
Blind of Pennsylvania is dedicated to empowering blind and low-vision
individuals through advocacy, education, community, and support. We work to
promote independence, equal opportunities, and full inclusion for blind
people and their families throughout the Greater Philadelphia area. For
more information, please contact GPC President Stacie Leap at
stacie.leap at gmail.com or 215-776-6741.
Happy Blind Equality Achievement Month!
We would like to wish everyone a happy Blind Equality Achievement Month!
(Commonly known as Blind Awareness Month)
This month, we celebrate the achievements, contributions, resilience, and
leadership of blind people in our communities and around the world. It is
also an opportunity to recognize the importance of equality, accessibility,
independence, and full inclusion for blind people in every aspect of life.
Let us continue to celebrate our accomplishments, support one another, and
work together to create a world where blind people have equal opportunities
to live, work, learn, parent, lead, and participate fully in our
communities.
Happy Blind Equality Achievement Month from the Greater Philadelphia
Chapter!
Member’s Spotlight: Meet Our GPC Family!
Each month, we will highlight one member of our chapter so everybody can
learn about each other and see how we live the life we want. Blindness does
not hold us back!
This month, we will highlight our 1st Vice President Marva Hall.
Marva Hall’s Bio
Marva Hall is a dedicated advocate, entrepreneur, community leader, and
mother who has devoted much of her life to serving others and creating
opportunities for people in her community.
Marva currently serves as the First Vice President of the Greater
Philadelphia Chapter (GPC) of the National Federation of the Blind of
Pennsylvania, Treasurer of the Pennsylvania Organization of Blind Parents
(POBP), and a Board Director of the National Federation of the Blind of
Pennsylvania. She also serves as Co-Chair of the Pennsylvania Diabetes
Action Network (DAN) group, where she helps promote awareness, education,
and support for people affected by diabetes.
Marva's journey with blindness began after she was initially misdiagnosed
with a rare medical condition. She was later properly diagnosed with
hydrocephalus, which was determined to be the cause of her blindness.
Through her experiences, Marva has developed a strong commitment to
advocacy, independence, and supporting others who are blind or experiencing
challenges in their lives.
Marva is also a successful entrepreneur. In 2015, she founded Blind Diva's
Little Creations, a business that provides sweet treats, desserts, food
catering, party decorations, party favors, and gift baskets. Her creativity
and passion for helping others have allowed her to turn her talents into a
growing business.
Marva began her career as a Mary Kay consultant in 2008. She temporarily
stepped away from the business during her pregnancy with her daughter,
Wynter. In 2026, Marva returned to Mary Kay consulting and continues to
pursue her entrepreneurial interests.
Her professional experience includes working in nursing homes, Home Depot,
and Arthur Jackson Cleaning Company. She has also worked as a cosmetologist
on the side. Marva graduated from Bok High School through the Nursing
Career Path and later attended Empire Beauty School, where she studied
cosmetology and developed her skills in hair care and beauty services.
Family and community are very important to Marva. She is the mother of one
biological daughter, Wynter, who is now 18 years old. She also has custody
of three of her uncle's children, demonstrating her commitment to caring
for and supporting her family. Marva is also a proud dog owner and has a
Yorkie named Ever.
Marva has been a member of Zion Fellowship Tabernacle Cathedral Ministry
since 2019. Through her church, she is actively involved in serving her
faith community and serves as Coordinator of the Event Planning Committee.
Whether she is advocating for the blind community, supporting families,
running her businesses, planning community events, or caring for her
family, Marva Hall continues to demonstrate leadership, creativity,
resilience, and a strong commitment to helping others.
Greater Philadelphia Chapter Events GPC Volunteers at Cradles to Crayons
Join fellow chapter members as we volunteer with Cradles to Crayons to help
provide essential clothing, school supplies, and other necessities to
children in need throughout the Philadelphia area.
Thursday, October 1, 2026
10 AM to 12 PM
4700 Wissahickon Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19129
*Note: Registration is required! *
GPC 1st Fundraising Committee meeting via Zoom
Help support the chapter's mission by sharing fundraising ideas, planning
events, and volunteering your talents to strengthen our programs and
activities.
Friday, October 2, 2026
5 PM to 6 PM ET
https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/97666825771?pwd=ZikGWLpBbL9XmMq8Q8FeiXs9ANYGHz.1
Meeting ID: 976 6682 5771
Passcode: 1977
GPC Hospitality Committee Meeting via Zoom
Join us in creating a welcoming experience at our chapter meetings by
helping coordinate refreshments, hospitality, and member engagement
activities.
Monday, October 19, 2026
7:30 PM to 8:30 PM ET
https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/97666825771?pwd=ZikGWLpBbL9XmMq8Q8FeiXs9ANYGHz.1
Meeting ID: 976 6682 5771
Passcode: 1977
GPC 2nd Fundraising Committee meeting via Zoom
Help support the chapter's mission by sharing fundraising ideas, planning
events, and volunteering your talents to strengthen our programs and
activities.
Friday, October 23, 2026
5 PM to 6 PM ET
https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/97666825771?pwd=ZikGWLpBbL9XmMq8Q8FeiXs9ANYGHz.1
Meeting ID: 976 6682 5771
Passcode: 1977
GPC Monthly Meeting (In-Person and via Zoom)
Connect with fellow members and supporters to learn about local, state, and
national initiatives, share ideas, and stay informed about issues affecting
blind people.
Saturday, October 24, 2026
Our Chapter Elections will take place at this meeting. Please plan to
attend as your vote will only count in-person.
Light refreshments begin at 9:15AM ET.
Meeting runs from 10 AM to 12 PM ET.
Park Tower Apartments
4001 Conshohocken Avenue, Community Room
Philadelphia, PA 19131
https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/97666825771?pwd=ZikGWLpBbL9XmMq8Q8FeiXs9ANYGHz.1
Meeting ID: 976 6682 5771
Passcode: 1977
Boldly Blind Cabaret
Come out to our masquerade themed cabaret! This is a BYOB event. Open to
21 years and older. No ice or coolers permitted but we will have a
beverage set up for purchase. We will host a Last Man Standing Dance
Competition where the funds raised will benefit the work of the National
Federation of the Blind. We will also have a 50/50 raffle, raffle baskets,
and door prizes! Come out and have fun with us and show us how you live
boldly blind in Philadelphia!
Friday, October 30, 2026
7 PM to 11 PM
$40 a ticket and will not be sold at the door. Purchase your tickets by
connecting with a GPC member by October 24, 2026.
Majestic Hall
800 W. Olney Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19120
GPC Public awareness Events
The Greater Philadelphia Chapter has three upcoming public awareness
events, and we would love to see our members participate.
Even if you do not wish to volunteer at the NFB table, please consider
attending these events. Each event is a great learning opportunity and a
chance to connect with members of the community, learn about local
organizations and resources, and increase awareness of blindness and the
National Federation of the Blind.
Each event has its own registration process. Whether you plan to volunteer
or simply attend, please register with the organization hosting the event
so that they have an accurate head count.
If you plan to volunteer at the NFB table at any of these events, please
let President Stacie Leap know as soon as possible.
As a volunteer, you will help staff the NFB table and speak with community
members who stop by. You will share information about the National
Federation of the Blind and the Greater Philadelphia Chapter and answer
questions about our organization.
Stacie will provide all of the materials needed for the events, so you only
need to bring yourself. If you have an NFB shirt, please wear it to the
event.
There will be a senior lead members to accompany you so you will not be
alone.
Here are the upcoming events:
1st Public Awareness Event:
Event Title: 9th Annual My Purple Path 2026
Hosted by Purple House Project PA
Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
Time: 12 PM to 4 PM
Location: Collingdale Borough Hall (800 MacDade Boulevard, Collingdale, PA
19023)
Registration: https://www.purplehouseprojectpa.org/purplepath2026
2nd Public Awareness Event
Event Title: Wingohocking Neighbors Day
hosted by the Office of Councilmember Kendra Brooks
Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Time: 12 PM to 4 PM
Location: 1500–1700 blocks of West Wingohocking Street, Philadelphia, PA
There is no registration link for this event by the hosting agency, just
show up.
3rd Public Awareness Event:
Event Title: Women Healed For A Purpose Annual Conference 2026
hosted by Women Healed For A Purpose, Inc.
Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Time: 11 AM to 3 PM
Location: Brand New Life Christian Center (6301 Germantown Ave.,
Philadelphia, PA 19144)
Registration: https://www.womenhealed4apurpose.org/general-1
State Affiliate Events Coffee with the State President & Board Monthly
Meeting via Zoom
This monthly discussion meeting brings everybody together to get to know
the state affiliate board members and the happenings within the state’s
divisions, chapters, and groups. Engage in an open discussion to learn
about current initiatives, advocacy efforts, and opportunities to get
involved across Pennsylvania. This meeting is typically held the 1st
Wednesday of the month.
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
7:30 PM to 8:30 PM ET
https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/96349504843?pwd=Tk5zL3RRRnd4QjRiRzl2ODM0bEJmQT09
Meeting ID: 963 4950 4843
Passcode: 1977
Deaf Blind Division Monthly Meeting via Zoom
a monthly meeting for those who consider themselves to be Deaf Blind and
their supporters. A welcoming forum to share experiences, exchange
resources, and discuss issues impacting the Deaf Blind community. This
meeting is typically held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month.
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
7 PM to 8 PM ET
https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/98011745391?pwd=OElqZ3JRdXFDRFRzNHp5NUJqYmN0QT09
Meeting ID: 980 1174 5391
Passcode: 1977
Pennsylvania Association of Guide Dog Users Monthly Meeting via Zoom
a monthly meeting for those who have or are considering getting a guide dog
as well as their supporters. Connect to discuss training, travel, advocacy,
and guide dog-related topics. This meeting is typically held on the 2nd
Wednesday of the month.
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
7:30 PM to 8:30 PM ET
https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/91829607843?pwd=qqhauVZm8AbW7cNBPZNaLNPhQXgbEm.1
Meeting ID: 918 2960 7843
Passcode: 1977
Pennsylvania Organization of Blind Parents Monthly Meeting via Zoom
a monthly meeting for blind parents, grandparents, and their supporters. A
gathering to share experiences, resources, and strategies for raising
confident and successful children. This meeting is typically held on the
3rd Saturday of the month.
Saturday, October 17, 2026
7 PM to 8:30 PM ET
https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/92797371396?pwd=QkJ6MVJ6WDVvMEhGdXpMQTlLM000QT09
Meeting ID: 927 9737 1396
Passcode: 1977
Diabetes Action Network (DAN) Group Monthly Meeting via Zoom
A monthly discussion group for blind individuals living with diabetes,
their families, and supporters. Learn how to share resources, information,
and encouragement with others who have diabetes. This meeting typically is
held on the 3rd Monday of the month.
Monday, October 19, 2026
6 PM to 7 PM ET
https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/91010106648?pwd=cTNTUlBZTSt6VGxIb0hyVUcxN3pLQT09
Meeting ID: 910 1010 6648
Passcode: 1977
PA Association of Blind Merchants Monthly Meeting via Zoom
a monthly meeting for those who are or wish to be involved with the
Business Enterprise Program, entrepreneurship, and their supporters.
Explore opportunities in entrepreneurship while networking with blind
business owners, and aspiring entrepreneurs. This meeting is typically held
on the 3rd Tuesday of the month.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
6 PM to 7 PM ET
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4503152944
Meeting ID: 450 315 2944
Walking Alone and Marching Together Podcast Listening Session via Zoom
Join us each month to listen to and discuss episodes of the Walking Alone
and Marching Together podcast, which explores the history, experiences, and
impact of the organized blind movement. This session typically is held on
the 3rd Wednesday of the month.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
4 PM to 6 PM ET
https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/91885471834?pwd=SvkbkRWvtpka5nzc4FNZ3mBSk3jqls.1
Meeting ID: 918 8547 1834
Passcode: 1977
Blind Seniors Group Monthly Meeting via Zoom
a monthly meeting for those who are seniors or almost seniors as well as
their supporters. Join for discussions, resources, and fellowship focused
on maintaining independence, engagement, and quality of life as we age.
This meeting is typically held on the 4th Wednesday of the month.
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
7:30 PM to 9:30 PM ET
https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/99546476505?pwd=cWU1bUpySFArLy84cmlZVHdXNEN5UT09
Meeting ID: 995 4647 6505
Passcode: 1977
Thanks,
Stacie
Stacie Leap
President, Greater Philadelphia Chapter &
President, Pennsylvania Organization of Blind Parents (POBP),
National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania
stacie.leap at gmail.com | 215-776-6741
LinkedIn <http://www.linkedin.com/in/stacieleap>
The National Federation of the Blind advances the lives of its members and
all blind people in the United States. We know that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. Our collective power, determination,
and diversity achieve the aspirations of all blind people.
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/keystonechapter_nfbnet.org/attachments/20261001/c11db2ac/attachment.htm>
More information about the KeyStoneChapter
mailing list